The Essence of Obedience

In this matter, the main difference lies in how it is perceived: Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah consider it obligatory based on samaa‘ (revelation), meaning a Shariah requirement, while some sects, such as the Zaydiyyah and the Mu‘tazilah, see it as obligatory through reason (‘aql). However, the issue of appointing a political imam (leader) specifically concerns a Muslim community that has a stable and independent collective identity, allowing them to establish their own political structure. There is no question of appointing a political leader for scattered and divided Muslims. In other words, this is not an absolute obligation; rather, it applies to a group of Muslims with a clear social identity. For such a group, it is necessary to organize their society based on religious principles, appoint a political leader, and live under their guidance. Political leadership reflects a group’s collective authority and can only exist where that authority is present. When such authority is lacking, there can be no political leadership, nor can obligations related to it be enforced. One might wonder how we could attain this status of a free and unified group if we don’t already have it. However, this question comes from a misunderstanding. If the Islamic mission were primarily about establishing a divine government on earth, then, in all cases, the main focus would be on pursuing political change,