The second is that he wields power and the sword, such that he is obeyed willingly or unwillingly because he (1) is capable of compelling his subjects to obey.

Allah Almighty says:

“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 59]

“Those in authority” has been interpreted as rulers (2)—those who possess power, such as military commanders—and it has also been interpreted as the people of knowledge and religion. Both interpretations are correct. These two qualities were fully realized in the Rightly Guided Caliphs, for they attained excellence in knowledge, justice, governance, and authority, although some were more accomplished in these respects than others. Abū Bakr and Umar were more accomplished in them than Uthmān and Alī. After them, no one combined these qualities to perfection except Umar ibn Abd al-Azīz. Indeed, [a man] (3) may be more accomplished in knowledge and religion than one who [has] (4) authority, while another may possess authority more fully than someone who is more learned and religious than he is.

As for these men, if calling them imams is intended to mean that they possessed political authority, this is false (5), nor do they claim it. If what is intended is that they were imams in knowledge and religion who were obeyed despite being unable to compel others to obey, then this is a quality shared by everyone who possesses these attributes.

Then it must either be said: During their eras, there were those who were more learned and religious than they were, since