—reports so abundant that it is as though you could see it with your own eyes. Whoever has not devoted attention to the circumstances of the Messenger has no right to speak on these fundamental matters.

A person can serve as a successor or deputy only in the absence or upon the death of the person whose place he takes (1). Thus, while the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—was in Medina, he could have no deputy there. Likewise, the deputation of every person whom the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—appointed ended upon his return. The same applies to all rulers: if one of them appoints someone to govern his territory during his absence, that appointment ceases when the appointing ruler returns.

For this reason, it is incorrect to say, “Allah appoints someone to act in His stead,” for He is the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining, Witness to all things (2), and the One who governs His servants, exalted above death, sleep, and absence.

Thus, when Abū Bakr was addressed as “O successor of Allah,” he replied, “I am not Allah’s successor; rather, I am the successor to Allah’s Messenger, and that suffices me” (3).

Allah Most High, however, may be described as taking the servant’s place in caring for those he leaves behind, as the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—said:

“O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family left behind” (4).

And in the hadith concerning the Antichrist, he said:

“Allah will take my place in caring for every Muslim” (5).