It has been known that it is required according to the...

It has been known that it is required according to the unanimous agreement of the companions (of the Prophet). That is because when the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, passed away, his companions hurried to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr and entrusted him with their affairs. Such was the procedure in the times that followed; the people were not left to lead a life of chaos; this is well-established as an [1] Al-Siyasa al-Shar'iya, pp. 172-173. [2] Al-Milal wa al-Ahwa', vol. 4, 87.

[3] The tradition has been narrated by Muslim and al-Kisa'i. unanimous agreement on the necessity of installing the Imam."[1] Since the dawn of their history, the Muslims have unanimously agreed that appointing an Imam is required and that the Islamic life does not run well without him. The Duties of the Imam Islam has entrusted the Imam with great responsibilities.

It has made it incumbent on him to guard the interests of the Muslims, to take care of their affairs, to develop their life, to send them far from all the factors of decline and backwardness. Those who are concerned in these researches have mentioned some important duties the Imam should carry out, and they are as follows: The Imam should keep the religion, guard Islam, and protect it from those who make light of values and morals.

He should protect the Islamic country, defend the sacred things in order that the people may move about in their livelihood, travel and feel that their souls and properties are safe. He should fortify the frontiers of the Muslims with the reinforcements and an adequate number of fighters in order that the enemy may not find a gap through which he violates the sacred things and sheds the blood of a Muslim or an ally.

He should struggle against the stubborn unbelievers in order that they may become Muslim or enter the protection of Islam, i.e., he should undertake the right of Allah through causing His religion prevail over all religions. He should carry out the Islamic precepts, settle disputes in order that the oppressive may not transgress, and the oppressed may not become weak. He should administer the prescribed punishments, that the sacred things may be protected, souls and properties may be preserved.

He should choose those trusted and well-qualified, entrust authorities to those trustworthy and loyal, that works may accurately be done by the well-qualified, and properties are kept by the trusted.