In this case...

In this case, divine leadership [ imāmah ] ended and thereafter the implementers of divine sovereignty were general vicegerents, viz. the people. As such, imāmah was not a divine designation in the sense that God had not appointed someone for the post. Accordingly, the people had to assume the responsibility of religious authority and the function of interpreting the religion was delegated to them. The executive leadership of the people was determined by themselves.

Consultation and election was the means to determine the successor and caliph [ khalīfah ] of the Messenger ( ṣ ) for the performance of the function of leadership. In the course of time, this notion became prevalent: “The Messenger of Allah ( ṣ ) has entrusted to the people the affair of religious leadership.” On the…