SHAFAQNA – In Islam the issue of leadership is significantly important to the point where Allah (SWT) called it the “Divine Covenant in the holy Quran. Ayah 124 of Surah Al-Baqarah says: “And remember that Ibrahim was tried by Allah (SWT) with certain commands, which he fulfilled. Allah (SWT) said: I will make thee an Imam to the Ummah; he pleaded: And also (Imams) from my offspring? Allah (SWT) replied: But My covenant is not within the reach of oppressors.”
Divine Leaders are chosen and appointed by Allah (SWT) based on their inherent and acquired merits. In the above Ayah, Allah (SWT) told Prophet Ibrahim (AS): My Covenant (means Imamate here) will never reach oppressors; which shows the greatness and superiority of this position (position of leadership, Imamate of the Ummah). Appointing leaders by Allah (SWT) is the best and most logical way as God knows what the best is for people and (God) chooses the leaders who have the merits as mentioned in Ayah 124 of Surah Al-An’am: “Allah (SWT) knoweth best where and how to carry out God’s Mission.” Therefore, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and the 12 Imams after him considered themselves as true appointed leaders of Ummah by God because of their God’s given capabilities and merits.