Accessibility in Leadership: The Imam and Public Access

In al-Baḥr al-Zakhkhār al-Jāmiʿ li-Madhāhib ʿUlamāʾ al-Amṣār, under the Book of International Relations and Military Conduct (Kitāb al-Siyar), Imām Aḥmad ibn Yaḥyā ibn al-Murtaḍā (d. 840 AH / 1437 CE) addresses the conduct of rulers in relation to their people. He explains that the Imam must keep himself accessible and not seclude himself behind barriers and locked doors. However, exceptions are made when he is with his family or occupied with private affairs. To ensure order, the Imam may appoint a chamberlain (ḥājib) who organises those seeking an audience and grants permission for entry. This is supported by various hadiths as cited by the author of text.