In Yemen, after the seclusion of the Imam, the Da’i was given the authority of Itlaaq (إطلاق),'Aqeedat ul-Muwahhedeen wa Muzehato Maraatib Ahl id-Deen:" 8th Da’i-e-Mutlaq Saiyedna Husain bin Saiyedna Ali bin Mohammad al-Waleed (d. 667 AH/1269 AD)</ref> or free conduct and absolute religious and social authority, under the governing principles of the Isma’ili Taiyebi faith. His command is regarded as a final decree guided by the divine support of the Imam. Unlike the Imam, who appoints his successor only from his sons (with one exception), the Da’i can appoint anyone as his successor who he deems trustworthy, pious and capable of carrying Da’wah affairs with wisdom and proficiency.