On page 158 of The Muqaddimah, translated by Franz Rosenthal (2005), Ibn Khaldun stated:
It is not possible to appoint two men to the position (of imam) at the same time. Religious scholars generally are of this opinion, on the basis of certain traditions. Others hold that (the prohibition againts two imams) applies only to two imams in one locality, or where they would be close to each other.When there are greatdistances andthe imam isunable to control the farther region, it is permissible to set up anotherimam there to take care of public interest.
Note that the word ‘imam’ in the above quote refers to the person leading an imamate, not an imam who leads prayers.
Ibn Khaldun went on to say, on the same page,:
The pre-requisites gverning the institution of (the imamate) are four:(1) knowledge, (2) probity, (3) competence, and (4) freedom ofthe senses and limbs from any defect that might affect judgement and action. There is a difference of opinion concerning a fifth pre-requisite, that is (5) Qurashite descent.
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