Re: Ulema and Political Guidance
I don't think there is even room for an 'Aalim' in Islam. There is no 'professional' specialist of all Islamic jurisprudence. ANYONE can lead the prayers in mosques and only those specialized in relevant areas of Islamic Laws can provide guidance in worldly matters. Theoretically, the head of state should have reasonable knowledge of Islamic laws and earlier in the days used to lead the major prayers too. We do not have a Pope or organised church like system for that reason.
Mosques were a place for people around the area to gather, remind themselves of the God looking at our deeds and consult each other on daily matters.