What are the priorities of Muslims in the absence of a Caliph? Should priority be given to spreading Islam or to establishing an Islamic state, or to both simultaneously, and what is the most authoritative opinion among the majority of scholars on this matter?

Every Muslim must uphold Allah's religion to the best of their ability. Imamate was legislated for this very purpose, and the absence of an Imam does not mean that religion and its rituals are to be suspended. The claim that acts of worship and rituals should be suspended until a Caliph is appointed is a deviation that leads to the cessation of Friday and congregational prayers, Hajj, Jihad, and other religious rulings.

One should prioritize matters of religion, starting with the most important, such as gaining a deep understanding of Tawhid (definition) (monotheism) and establishing the rituals of Islam. The state of Islam will not be established until faith and monotheism are realized, as Allah the Almighty said: "Allah has promised those among you who have believed and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [provided that] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me." The Prophet, peace be upon him, established the religion in Makkah for thirteen years before the establishment of the state, focusing on Tawhid and acts of worship. How can the state of Islam be established without a foundational creed and a religious society? As it was said: "Establish the state of Islam within yourselves, and it will be established for you on your land."