Hawzah News Agency- One of the most important discussions concerning Wilayat al-Faqih (the authority of the jurist) is the evidence that supports it. The constant question has been: Why is the jurist given precedence over others in an Islamic society, and why does he hold authority over all?
In response, we say: the proof for Wilayat al-Faqih can be analyzed both rationally and textually; that is, reason obliges a Muslim to obey the jurist during the time of occultation, and Islamic traditions (narrations) also affirm this.
Rational Proof for Wilayat al-Faqih
Since human beings live socially and aspire through this life to reach their spiritual perfection, two essential elements are required:
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Divine Law – which, because it is from Allah(swt), is free from any defect, weakness, or error. This law both organizes the social order and guarantees the happiness of all who act upon it. This is the Divine Book and the Tradition(Sunnah), the complete and comprehensive program for humanity until the Day of Resurrection.
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A wise and just ruler, who is responsible for the full implementation of that law.
Without either of these, human society inevitably falls into disorder, corruption, and ruin.
The rational conclusion is the necessity of prophethood, and after the final Prophet, the necessity of Imamate of the infallible Imams (pbut). That is, the most qualified to implement Divine law and realize Allah’s rulings is the infallible Imam.
An infallible Imam (ma‘ṣum) is one who is free from sin, error, and deficiency, whether in thought and understanding or in action and conduct. Now we must ask if access to the infallible Imam (ma‘ṣum) is not possible, what should be done?
Answer is: since the necessity of social order for mankind and the pursuit of human and Divine perfection still remain, the closest person to the infallible Imam (ma‘ṣum) must be placed in his position.
The explanation is as follows:
The qualifications that make the infallible Imam (ma‘ṣum) suitable for leadership are:
(a) His complete and comprehensive knowledge of religion and religious teachings.
(b) His piety, Allah-consciousness, and infallibility, which prevent him from sacrificing the interests of the community for personal gain or base desires.
(c) His deep understanding of social issues and his ability to manage and administer them effectively.
Therefore, in a time such as the period of occultation, when access to the ma‘sum is not possible, we must turn to the person who possesses these qualities more than anyone else. Such a person is none other than the pious jurist (faqih) who also has the necessary competence to manage the affairs of society.
A non-jurist does not have complete knowledge of Islam, its rulings, and teachings to be able to implement the law of Allah. An educated person without piety and justice is susceptible to personal whims and desires and cannot be entrusted with governing Muslims. Likewise, one who lacks administrative capability cannot manage the people’s affairs or make beneficial decisions in times of necessity.
This discussion continues…
Adapted from “Negine Afarinesh" [The Jewel of Creation] with slight modifications.
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