Once we understand the reason for the creation of the human...

“Indeed We raised an apostle in every nation [to preach:] ‘Worship Allah, and keep away from the despot...’ ”[^1] Thus, how can we keep away from the despots, tyrants, oppressors and dictators if there is no land on the Earth which is ruled by the righteous people of Allah (SWT)? Where would the downtrodden people of the Earth – regardless of their ‘religion’ – flee to in times of peril and strife and in whom could they take refuge?

Indeed, this is exactly what the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Supreme Leader of the Muslim Ummah and the guide for all of the oppressed and downtrodden peoples of the Earth, the late Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Hajj as-Sayyid Ruhullah al-Musawi al-Khumayni alluded to in his work, Islamic Government , where he stated: “The most Noble Messenger (SAWW) headed the executive and administrative institutions of Muslim society.

In addition to conveying the revelation and expounding and interpreting the articles of faith and the ordinances and institutions of Islam, he undertook the implementation of law and the establishment of the ordinances of Islam, thereby, bringing into being the Islamic state. He did not content himself with the promulgation of law; rather, he implemented it at the same time, cutting off hands and administering lashings, and stonings.

After the most Noble Messenger (SAWW), his successor had the same duty and function. When the Prophet (SAWW) appointed a successor, it was not only for the purpose of expounding articles of faith and law; it was for the implementation of law and the execution of Allah’s ordinances.

It was this function – the execution of law and the establishment of Islamic institutions – that made the appointment of a successor such an important matter that the Prophet (SAWW) would have failed to fulfill his mission if he had neglected it! For after the Prophet (SAWW), the Muslims still needed someone to execute laws and establish the institution of Islam in society, so that they might attain happiness in this world and the hereafter.