They therefore refer to the scholars and act according to...
They therefore refer to the scholars and act according to their verdicts in all fields of life, because these scholars and jurisprudents represent the general deputies of the Twelfth Imam (a.s). And because these scholars and jurisprudents do not depend upon governments in their economic affairs, they have won full confidence of the Ja`fariyyah Shi`ites.
The Shi`ite centers of religious education (namely, hawzah), which graduate versed scholars in Shi`ite jurisprudence, support the hawzah students and the finances for education comes from the money of the one-fifth tax (i.e. khums) and the poor-rates (i.e. zakat) paid by people voluntarily to these jurisprudents as a religious obligation, just like prayers and fasting.
The Shi`ah present clear-cut evidence to support the fact that it is incumbent upon a person to pay the one-fifth of his or her profits some of which can be found in Sunnite reference books of hadith.[^39] (40) The Ja`fariyyah Shi`ah believe that the Muslims have the right to set up Islamic governments that rule according to the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah and preserve the rights of the Muslims, establish just and sound relations with the other countries, defend the territory against invasions, and guarantee the Muslims’ independence in the cultural, economic, and political aspects so that they can be as mighty as Almighty Allah wants them to be and as the Holy Qur’an says: “And to Allah belongs the might and to His Messenger and to the believers.
(63/8)” “And be not infirm, and be not grieving, and you shall have the upper hand, if you are believers. (3/139)” The Shi`ah believe that Islam is a perfect and most comprehensive religion and it has its own governmental system of rule; therefore, Muslim scholars need to unite and exchange views so as to define this system of rule and help this great nation resolve the endless problems it encounters.
It is Allah Who is the ultimate Supporter and Helper: “O you who believe: If you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you and make firm your feet. (47/7)” This presentation gives a clear picture of the main doctrines and religious injunctions of the Ja`fariyyah Imamite Shi`ah whose individuals live together with their brethren from the various Muslim sects. They are deeply concerned about maintaining the entity and dignity of the Muslims and are ready to sacrifice everything for it.