No one can remain indifferent in respect to what happens in...

No one can remain indifferent in respect to what happens in the society and the knowledgeable people have greater responsibility. Unlike some faqihs who had the idea that the authority of faqih in socio-political affairs is limited to hisbah affairs, some have had the idea that the Faqhi has all the power needed to rule the society. The Ayatollah Khomeini has said: 'By authority we mean governance, the administration of the country and the implementation of the sacred laws of the Shari'ah.

This constitutes a serious and difficult duty but does not earn anyone an extraordinary status or raise him above the level of common humanity. In other words, authority here has the meaning of a government, administration and execution of law.

Contrary to what many people believe, it is not a privilege but a grave responsibility.35 This is echoed in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran as follows: 'The powers of government in the Islamic Republic of Iran are vested in the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive powers, functioning under the supervision of the absolute religious leader and the leadership of the Ummah.' (Article 57) Thus, it becomes clear that in Shi'i Islam the authority primarily belongs to God and then to the people with whom God is pleased.

After the Prophets and Imams, just faqihs are granted such authority. The main requirement for having such authority is justice and deep acquaintance with the religious sources, i.e. the Qur'an, the Sunnah and reason. Reason is one source and at the same time reason helps us to define the proper method for understanding the first two (the Qur'an & Sunnah). Once again it becomes clear how important reason, justice and piety are for Shi'i Islam. Previous…