Dated from 662AD/37 Hijri this 7th century historical...

Dated from 662AD/37 Hijri this 7th century historical charter written by Imam Ali deserves to be called the constitution of Islamic policy. It is based on the Holy Quran and the principles of Islam and is a basic guide to administration covering almost all its essential aspects - the advisory, the services, judiciary, revenues, and clerical establishment. Every article of this constitution serves as a custodian of common interests and protector of collective society.

Its enforcement has no touch of selfishness or any degree of self-interest. It contains such basic principles of the fulfillment of our obligations to Allah, the protection of human rights without distinction of religion or community, the care of the destitute and the poor and the provision of support to the down-trodden and helpless. It provides full guidance for the propagation of rights and justice, establishment of peace and security and the prosperity and well-being of the people.

It presents discreet ways of dealing with the different classes of society, the poor, business, industrial, farmers and sectors engaged in agriculture. This provides direction not only for men of position but it is also a desirable code of conduct for anyone engaged in people management and is a handy guide in dealing with various administrative situations.

The nature and structure of the first Islamic state to exist in modern history, the Islamic Republic of Iran, is based on the political doctrine of Imam Khomeini (ra) and those who advocate the idea of wilayat al-faqih (guardianship of the jurisconsult). This is the formation of a government on the basis of the guardianship of the faqih (jurisconsult) during the occultation of the awaited Imam al Mahdi (af).

The guardianship (wilayah) is absolutely indivisible and should be vested in the wali-amr. The notion of jurists consulting and working with the people responsible for selecting experts in various scientific and technical fields to governorship is expected to be more successful in achieving Islamic unity at political, intellectual and emotional levels.

However the authorization of the extent of the Wali e Faqih and its dimensions has not so far been fully explored in any government because the conditions have not been conducive as yet.