There can be more than one religious referential authority...

There can be more than one religious referential authority when proficiencies differ in their levels or when the general referential authority cannot undertake all these responsibilities at the same time or in the same region.

In such cases, it becomes necessary to refer to the most skilled authority in a certain field—i.e., to refer to one authority in case of need of a religious answer about a certain issue, refer to another in case of judgment and to a third in social or political affairs—in a certain region. Such being the case, religious referential authority, as an office, can be individualized according to each well-qualified authority’s competence, qualification, and sound experience.

(2) Islam has determined the criteria for worthiness in such a way that the qualities become the organizational scale for the virtuous community. These qualities include belief in Almighty Allah, the message of Islam and Imamate; piety; hard work; knowledge; and precedence in sacrifice. The organizational relationship of the virtuous community with the referential authority and leadership and the assessment of individuals concerning the religious authority depend upon the above.

(3) The nature of this relationship is generally compulsory; that is, it is obligatory upon the individuals of the virtuous community to carry out the instructions and orders of the religious referential authority. Another feature is that each party must unavoidably undertake its own responsibilities, carry out its duties, and retain all the rights which are connected to and inspired by religious duties.[^1] Hence, there is no alternative for either of the two parties.

(4) This correlation can exist and be achieved through two converging activities: The first is carried out by the religious referential authority who undertakes the divinely commanded responsibilities, including propagating religion, sanctifying it and educating people.

The second activity is carried out by the faithful believers who are required to undertake the mission of investigating the nominees for holding the office of the religious referential authority so as to arrive at the truth, choosing the most qualified scholar for this office and bonding with this most righteous and most reliable person (i.e. the most upright and virtuous mujtahid ).

Having reached the truth, the faithful believers are then required to commit themselves morally and religiously to this bond.