Shi’a considers Imamate...

Shi’a considers Imamate, like Prophethood, to be a fundamental belief, and obedience to the authority of their Imam a religious obligation. Other than receiving divine revelation, which is specifically for the prophets, the Imams have all the qualities, duties and authority of the Prophet (pbuh). Political and religious guidance emanate from them and they are guardians over the believers. This is a manifestation of Allah’s guardianship over human beings.

In addition to this, the concept of guardianship is another crucial element of Shi’a political doctrine. Imam as “Wali” In many verses of the Qur’an, God introduces himself as “Guardian of the Believers” ( Wali ul-Mumineen): Allah is the Guardian of the believers. [Chapter 3, Verse 68] Allah is the Guardian of those who believe. [Charter 2, Verse 257] Allah suffices as a Guardian.

[Chapter 4, Verse 45] And according to several verses of the Qur’an, this guardianship has been delegated to the Prophet, so his authority is rooted in the aforementioned Divine authority: Only Allah is your Guardian (Wali) and His Apostle. [Chapter 5, Verse 55] The Prophet has a greater claim on the faithful than they have on themselves.

[Chapter 33, Verse 6] Verses such as these illustrate that the authority and guardianship of the Prophet was originally established and legitimized by Allah’s appointment. Following this interpretation, the followers of the Imams provide a large number of traditions and historical evidence that confirm the delegation of the Imams, by Allah, through the Prophet (the doctrine of appointment) as “guardians of the believers” ( Wali ul-Mumineen ).

Although the consequences of this doctrine will be considered over the following pages, at this point it would be helpful to discuss the meaning of the terms “ Wali ” and “ Wilayat ” and their usage, especially with regards to jurisprudence ( fiqh ). Arabic lexicographers have mentioned several meanings for the word “ Wali ”, such as: (1) Friend (2) Supporter (3) Devoted (4) Protector.

There are a series of words derived from the root of “ Wali ”, for instance “ Wilayat ”, “ Mawla ” and “ Mawala Alayh ”. By considering the context to which these are applied, it becomes apparent that they apply to the situation that someone’s affairs have been taken charge of by someone else. Therefore, whoever takes charge of these affairs is the latter’s Wali , and consequently it is often applied to governance as well[^4].