Velayat-e Faqih
The theory, developed by Khomeini, that in the Imam's absence a just jurist assumes political guardianship of society; the basis of the Islamic Republic's structure. It remains contested among Shia clerics.
Read in context →At a glance
- Chief theorist
- Ayatollah Khomeini
- Key work
- 'Islamic Government' (1970)
- Institutional form
- Supreme Leader, 1979 constitution
Detail
Velayat-e faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) is a theory of Shia political jurisprudence holding that, during the occultation of the Imam, a qualified jurist holds the authority to govern and lead the community. Although limited roots of the concept lie in earlier juristic tradition, its comprehensive, governmental form was elaborated by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in his lectures and the book 'Islamic Government' (1970), which he made the basis for an Islamic state. After the 1979 Revolution the principle was enshrined in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Khomeini became the first vali-e faqih (Supreme Leader). The 'absolute guardianship' (velayat-e motlaqe) version grants the Leader sweeping powers beyond ordinary law. The theory has been contested within the Shia clergy itself, and not all marjas accept it.
Related entities
Sources
- Britannica — 'Velayat-e faqih'
- Khomeini, 'Hukumat-e Eslami / Velayat-e Faqih'
- Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979), Art. 5 & 110