Shia Jurisprudence and Authority

The article traces the evolution of Shia political thought, shifting from a traditional stance based on avoiding power and prohibiting participation in governance, to the theory of "Guardianship of the Jurist" (Wilayat al-Faqih), which places the jurist at the heart of the state and politics. The book reviews historically that after the occultation of the twelfth Imam, a theory of waiting emerged, which considered the return of the hidden Imam as the only legitimate basis for just rule. This led most jurists to avoid direct political responsibility for fear of failure or accountability. However, history shows that some jurists have participated, to a limited extent, in managing the state. The book argues that the theory of Wilayat al-Faqih, which emerged with the Iranian Revolution of 1979, represents a setback in Shia political thought — transforming the religious institution from an ethical authority into an executive power responsible for policies, thus leading to social and political challenges such as marginalization, weak accountability, and a dynastic phase. It also discusses how state management by the religious establishment can compromise its independence, turning it into a model dependent on the interests of elites. This transformation raises questions about the future relationship between religion and politics, and about the flexibility of combining sanctity with modern governance requirements. The book highlights that Shia thought encompasses multiple schools, differing in their support for or rejection of Wilayat al-Faqih.

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