Government's legitimacy
Muslims, however, disagree about the source of government’s legitimacy: some believe that the ruler is appointed by God. The other groups do not agree with this view but there are no differences over the necessity of religious government and its objectives.[1] Therefore there is no disagreement over the necessity of establishing a theocracy and its duty which is safeguarding religious rules.
Therefore the difference between the two groups is over appointing the ruler by God or by people and its alternate strategies: “There is consensus among the four Imams of Ahlus Sunnah that Imamate is a necessity and Muslims need a leadership to carry out religious rules and rituals and defend the rights of the oppressed against the oppressor.”[2]
Intra-religious approach explicitly ascertains the position of government. In Shia doctrine, the rule of the innocent Imam is the position of caliphate (rightful successors of Prophet Muhammad) and guarantees the religious and secular interests of people.
Imam Reza (A.S) says: Imamate is the succession of God and the prophet, the position of Imam Ali and the heritage of Imams Hassan and Hussein. Under the light of Imamate the religion is guided, affairs of Muslims are organized, the good of the religion is provided and Muslims find greatness and glory. Imamate is the root and branch of Islam. Prayer, Zakat, fasting, Hajj and Jihad are completed because of the existence of Imam, public assets and alms are gathered, divine boundaries and rules are carried out and border and far away areas are protected.”[3]
[1] . Ali Ibn Muhammad Mawardi, Al Ahkam As Sultaniyyah, PP. 20, 22, 23
[2] . Abdul-Rahman Jaziri, Kitab-ul-Fiqh 'ala Mazahib-il-Arba, V5, P. 416
[3] . Muhammad Ibn Ya'qub Al-Kulayni. Usool e Kafi, Book of Haj, Vol 1, P. 200
Ahmad Niazi, graduate of Qom Seminary and Phd student of Al Mustafa international university
Source: political science journal, No. 3
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Views of Hobbes and Machiavelli and Liberalism
Determining Government’s Objectives Based on Extra-Religious Approach
