SAEDNEWS: Muslims must follow a qualified religious authority in Islamic law. The requirements include maturity, sound judgment, justice, being Shia, and expertise in Islamic jurisprudence (Ijtihad).
According to Saednews, A Marjaʿ al-Taqlid (Religious Authority) derives Islamic rulings from the Quran and narrations and compiles them into a book known as a Risalah Amaliyyah (Practical Laws Manual). A marjaʿ is responsible for guiding people in religious matters. However, a jurist must meet specific qualifications to be eligible to serve as a marjaʿ al-taqlid.
It is not permissible to begin following a marjaʿ who has passed away. This means that when a person first reaches the age of religious maturity, they must choose a living marjaʿ. However, if a person's marjaʿ dies, they may continue following the deceased marjaʿ with the permission of another living religious authority.
Reaching religious maturity is an essential requirement for a marjaʿ al-taqlid. Even if someone meets all the other qualifications for religious authority, following them is not valid if they have not reached maturity. In Twelver Shia Islam, the age of religious maturity for boys is the completion of 15 lunar years.
There is no doubt that a person suffering from insanity or lacking sound judgment is not qualified to serve as a marjaʿ. A person cannot be selected as a religious authority without confidence in their ability to distinguish right from wrong.
One of the most important qualifications of a marjaʿ al-taqlid is ʿadalah (moral integrity and righteousness). This quality keeps a person away from sin. A just person is someone who fulfills all religious obligations and abstains from all prohibited acts.
A jurist who commits acts forbidden by Islamic law does not meet the requirement of righteousness. Muslims therefore cannot rely on that person's opinions when determining religious rulings.
Twelver Shia Muslims believe that Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) was the first Imam and that the twelfth Imam, the successor to the Prophet, is Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).
To choose a marjaʿ al-taqlid, they must select a jurist who follows Twelver Shia Islam. Twelver Shia belief considers Imamate one of the fundamental principles of religion. It holds that, like prophethood, Imamate is divinely appointed and that at every point in time, at least one of the twelve Imams or Shia spiritual leaders must be alive.
Other Shia branches include the Ismailis, sometimes referred to as Seveners, and the Zaydis, sometimes referred to as Fivers. Although these groups share certain beliefs with Twelver Shias regarding the Prophet and Imam Ali (peace be upon him), they do not recognize the same complete line of Imams through the twelfth Imam.
A person is considered to be of legitimate birth if they were born as a result of a valid marriage. A jurist must meet this requirement to qualify as a marjaʿ al-taqlid.
According to the cited Shia religious texts and narrations, only male jurists may serve as marjaʿ al-taqlid for others. Following female religious scholars who have attained the rank of mujtahid is considered invalid under this view.
Serving as a marjaʿ is a position of great importance and responsibility. Before choosing a religious authority, it is necessary to ensure that the candidate is not excessively attached to worldly possessions, material interests, or personal desires.
Being a mujtahid is one of the principal qualifications for a marjaʿ al-taqlid.
A person who studies the relevant Islamic sciences and develops the ability to examine Quranic verses and narrations and independently derive Islamic rulings is called a mujtahid.
In Islamic jurisprudence, being the aʿlam means possessing greater expertise than other mujtahids in understanding and interpreting the precise meanings of the sources of Shia Islamic law.
There are established methods for identifying the most knowledgeable mujtahid among the available religious authorities.
According to the views of Shia religious authorities, the most knowledgeable mujtahid can be identified through three methods:
Personal certainty: A person becomes certain about who the most knowledgeable mujtahid is. For example, someone with sufficient religious knowledge may be able to identify the most knowledgeable jurist themselves.
Testimony from two qualified scholars: Two just and knowledgeable religious scholars who can assess the qualifications of mujtahids confirm that a particular jurist is the most knowledgeable, provided their testimony does not conflict with the testimony of two other qualified scholars.
The testimony of a group of experts: A person gains certainty or reasonable confidence from the statements of a group of religious scholars who are capable of identifying the most knowledgeable mujtahid.
Sometimes, even after extensive research and consultation with others, a person may remain uncertain about which marjaʿ to follow. Shia religious authorities have provided guidance for such situations.
According to Grand Ayatollahs Imam Khomeini, Ali Khamenei, Naser Makarem Shirazi, and Hossein Noori Hamedani: A person should consult qualified experts. If their testimonies conflict, obligatory precaution requires following the jurist whom the person considers likely to be the most knowledgeable.
According to Grand Ayatollahs Mirza Javad Tabrizi and Ali al-Sistani: A person should consult qualified experts. If their testimonies conflict, greater weight should be given to the opinions of those with greater expertise. If the matter remains unresolved, the person should follow the jurist whom they consider likely to be the most knowledgeable.
A marjaʿ al-taqlid is a qualified Shia Islamic jurist whom followers consult for guidance on religious laws and obligations. According to the Twelver Shia framework described above, the main qualifications include being alive, mature, of sound mind, just, a Twelver Shia Muslim, born of a lawful marriage, male, free from excessive attachment to worldly desires, a mujtahid, and the most knowledgeable among qualified mujtahids.
Choosing a marjaʿ requires careful consideration of these qualifications and, where necessary, consultation with trusted religious experts.
