A Comparative Study of Political thoughts of MirzÁ of NÁÞÐnÐ and Shahid Sayyid Muhammad BÁqir al-Ñadr

The present essay seeks to make a comparative study of the political thoughts of the two distinguished ShiÝi faqihs (jurists), AyatollÁh NÁÞÐnÐ and AyatollÁh Shahid Sayyid Muhammad BÁqir al-Ñadr. An attempt has been made in this research work to cast light on the points of similarity and difference between their views and opinions. The chief points of similarity between their political views lie in their interpretation of the origin of political power, defense of the existence and identity of Islam and the belief in the role the Muslim community in the attainment of political system and in the national will in the fulfilment of divine aspirations. Their differences of opinion are perceptible in such issues as the basis of legitimacy, nature of the Islamic government, the extent to which a Muslim jurist can exert his influence and the rule of Muslim jurists and the kind of approach and view a Muslim ruler can take in running social affairs. The important conclusion one can draw in making a comparison between the views of the two great Muslim jurists is that, despite their basic similarities between the views and opinions of these two jurists, their differences of opinion cannot be overlooked. However, their views, when compared, show that the existing differences between their views and ideas are due to the crises they were faced with during their lifetime. Being influenced by the changing circumstances and special crises of their time, each of these two scholars have sought to propose a good, though different, solution for the problems they faced. This has brought about differences of opinion in regard to their political theories.