A Comparative Study of the Theory of Legitimacy in the Political Thoughts of Allameh Hilli and Ibn Taymiyya

Examining the theory of legitimacy in the political thoughts of Allameh Hilli and Ibn Taymiyya, this paper seeks through comparative study to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of their views and present a coherent theory about the political legitimacy which is derived from Islam and which is based on reason, the Quran and Sunnah. Using a descriptive- analytical method for highlighting the points of similarity and the differences between the two views, the paper concludes that Ibn Taymiyya has not been successful in his theorizing because of his misconception of the issue of Imamate. His views have some of the drawbacks like contradiction, holding that people should participate in legitimization, presenting non-realistic criteria, secularization of society and regarding corrupt and authoritarian governments as legitimate. Based on reason and Sunnah, Allameh Hilli’s theory does not have such drawbacks. He has been able to logically organize his view about political legitimacy according to true Islamic worldview and regards that political legitimacy originates from the legislative will of God, which cannot be realized except through a divine decree.