Imam Khomeini and the Political Philosophy of Waiting (Intizaar) (Velayat-e-Faqih; Government of Waiting)

Absence and waiting for coming of prosperity (Faraj) is among the lessons of the leader of Imamiah sect which, in appendix with thelengthening of the absence of Imam-e-Zaman, has caused some doubts in the political thought of Imamiah. The important question has always been around in that age whether Imamiah defends a special political philosophy at the time of absence or it denies any political philosophy? The notice and response of Imam Khomeini to this question can be observed not only by the establishment of Islamic Republic political system but also before the 15th of Khordad movement and with the authorship of Kashf-e-Asrar (Discovering the Myths) in 1323 A.H.. According to him, Imamiah is basically opposed to any kind of anarchistic viewpoint and defends Imamah (leadership of Imam) political philosophy; a philosophy which is not restricted to the age of Ma’soum (the one without any sin or mistake) and which can, also, be performed at the time of absence. The legitimacy of Velayat-e-Faqih in the absence period is, also, derived from the political philosophy of Imamah. Henceforth, on basis of Imamah principle, Velayat-e-Faqih should be known as similar to political philosophy and the government of Intizaar (waiting) in the long absence period.