The Nature of Ifta in Shiah Political Fiqh

The position of Ifta (giving religious verdict) and the expression of religious orders is one of the duties of Faqihs during the period of occultation of Imam Mahdi (p.b.u.h). Although Shiah Faqihs are in complete agreement about Ifta for Faqih and getting his approval in obeying him in religious verdicts he gives, they are in disagreement in legitimacy of Ifta and its obligation in getting permission from an infallible`s decree. The present paper seeks to expound whether undertaking the responsibility of Ifta needs Divine command or it is a scientific position that does not need to be fabricated or installed. However, Shiah Faqihs discussed about Ifta, they did not take it into serious consideration. Therefore, the current article deals with the essence of what Ifta is. The findings show that on one hand Ifta is an individual and scientific incident that is equal to Ijtihad. So it is not to be fabricated or installed. Everyone can reach this position by attaining the basics of Ijtihad. But on the other hand it means jurisprudency and intervening in others` affairs that is a social incident. Ifta is a divine position and it can be fabricated or installed.