A Reflection on the Relationship between the Theory of Absolute Guardianship of the Jurisconsult by Imam Khomeini and the Theory of ‘Discretionary Sphere of the Law’ (Mantiqat al-farāgh) by Martyr Ṣadr

One of the most important theories of Shiʿa political jurisprudence – which stand in line with each other – is the concept of al-Wilāyat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Muslim Jurist). According to the theory of ‘Discretionary Sphere of the Law’, an Islamic ruler has the right to independently legislate and determine obligations and prohibitions which, in addition to their legal status, should be obeyed like divine commandments. Therefore, this right is not exclusive to infallible Imams, but also applicable to a fully qualified religious ruler in the absence of an infallible Imam during the Occultation Period. According to the theory of ‘Absolute Guardianship of a Muslim Jurist’, in the absence of an infallible Imam, a just Muslim jurist capable of establishing a government will have governmental authority equal to that of the Prophet and the Imams who successfully established governments. The joining point and the most important aspect of commonality between these two theories is the right to govern and the legitimacy of the Guardianship of the Muslim Jurist in the Occultation Period, with the most significant difference being the extent of their authorities. As far as the ‘Discretionary Sphere of Law’ is concerned, the ruler does not have the right to deviate from religious duties and legal obligations. However, in accordance to the theory of the “Absolute Guardianship of the Muslim Jurist”, the ruler, if deemed necessary, even has the right to temporarily suspend religious duties and violate laws in the interest of the Islamic system; for the Islamic government is regarded to be based on the primary ordinances of Islam.