The Guardianship of Just Believers

According to the basic principles of Shiah fiqh, the leader of a government has, in the first place, been an infallible person and during the occultation period (i.e. when the Imam is hidden) this responsibility is, on the basis of the proofs confirming the principle of the guardianship of a Muslim jurist, entrusted to a Muslim jurist (faqih). Some faqihs consider that one of the proofs for the guardianship of a Muslim jurist is connected to non-litigious affairs. Given this, and due to the necessity of having a government, the faqih is the most suitable one for holding the responsibility of governance. But, according to the above mentioned principles, if a faqih provides every excuse to avoid holding the responsibility of governance, then the mamagement of the affairs is entrusted to a just believer. The stated view is based on certain fiqhi evidence. The present article discusses the idea of the guardianship of just believers, and the jurisdiction and conditions of their responsibility.