The Conceptual Analysis of the Term  Ruler in the Article 4 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Article 4 of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran is an overriding article of utmost importance which governs all laws and regulations in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Considering the governing approaches to the interpretation of the articles of the constitution and the wording of the article 4, one can arrive at this important conclusion that the term ‘ruler’ (hÁkim) used in this article signifies ‘rule’ (or hukÙmah) as it is commonly used in the principles of jurisprudence, meaning that either of the two arguments can manipulate, whether by way of extension or intension, in the subject of the other argument or in its predicate. Taking this sense into account, all the articles of the constitution and other laws and regulation can be interpreted via this article. In other words, the article in question serves as a control over the other articles of the constitution as well as the laws and regulations. Hence, wherever there is an ambiguity as to the extension of one article among the other articles or of one law or regulation there is no need to look for a condition or qualification for it. Rather. One can extend its scope or narrow it down by having recourse to the article 4 of the constitution.