The Guardianship of Faqihs from the Viewpoint of Sheikh Faḍlullāh Nūrī

Shekh FaÃlullÁh NÙrÐ advocated the guardianship of Muslim jurists (faqihs), and did not believe that Shah is the ‘Shadow of Allah’ (ÛillullÁh). In other words, NÙrÐ considered that those faqihs who are of broad authority in making legal decisions (mabsÙt al-yad) are the real rulers, not kings with absolute power. According to him, faqihs are ‘general representatives’, NuwwÁb-e ÝÀm, of the Imam of the Age (a). This belief can be traced in NÙrВs works and the available historical documents. Nevertheless, some claim that Sheikh FaÃlullÁh NÙrÐ does not have any opinion about the guardianship of a Muslim jurist and no discussions on this issue can be found in any of his works and that he is the advocate of ‘Islamic sovereignty’ and ‘a ruler endowed with majesty’, ÒÁhib al-shawkat.
The aim of this article is to cast light on the fact that the issue in question, i.e. the guardianship of the faqihs in the view of Sheikh FaÃlullÁh NÙrÐ and of those who do not support the idea of the guardianship or authority of faqihs, can be explored by basing the arguments on the words and thoughts of Sheikh FaÃlullÁh and available historical documents to verify the truth or falsity of the claims made by those who oppose his views.