An analysis of Conflicting Authorities (Guardianships) in the Light of the Holy Qur ān

The concept of wilÁyah or guardianship as depicted in the Holy Qur’Án has a wide scope and is of various referents as it is expressed itself in all instances of individual, familial, social lives as well as in political, economic, and juridical planes in religious and non-religious societies, divine and profane systems, and dictatorial and democratic regimes. Thus, it can be divided into different categories in various ways. However, what is worth noticing here is its comparative division into various referents of guardianship. This makes clear the relations between them and the duty which we have towards each of them. From this angle, guardianship can be divided into ‘conflicting guardianships’ (mutaÝÁriÃ), ‘contrasting guardianships (mutaqÁbil)’ and ‘convergent or consistent guardianships’ (mutawÁfiq). However, in this article, we deal with the first form of guardianship, that is, the conflicting guardianship, in order to clarify the characteristics of each, in addition to making clear the effects they may have on our lives. In doing so, we seek to enjoy their positive effects in meeting the interests of our lives and avoid their negative effects.