The Ideal of Justice in Political Thought and the Behaviour of Muslim Theologians and Religious Scholars

The Sunnites, although they have paid attention to many of the responsibilities of the ruler, but somehow they regarded providing peace and security as the most important task of the ruler and in consequence instead of emphasis on justice and other qualifications of the ruler, relied on his authority or even they saw strong and immoral governer as suitable for government. But the Shi,ites, without denying the value of security and the necessity of authority, regarded ruler’s justice both in the implementations of religious ordinances such as Holy War (Jihad) and judgement and for providing justice as necessary.In the Sunnite world religious scholars and people for keeping the status quo and avoiding unrest and violence often followed the way of obedience of oppressors and despotic rulers. Shi,ites in their political dealings with false governments have had different practices in different periods, such as violent action and concealment, indifference and not interfering in politics, submission, protest and rebellion, support and intelligent and pragmatic cooperation. Sometimes Shi,ites clergymen prevented people to cooperate with governments and sometimes by relying on worldly interests and devouts, hereafter, in some cases they allowed the obedience of rulers and cooperation with them. Meanwhile, some of religious scholars like Khajah Tusi have accepted social and scientific responsibilities in the governments of their time and later in Safavid period scholars such as Mohaqiq Karaki in addition to taking governmental posts persuaded the king to follow them as qualified religious jurists. In the Qajar period religious scholars like Kashef – alqita and Mula Ahmad Naraghi by designing the theory of permitted king consider governing the state as lawful. Therefore Shi,ite clergymen by active engagement in political scene and benefiting from opportunities in addition to protection and expansion of the heritage of Shi,ism could protect the life and interests of the Shi,ites.