Marja’iyya is a modern term which refers to the position of highest religious authority after that of the Imams, and it affects the entire Shia world, both on a personal and communal level in matters pertaining to jurisprudence. Many important questions arise when Marja’iyya is discussed, but first, we must look at the origin of Marja’iyya itself to comprehend this concept.
Useful terms:
Marja’ʿīyya – Position of religious authority that guides the Shias in the occultation of the twelfth Imam.
Marja’ – a jurist and religious scholar whose edicts (fatwas) about jurisprudential issues are followed and acted upon by Shias
Maraaji’ – plural of Marja’
Mujtahid or Faqih – an individual who can derive the laws of Islam; a jurist who undertakes the position of religious authority.
Taqlid – following a Marja’
Maraaji’ are fallible like other humans, not infallible like Imams. How can we just trust their judgement?
If an individual fulfills the qualifications of a Marja’, then he adheres to high standards of piety and knowledge. They do not form their own opinions. Rather, their fatawa are based on authentic understandings of religious texts. Additionally, the Quran and hadith have talked about the need of experts in religious knowledge and have given…
What exactly is a Fatwa and is it wajib to obey it?
A fatwa (Arabic: فتوى; plural fatāwā فتاوى) is a legal opinion on a point of Islamic law that a Mujtahid, a qualified jurist, can give. A Mujtahid derives fatāwā by referring to sources of Islamic law (the Quran, the sunnah, ijma’ (consensus), and ‘aql (the intellect)) and through exercising the methodology of ijtihad (juristic interpretation). …
How do our Maraaji’ distribute the khums they collect?
Khums is an Islamic tax that is equal to a fifth or 20% of the value of 7 items1 – most relevant amongst them being surplus income. With regards to the distribution of khums, there are two aspects to consider: 1) the legislative requirement for the distribution based on Allah (s)’s decree and the precedent…
How is a Marja’ different from the scholars we have in the community?
A Marja’ is a learned individual who takes on the responsibility of deriving Islamic laws while the living Imam (a) is in occultation, thereby taking on the role of leading the Muslim community in the Imam’s (a) absence. This is a very heavy responsibility for one to take. To reach this position takes a lot…
Do other Muslims have the concept of Marja’iyya? How are their systems similar or different from the Shia Ithna-Asheri way?
The school of Marja’iyyah was established to deduce laws of Shariah from authentic sources. It establishes the principle of jurisprudence and derives laws of practical obligations from sources such as the Quran and Hadith. In the lifetime of the Prophet (s) there was no need for Marja’iyyah as the Prophet (s) would solve issues and answer questions. After…
How do we deal with having family members who do taqlid of (i.e. follow) different Maraaji’ in one household (i.e. between spouses, parent/child. etc.)?
When individuals do taqlid of different Maraaji’ in one home it can sometimes bring about differences in how certain things are practiced. A seemingly big difference amongst those is the celebration of holidays. However, to assuage the concerns family members may have when a member of the family chooses to follow a different Marja’, one…
Is it possible to make a wrong choice when it comes to choosing a Marja’ you intend to follow?
Taqlid is a well-established and merited practice in our religion. It is through the guidance of a Marja’ that we are taught the rulings and expectations of Allah upon us. However, there is confusion when it comes to deciding on a Marja’ due to the many possible choices of a Marja’. Is it possible to…
How is a Marja’ chosen and what are the current Shia leadership options?
Within this question, two points must be discussed: i) how a muqallid (one who does taqlid) chooses which Marja’ to follow and ii) how the Maraaji’ themselves attain that position. i) What are some circumstances through which one can choose a Marja’ to follow? A) When a person is certain that a particular person is…
Is Marja’iyya relevant and necessary in current Western society?
‘Those who are given the highest ranks are those who have acquired knowledge and use it in the service of people. True knowledge comes from iman and taqwa (piety through awareness of God’s power) and those who have both are the best individuals.’ (Ismail, M. (2018, July)) These were words spoken by Dr. Mohamedali Shomali…
Where did the concept of Marja’iyya originate?
The concept of Marja’iyya in Islam is one that begins with a brief understanding of philosophy and history, after which, the fiqh can be better understood. Allah is the creator of all – man and universe. Therefore, only He can determine the laws and rights that man is intended to follow. Allah sent Prophets and…
