Welayat-e Faqih from the viewpoint of Ibn-i Fahad Helli

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Center for Religions and Sects Studies

Abstract

The sources dealing with Welayat-e Fiqih consider 12th and 13th centuries (AH) as the starting point of the emergence of the Welayat-e Faqih theory and Mulla Ahmad Naraghi as the founder of the theory, but, in fact, the theory appeared in the Shiite Fiqh from the Long Occultation so far. It existed at time of Sheikh Mufid and was overtly disscussed over in the Shiite Fiqh by Ibn-i Fahad Helli after whom Mulla Ahmad Naraghi's timly effort revived his ancestors' heritage. The importance of Ibn-i Fahad Helli's role lies in the fact that he says the Faqih, acting as a vicegerent of the Hidden Imam, is permitted to enforce the laws of Islam and that people must assist him as well. In addition, the Faqih, as a representative of the Hidden Imam, can collect Khoms and utilize it, and perform the Friday Prayer.

Keywords