Functions of a State in Shaikh Tusi's Political Thought

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Abstract

With respent to the objectives of an Islamic state,
Mohaghegh Tusi observes three major functions for a
state: the explanation of divine commands (iftah),
judgment and adjudication, and policy making. The
welfare of the Muslems, in his point of view, is an
element which has a central role in accomplishing these
functions and determines their limitations. The specific
functions of a state, resulting from the above-mentioned
major functions, include appointing governors, emirs,
and judges, executing the divine commands, defending
the rights of citizens, building the financial infrastructure,
and confronting the causes of economic crises. The last
issue concerns the amount of authority a successor of the
Twelfth Imam may have during the Absence Era.
Resorting to traditions and reasoning, Tusi is to transfer
all the authority of the Imam to a faghih, a jurisprudent
who meets all the requirements.