The Relationship between "Supervision" and "Guardianship" in the Jurisprudential System of Imam Khomeini

Abstract

Objective: The concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) in Imam Khomeini's thought is so firmly established that, in his view, merely conceiving of it leads to its affirmation. Nevertheless, in his practical conduct, fluctuations are observed regarding the jurist's authority over public affairs, which give rise to the suggestion of "supervisory guardianship" (nezarat) as opposed to "absolute guardianship" (velayat). The aim is to analyze the relationship between these two concepts and to answer the question of whether these fluctuations indicate a jurisprudential shift from supervision to guardianship, or whether these two concepts share a unified meaning within Imam's intellectual system.

Methodology: This article, drawing upon library sources, seeks to address each each of the aforementioned issues.

Findings: In Imam Khomeini's thought, no jurisprudential shift from supervision to guardianship has occurred, and supervision in his conduct is nothing other than the exercise of velayi (guardianship-based) authority. Furthermore, his change of position regarding the presence of clerics in executive positions also follows from his jurisprudential system.

Conclusion: Velayat-e Faqih in Imam Khomeini's view is a unified approach, and "velayat" from his perspective means "velayi supervision." Therefore, his thought has not undergone any fluctuations. The departure from the prohibition of clerics holding governmental positions has also been undertaken based on this same theoretical and jurisprudential consistency.



Keywords: Supervision by the Jurist (Nezarat-e Faqih), Guardianship of the Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih), Clerics in Government, Imam Khomeini.