Assessing the Legitimacy of the Authority of the Jurisprudent; A Critical Reading of the Disinhibitory Hadiths in the Theory of the Suspension of Government in the Age of Occultation
1
Associate Professor, Department of Shia Studies, University of Tehran
2
Master's student, Department of Theoretical Foundations of Islam, Qom University of Islamic Education.
Abstract
One of the fundamental issues in Shiite political thought is explaining the state of government and sovereignty during the absence of the infallible Imam (AS). Research question: The aim of this research is to answer this fundamental question: is the formation of an Islamic government during the occultation period possible and necessary or does the theory of “government closure” become relevant during this period based on specific evidence? Research method: This research, with a descriptive-analytical approach and using narrative, jurisprudential and theological sources, critically examines and evaluates the arguments of those who argue for the closure of the government. Findings: The research findings indicate that the most important arguments of the opponents are not fully significant. These narrations are mainly specific, refer to non-divine uprisings and false claimants of Mahdism, and are specifically excluded from the discussion of the formation of a government based on the guardianship of the jurist. In addition, sound rational arguments, along with narrative evidence, emphasize the necessity of establishing religion in all ages. Conclusion: As a result, the theory of the closure of the Islamic government during the occultation period has neither rational justification nor credible narrative support. According to this research, the formation of a religious government under the guidance and guardianship of a comprehensive jurist is not only free from religious prohibition, but is also considered a reasonable, legitimate, and obligatory path to safeguard the rules of Islam during the occultation period.
Shakri Zavardehi, R. & Ziaei, S. (2026). Assessing the Legitimacy of the Authority of the Jurisprudent; A Critical Reading of the Disinhibitory Hadiths in the Theory of the Suspension of Government in the Age of Occultation. (e255250). scientific journal Political Sociology of the Islamic Revolution, (), e255250
MLA
Shakri Zavardehi, R., & Ziaei, S. "Assessing the Legitimacy of the Authority of the Jurisprudent; A Critical Reading of the Disinhibitory Hadiths in the Theory of the Suspension of Government in the Age of Occultation" .e255250 , scientific journal Political Sociology of the Islamic Revolution, , 2026, e255250.
HARVARD
Shakri Zavardehi R., Ziaei S. (2026). 'Assessing the Legitimacy of the Authority of the Jurisprudent; A Critical Reading of the Disinhibitory Hadiths in the Theory of the Suspension of Government in the Age of Occultation', scientific journal Political Sociology of the Islamic Revolution, (), e255250.
CHICAGO
R. Shakri Zavardehi & S. Ziaei, "Assessing the Legitimacy of the Authority of the Jurisprudent; A Critical Reading of the Disinhibitory Hadiths in the Theory of the Suspension of Government in the Age of Occultation," scientific journal Political Sociology of the Islamic Revolution, (2026): e255250,
VANCOUVER
Shakri Zavardehi R., Ziaei S. Assessing the Legitimacy of the Authority of the Jurisprudent; A Critical Reading of the Disinhibitory Hadiths in the Theory of the Suspension of Government in the Age of Occultation. scientific journal Political Sociology of the Islamic Revolution. 2026;():e255250 (In Persian).