In the Name of God the Compassionate the Merciful

What is the Guardianship?

Most disputes and civil wars among Muslims are rooted in different and conflicting interpretations of meaning “Guardianship”.

Martyrdom of Imams (AS) (Infallible Households of the Holy Prophet) by the rulers of the Islamic states is derived from the same fundamental problem. What is guardianship? “Guardianship” is an Arabic word which has been coined from the word “Wali (Custodian)”. Literally, the word “Custodian” is meant nearness of two things provided that not any interval should be observed between them. In other word, “Custodian” is meant following one thing after another hierarchically and in series form without interruption. Hence, the word “Custodian” has been used with the following meanings: love and friendship, accompaniment, conformance, follower, and supervision and common aspect of all these meanings are the same “closeness” both spiritually and materially. In terms of terminology, the word “Custodian” is meant closeness to God and the way to reach Him. In mysticism and Shi’ism religion, “Guardianship” is conscience of the mission. The prophet had two aspects of mission and guardianship. In his mission aspect, the Prophet (S) was prophesying and notifying Islamic laws and inviting people to Islam. In his guardianship aspect, the Prophet (S) was showing the way of reaching God and safeguarding spiritual aspect of the religion. The “guardianship” is divided into two developmental and legislation parts. Developmental Guardianship is related to the whole universe while Legislation Guardianship is related to all human beings. The guardianship, belonging to Shia Imams, has been materialized in line with the developmental guardianship and in the form of allegiance between Imam and seekers of righteousness and its appearance inside and conscience of followers has been manifested in the form of faith while its exterior and love has been expressed in the form of paying allegiance to Imams. This allegiance which is called “Valawi” is obtained neither with consensus, voting and conclusion of a contract nor with the political meetings and gatherings in terms of mysticism and Shi’ism, rather, it is based on the Divine Traditions in a way that its rites and rituals are currently observed among certain people.

But Islamic rulers interpret guardianship only caliphate and sovereignty on Muslin communities. For this purpose, they were considering guardianship of Imams in contrast with their governance stability and they call Shia Imams as enemy. The same interpretation on Velayat (guardianship) has caused testimony of the Saints of God during the history.

The main reason of opposition and hostility of the governments with the Imams (AS) and their heirs lies in this point as follows: Since allegiance of Imam with seekers of righteousness was based on allegiance to faith, regarded as individual and divine rule, these rulers were incapable to understand and were waging their hostilities towards Imams. In other words, the rulers were of the opinion that Imamate or guardianship of Imam and his allegiance was a political affair for setting up government, because, guardianship of the government was of their imagination in this respect. Moreover, these rulers were considering themselves in religious affairs as merited and deserved individuals.

It should be noted that at the time of the first caliphs, separation of Imamate with caliphate was comprehendible and they did not confuse the issue. Hence, we can observe that they referred the religious issues to the then Imam i.e. Hazrat Ali (AS). But during and after caliphates of Mo’aviyeh and Yazid, social and religious leadership were considered as a single affair.

As a matter of fact, Yazid was the first person who introduced “policy” in the name of “faith” in Islam unjustly and also bonded politics of oppression with the false faith and rulers after him put this innovation as tradition.

At the orders of Allah, succession of Imam Ali (AS) was announced and notified by the Prophet Muhammad (S) in Ghadir Khumm. What is the subject matter of this succession?

Shiites believe that Imam is also a religious, social and political leader. The religious leadership is the divinely affair and none of Muslims are qualified to dismiss and install any persons in this field.

But political leadership, since it is related to the governance of people, has conditional term which is the popularity. The, regarded as rulers of the government, were usually the same as “religious leadership”.

With regard to the Prophet Muhammad (S), people of Medina wanted and requested him as their leader. The Prophet (S) had no any intention in Mecca. Acceptance of Caliphate by the Imam Ali (AS) started when people themselves insisted on this subject; otherwise, he did not take any measure during previous three caliphs of himself.

If we assume that succession of Imam Ali (AS) and velayat of the Imam is limited to the political affairs merely, we can say that God’s activity was in vain, NOT GOD WILIING!!!

For, after the Prophet (S), people practically could overthrow the Divine affair from Imam (AS) and the Imam himself did not try to gain Caliphate.

While we know that if the said issue was made at the order of Allah as Divine Assignment, the Imam had to try his utmost effort to obtain the Caliphate.

The meaning of Velayat (Guardianship) and Imamate is not equivalent to Caliphate.

If there is a talented and qualified physician in somewhere else, and if people did not refer to him (referring to fortune tellers or palm readers instead of referring to the expert physician) to cure their diseases, practicing medicine will be dismissed from the doctor as well, even if the doctor has full proficiency in Medicine. In other words, the doctor is in his place and science of Medicine is not warded off from the physician due to the lack of reference of patient. So, Imam is Imam whether to hold political government or stay at home.

According to the said issue, it has been narrated that both Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Hossein (AS) are Imams whether to rule the government or stay at home.

To be continued…