Ma`rifat Siyasi

The tradition of the Noble Writ by Imam Mahdi, on which the history Shi’ah relies for establishing the guardianship of jurist is mainly examined to see whether or not this tradition testifies to the principle of theocratic guardianship during occultation period, but the question of establishing the other aspects of theocratic guardianship has not been given due attention. The present paper tries to study the scope within which Noble Writ falls in relation to the questions propounded in the area of guardianship of Shia jurists to confirm the role which guardian jurists play in sociopolitical affairs. Accordingly, in addition to the typology of theories on guardianship of jurist the fact that this tradition establishes the theory of guardianship of jurist and his appointment, has been proved. The role of people in religious government is referred to by rejecting the leading council. Then, the condition that the jurist has to be most knowledgeable in as far as political guardianship is concerned is dealt with. The final part of discussion is centred on the jurisdiction of the ruling guardian jurist.