Velayat-e Faqih

Velayat-e Faqih is a political theory in Shia Islam that emphasizes the rule of a qualified Islamic jurist (faqih) over the community. Developed by Iranian cleric Ayatollah Khomeini, it suggests that a jurist should oversee political and social matters to ensure they align with Islamic principles. This concept was instrumental in shaping Iran's political system after the 1979 revolution, establishing a government where religious authority plays a central role in governance. Essentially, it merges religious leadership with political authority, asserting that a knowledgeable cleric can guide society according to Islamic values.