According to Shi'ites, what type of government is suggested by Islam?
In Shi'ite thought, Islam suggests a government that is led by divinely appointed leaders known as Imams. The foundational belief is that these Imams are essential for the proper guidance of the Muslim community. According to a narration in Al-Kafi, an individual asked Imam Abu Abdullah about the supports of Islam, to which the Imam responded: Testimony that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), acknowledgment of what he brought from God, a right in wealth from zakat, and allegiance (wilayah) commanded by God, the allegiance to the family of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family)
Al-Kafi 1:50. This highlights the importance of recognizing the rightful leadership of the Imams, as they are seen as the guardians of Islamic principles and community welfare.
Additionally, the Shi'ite perspective emphasizes that the community should follow these Imams and their teachings, as they are believed to possess the knowledge and authority necessary to interpret Islamic law and guide the faithful. This standpoint is rooted in the belief that a just and knowledgeable leadership is crucial for upholding Islamic governance and ensuring the well-being of the society.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 1:50
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 50
I said to Abu Abdullah: Tell me on what the supports of Islam are established so that if I hold to them, my deeds will be purified and ignorance will not harm me afterward. He said: Testimony that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), acknowledgment of what he brought from God, a right in wealth from zakat, and allegiance (wilayah) commanded by God, the allegiance to the family of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) said: Whoever dies without knowing his Imam dies a death of ignorance. God, Exalted and Glorious, says: 'Obey God, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you.' Ali (peace be upon him) came, then after him al-Hasan, then al-Husayn, then Ali ibn al-Husayn, then Muhammad ibn Ali. This is how the matter continues. The earth is not lawful except with an Imam, and whoever dies without knowing his Imam dies a death of ignorance. Your greatest need is to know your position when your soul reaches here, and it descends to his chest, you say at that moment: I was upon a good matter. — OR — He said, "If you put your hand into the vessel before washing it, it is not harmful unless the hand was soiled by urine or semen. If you put your hand into the vessel while it contains such impurity, then pour out that water." — OR — It is proper for the believer to reduce his family's food consumption in winter and to increase their fuel supplies. — OR — When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) sent Barā’ah with Ali (peace be upon him), he sent along some men and said: Whoever captures a prisoner without a grievous wound is not one of us. — OR — I heard Abu Ja'far say: When the sperm settles in the womb, it remains for forty days, then it becomes a clot for forty days, then a lump for forty days. Then God sends two creating angels who are told, 'Create him as God wills — male or female.' They shape him and write his term, provision, lifespan, whether miserable or happy, and record for God the covenant He took from him in the spirit. When his departure from the mother's womb approaches, God sends an angel called the 'Zajir' who drives him out causing him to panic and forget the covenant, falling to the ground crying from the angel's drive. — OR — I asked about a man who bequeathed his wealth in the way of God. He said: 'Give it to the one he designated it for, even if he is Jewish or Christian. Indeed, God Almighty says: Whoever changes it after hearing it, the sin is only upon those who change it.' — OR — Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) sent a young boy on an errand, but he was slow. Abu Abdullah went after him when he delayed, found him sleeping, sat by his head to shade him until he awoke. When he woke, Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said to him: “O so-and-so, by Allah, is it fitting for you to sleep day and night while you have the night for yourself, and for us the day from you?”
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