Jihad: Can Jihād Be Initiated During the Imam’s Occultation by a Qualified Leader?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Jihad: Can Jihād Be Initiated During the Imam’s Occultation by a Qualified Leader?

English:

Question #1041:

What is the rule concerning initiation of jihad against infidels during the occultation of the Infallible Imam (a.)? Is it permissible for the qualified mujtahid who possesses state power [the Leader of Muslims] to declare it?

Answer #1041:

The opinion that affirms the permissibility of such a declaration for the qualified mujtahid who has the position of administering the affairs of Muslims, when he sees that expediency requires it; is not improbable. Rather, it is the strongest opinion.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Jihad