Taqlid: When Should a Jurist Leader’s Ruling Take Priority Over a Marjiʿ’s Fatwā?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Taqlid: When Should a Jurist Leader’s Ruling Take Priority Over a Marjiʿ’s Fatwā?

English:

Question #52

When the fatwā of the leader of Muslims on social, political, and cultural issues disagrees with that of another marji‘, what is the religious obligation of Muslims? And is there a dividing line between fatwās issued by marji‘ and those issued by the jurist leader? For example, if the opinion of a marji‘ concerning music differs with that of the jurist leader, which one is valid and obligatory to follow? And, in general, what are the wilā’ī edicts regarding which opinion of the jurist leader has priority over that of a marji‘?

Answer #52

The edicts of the jurist leader must be followed with respect to the issues relating to the administration of the Islamic country and general affairs of Muslims. While, every mukallaf is obliged to follow his own marji‘ in absolutely personal issues.

- Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Rules of Taqlid, Marji’iyyah and Leadership