The Marjaeya: A Candid Conversation by Sayyid Muhammad Saeed Al-Hakeem

The original publication of Marjaeya is the result of a candid discussion on matters pertaining to the Marjaeya from a series of question offered to Sayyid al-Hakeem.

Discourse on the topic of Marjaeya, religious authority in Shia Islam, is a frequent topic between practicing Muslims. It is also a topic of intrigue to non-Muslims who are interested in learning more about the source of religious authority and guidance for Shia Muslims. Nonetheless, the greater focus of these discussions have been by Muslims themselves, particularly Shia Muslims. The original Arabic publication of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Saeed Al-Hakeem, Al-Marjaeya wa Qadaya Ukhra, served as an excellent overview of the most pressing issues on the topic.

The original publication is the result of a candid discussion on matters pertaining to the Marjaeya from a series of question offered to Sayyid al-Hakeem. The Grand Ayatollah provided comprehensive answers to those critical inquiries as way to address people’s questions and concerns on the subject. As we worked through reading, studying, and translating the work we could see the genuineness, prudence, and pragmatism of the Grand Ayatollah.

A constant theme was found throughout the work –ibra’ al-tbimma– reliving one’s duty before God. Everything that the jurists do is based on this concept. The actions they take and the decisions they make are driven by that motivation to have a clear conscience and ensure that their burden before God is relieved, and that they can stand on the Day of Judgment before God and know that they did everything they could to arrive at truth and guide people as such.

Translating it to English for the benefit of English speakers was a must. This work will allow readers to deepen their understanding of the principles at stake and the driving forces that guide this leadership to guide others. Sayyid al-Hakeem’s wisdom and selflessness in the topic was evident throughout this writing. Although clearly he is a religious authority himself, he focused this work on the experiences and leadership of those who came before him. The Grand Ayatollah emphazsized the lessons and values exemplified by our late scholars and jurists. It is one thing to hear read answers from a scholars who is speaking about the Marjaeya generally; it is an entirely different experiences to receive the answer directly from the Marja himself.

About the Author

Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Saeed al-Hakeem was born in the Holy city of Najaf in the eighth day of thirqida al harram year 1354 which corresponds to 1934.His father (May Allah prolong his life) raised and took a special care of him as he found out the special capability of his oldest son to learn the religious knowledge in depth and derivation. He directed him to this field before the end of his first decade of age At the same time, he taught him various moral and noble values that became obvious characters in his personality, Click Here to Read more.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Taqleed

The most knowledgeable

Plurality

Institutional Marjaeya

The Marja and His Close Circle

The Challenges of Today

The Strength of the Shia

Intrafaith and Interfaith

The Marjaeya and Colonialism

The Role of the Marjaeya

A Look into the Future

Words of Advice

Bibliographic Information

Title: The Marjaeya: A Candid Conversation

Author: Sayyid Muhammad Saeed al-Hakeem

Translator & Publisher: The Mainstay Foundation

Language: English

Length: 218 pages

ISBN:  978-1943393800

Pub. Date: October 11, 2018