Wilayat (Guardianship)

Wilayat (Guardianship)

The concept of wilāyah (guardianship, spiritual authority) in Islam is not merely a legal term; it is a living principle that shapes the moral, social, and political foundation of a community. This book invites the reader to rethink what true authority means and how it should be exercised under divine guidance.

About the Book Wilāyah (Guardianship) is a collection of six speeches delivered by Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamene’i in the holy month of Ramadan in 1979, shortly before the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. In these discourses, he examines the notion of wilāyah as a central pillar of Islamic thought. He presents its dimensions not only as a matter of religious doctrine but also as a framework that defines the identity, structure, and ethical orientation of society. The book emphasizes that without aligning with Allah (God, exalted is He) and His guardianship, a community risks falling under oppressive powers that erode its spiritual and moral foundation.

What You Will Discover

• Definition of wilāyah and its role in shaping Islamic governance.
• Consequences of recognizing or neglecting guardianship in society.
• Necessity of wilāyah in Shīʿah (the Shia tradition within Islam) theology and civilization.
• Contrast between divine authority and human-imposed systems of control.
• Manifestations of guardianship in daily life and leadership.
• Vision of a revolutionary society built upon Allah’s guardianship.

About the Author Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamene’i is a distinguished Islamic scholar and leader whose influence extends across theological and political domains. Renowned for his expertise in jurisprudence, philosophy, and social issues, he has guided generations of Muslims in understanding the practical and spiritual dimensions of faith. His insights in Wilāyah (Guardianship) demonstrate both scholarly depth and visionary leadership.

Who Is This Book For? This book is for students of Islamic studies, researchers of Shīʿah thought, and readers seeking to understand the foundations of authority and guardianship in Islam.