"Wilāyat al-faqīh" and Hizbullah's Relations with Iran

Authors

  • Joseph Alagha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/jais.4600

Abstract

Hizbullah in Lebanon has succeeded in employing Imām Khūmaynī’s theory of wilāyat al-faqīh (‘the guardianship of the jurisprudent’) as a cornerstone in its politico-religious ideology from 1978, molding, interpreting and adapting the original theory to suit Lebanese social and political conditions. In order to negotiate successive changes in the political system, Hizbullah has shifted its ideology to become a key player affecting the dynamic changes taking place in the Lebanese public sphere. However, it is assumed in many circles that Hizbullah is the proxy of Syria and Iran. Concentrating on the presumed Iranian influence, this article argues that Hizbullah has instead pursued an independent course of action in its attempt to influence the political system of Lebanon.

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How to Cite

Alagha, J. (2017). "Wilāyat al-faqīh" and Hizbullah’s Relations with Iran. Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies, 10, 24–44. https://doi.org/10.5617/jais.4600

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