Today, we study some of the other features of the ruling system throughout the Major Occultation of the 12th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam's Household, Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance).

As a reminder, it was said that one of the reasons behind the need for existence of an Islamic ruling system is that the sacred religion of Islam and Islamic rules and regulations are not limited to a particular phase in time or location. In fact, Islam is a global and eternal divine religion for all generations and eras. As it was necessary to establish a ruling system throughout the era of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) in order to implement Islamic rules, the need for establishment of an Islamic ruling system is also sensed in other phases in time, including the era of occultation of Imam Mahdi (AS).

The other reason behind the need for establishment of an Islamic ruling system is the nature and quality of Islamic rules and regulations. The Islamic rulings are comprised of a variety of laws, which overall form an integrated legal system. This comprehensive legal system is based on the ayahs of Holy Quran and the tradition of Prophet Mohammad, including the essential principles and plans for the development and prosperity of mankind. Upon contemplation on the nature and quality of Islamic rulings, we come to realize that the essential condition for implementation of many Islamic rulings is the establishment of an Islamic ruling system. In the absence of a dynamic and active Islamic ruling system, implementation of Islamic rulings is not feasible.

One of the other reasons behind the need to establish an Islamic ruling system is the preparedness of Muslims to fend off and deal with enemies. Steadfast against invading enemies, and protection of boundaries and borders are only possible via establishment of an Islamic ruling system.

The 60^th ayah of Surat al-Anfal in Holy Quran notes: "Prepare against whatever you can of military power and war-horses, awing thereby the enemy of Allah, and your enemy, and others beside them, whom you do not know, but Allah knows them. And whatever you spend in the way of Allah will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged."

If the domineering and invading powers stage aggressions against Islamic countries, Muslims cannot remain silent and indifferent toward the aggressions of foreign powers, and should be prepared to defend themselves. If Muslims would lack resolve, they cannot stand firm against injustice. However, if Muslims maintain sufficient strength; the enemies do not dare to invade Islamic lands. In fact, the said ayah of Holy Quran calls for alertness of Muslims in the face of enemies.

The approach and tradition of the Prophet of Islam and his Infallible Household shows that they appropriately seized every opportunity to stand firm against foes. They took into consideration every detail in preparation of military weapons, organization of troops, selection of an appropriate time and location for countering the enemy, and usage of appropriate combat tactics.

Meanwhile, Holy Quran notes that the purpose behind the instruction to prepare forces, is to scare the enemy of God. This is because enemies usually only understand the language of force. The goal is not to kill a large number of individuals in clashes, or to seize lands and assets of others.

In fact, the main goal is to scare off the foes and to prevent them from conspiring and invading Islamic lands. So, the Islamic government should make utmost efforts to defend Islamic territories.

Last week, it was pointed out that one of the reasons behind establishment of an Islamic ruling system is to defend the oppressed and downtrodden. The divine religion of Islam puts emphasis on repelling oppressors, and supporting the oppressed and the disadvantaged.

Another point which clarifies the need to establish an Islamic ruling system, are the Islamic financial rulings. The taxes which the divine religion of Islam has set are not aimed at just meeting the needs of the poor and needy. Some of the levied taxes assist the Islamic government in affording its expenses and in administering the country. This is also the case in regard to the taxes which are levied on plots of land. Naturally, in order to levy this tax, there is need for establishment of an Islamic ruling system. Thus, implementation of some of the Islamic financial rules is only possible via the establishment of an Islamic government.

Overall, given the necessity of implementation of Islamic laws in different scenes of the life of mankind, it is perfectly clear that establishment of an Islamic ruling system throughout the era of occultation of the Savior of Mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS), is a must.

Upon the study of Islamic texts and narrations cited from leading Islamic figures, it is shown that in the era of occultation, the duty of leadership and management of the Islamic ruling system is shouldered by a jurisprudent, who is highly vigilant, and well-familiar with Islamic teachings. This vigilant and just jurisprudent is referred to as Vali Faqih.

Undoubtedly, administration of the Islamic community, and implementation of Islamic rules and regulations is a major responsibility. Jurisprudence is one of the features of the Islamic ruler. The jurisprudent, governing an Islamic system, who is an exegete of ayahs of Holy Quran and an implementer of Quranic rulings, maintains the sufficient knowledge and vigilance. He is also pious, courageous, and just, and maintains an in-depth political and social insight.

MR/EA