Risalah (Arabic: رسالـة) is the Arabic word for treatise, but among the Shia, the term is used as shorthand for a risalah-yi'amaliyyah (Arabic: رسالهی عملیه) or treatise on practical law. These treatises are also known as collections of juridical edicts or clarifications of questions (Arabic: توضيح المسائل). They are usually written by a mujtahid[1] as part of the process of becoming a Marja'-e-Taqlid, i.e. a Grand Ayatollah.[2] These books contain the cleric's practical rulings on the application of Islam to daily life.[3] They are arranged according to topics such as ritual purity, worship, social issues, business, and political affairs. In considering each application they outline the principles and texts used to reach a specific ruling. They are used by a Marja''s followers to conform their behaviour to Islam.[3]

All resalahs begin with an explicit disclaimer stating that no proof shall be given for any of the five articles of faith in the roots of religion (usul al-din).

See also

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Among the Shia, a mujtahid is a person generally accepted as an original authority in Islamic law, i.e. an ayatollah.
  2. ↑ Siddiqui, Kalim (1980). The Islamic Revolution: Achievements, Obstacles & Goals. London: Open Press for The Muslim Institute. p. 26. ISBN 978-0-905081-07-6.
  3. 1 2 Hairi, Abdul-Hadi (1977). Shi-ism and Constitutionalism in Iran: A Study of the Role Played by the Persian Residents of Iraq in Iranian Politics. Leiden: Brill. p. 198. ISBN 978-90-04-04900-0.


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