THE POLITICAL DYNAMICS OF THE IRAQI MARJAʿIYYA

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the evolving role of the Shiʿi marjaʿiyya (religious authority) in Iraq’s socio-political landscape, focusing on the intersection of jurisprudence, religious guidance, and political engagement. It explores historical, jurisprudential, and contemporary perspectives on the political involvement of the marajiʿ (Shiʿi scholars) from the Abbasid Empire to post-2003 Iraq. Through a theoretical framework incorporating five models of wilayat al-faqih (guardianship of the jurist), this study examines the factors influencing direct and indirect political actions by the marjaʿiyya, including oppression, foreign intervention, institutional dynamics, political stability, and jurisprudential principles.

The research is grounded in historical analysis, primary texts, and interviews with representatives of leading marajiʿ such as Sayyid ‘Ali al-Sistani. Findings reveal a nuanced, adaptive approach by the marjaʿiyya, shaped by context and shifting between activism and quietism. The study highlights the marjaʿiyya’s pivotal role in shaping Iraq’s political trajectory and its broader implications for understanding the compatibility of Islam and democracy. This work provides a framework for predicting the future political roles of Shiʿi jurists and the evolving influence of religious authority in Iraq and beyond.