Public Supervision on Performance of Islamic Jurisprudent unlike Despotic Ruler (Part 1)

The Islamic jurisprudent is not infallible and there is the possibility of sin or fault in him, so the public deserve the right to supervise his performance. The generality of the Islamic principle of “bidding for good and forbidding from bad”‌ necessitates supervising performance of anyone in the Islamic society. Such supervision can be conducted by the people themselves, as Imam Khomeini says: “Any individual from the Islamic nation deserves the right to impeach the ruler of the Muslims and criticize his performance directly in the public, and the ruler must provide the public convincing answers, otherwise he has acted against the Islamic rules and regulations and will be automatically deposed of his authority.[i] Putting emphasis on such verses as “…and advise each other to truth …”‌[ii]

Also according to law, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for supervising and making research into the personal possessions, justice, and piety … of the leader of Muslims. When the Research Committee was first established in the Assembly of Experts, some told Imam Khomeini: “It is clear that this decision does not include you.”‌ Imam Khomeini in his typical modesty said: “It is for me too. This commission must carry out its legal responsibilities even on me.”‌[iv]

References:

· Yazdi, Muhammad, Constitutional Law for Everyone, Amir Kabir Publications, 1996

[i] Imam Khomeini, Vanguard of Islamic Revolution, an Interview in Paris  and Najaf, 291

[ii] Surah AL-Asr: 3