Who to emulate? (crisis in Shia leadership in Iran)

From: The Middle East | Date: February 1, 1995 | Copyright information

Ayatollah Ali Khameini's refusal to accept the highest position of Marja Taqlid in the Shiite hierarchy in Iran may have either been a result of his desire to defuse the intense debate over the clergy's role in politics or make his present position in Iran's political hierarchy appear as even higher than that of a Marja. There are, however, serious contenders to Khameini's leadership in the country.

The Marja Taqlid, or Source of Emulation, is someone considered by the Shia populatio...

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