Authority of Jurisprudent in the Islamic Government

Abstract

The term authority means level of having capability to influence people with level of affectability on them. This capability is gradually intermingled with practice and power of the ruler. At present, authority usually speaks of some level of official power, subordination of others and special obligation within certain rules. An authoritative person has naturally the right of commanding but authority differs from simple exercise of power or force. On the other hand, two interpretations of power and authority must be separated: power means the ability to attract or instigate obedience while authority means exercise of some actions with the right of setting rules and running the affairs and the like. In Islamic culture, authority takes a certain definition; authority of the Islamic ruler approved by the religious legislator is considered the main cause of power as well as prevention of autocracy and dictatorship. This article tries to make analysis of authority and modes of its acquisition in Jurisprudent and to respond to skepticism raised thereof by concisely elucidating authority and its status in Islamic culture.