Comparative Analysis of the Theory of Guardianship of the Jurist by Ayatollah Montazeri and Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli and Its Impact on Iran's Domestic Policies

Abstract

The theory of guardianship of the jurist, as one of the fundamental principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been explored and articulated by prominent jurists such as Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri and Ayatollah Abdullah Jawadi Amoli. This article presents a comparative analysis of these two theories and examines their impacts on Iran's domestic policies. Ayatollah Montazeri emphasized the necessity of oversight and the limitation of the jurist's authority, contributing to the strengthening of supervisory institutions and public participation in political decision-making processes. Conversely, Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli focused on moral and religious principles, solidifying the role of the jurist as a religious and ethical leader. By examining the differences and similarities between these two theories, this article analyzes their effects on Iran's political, social, and economic developments. The findings indicate that, despite significant differences, both theories have contributed to the development and reinforcement of the Islamic Republic of Iran.