Reply to a Query [The requisite for the competent jurist's exercise of guardianship]

Inquirers: `Abbas Khatam Yazdi, Muhammad-Rida Tawassuli, Muhammad `Aba'i Khorasani, Muhammad-Jawad Kashmiri, and Sayyid `Ali Qadi `Asgar (Imam Khomeini's representatives in the Central Headquarters of Friday Prayers)

His Eminence Imam Khomeini, the Great Leader of the Islamic Revolution,- may his sublime presence endure,

Greetings and salutations!

In what manner will the competent jurist exercise guardianship over Muslim society?

May Allah grant you longevity for the Muslims.

Your representatives in the Headquarters of Friday Prayers,

`Abbas Khatam Yazdi

Tawassuli

`Aba'i

Kashmiri

Qadi `Asgar]

In His Most Exalted Name

Guardianship encompasses all aspects. Forming the government, however, depends on the vote of the majority of Muslims, a point which is also stipulated in the Constitution. During the early period of Islam, it was described as allegiance paid to the guardian of the Muslims.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini