Although the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Wilayat-e Faqih) was explicitly endorsed during the Persian Constitutional Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Mohammad-Hossein Naini Gharavi, representing the overarching authority of Islamic jurists (Faqihs) during the Absence Period, broadens the interpretation and implementation of Hisbah (enforcement of religious law) beyond the views expressed by some scholars about the Imam who is absent or young. He extends the usage of Hisbah to areas such as the economic structure, governance, societal norms and rules, and the protection of communal well-being. Moreover, suppose Hisbah is restricted to specific domains. In that case, he views the overall social order as more critical than Hisbah and regards the authority of the Faqihs and general trustees during the Absence Period as definite. In Naini's belief, the essence of governance lies in safeguarding particular interests, avoiding harm to public benefits, and preventing political corruption while renouncing rule by monopoly. He deems rulers like Malik al-Raqab (influential owners), who govern without restraint, lack checks and balances, and accountability, as unfavorable for they contradict the governance philosophy and the nation's welfare.
This study investigates Ayatollah Naini's views on governance during the Imam's apparent absence, focusing on his profound comprehension of governance philosophy and public welfare provision. The research findings suggest his perspective underscores the establishment of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist, a significant representation of legitimate Wilayat-e Faqih governance—this study, which is