Guardianship of the Jurist Is the Continuation of Islamic Governance

: Cleric in Interview with Taghrib

In an interview with Taghrib News Agency(TNA), he stated: “Threatening the Supreme Leader is, from a religious standpoint, an affront to the divine sanctity, the Prophet of Islam, the Ahl al-Bayt, and—during the occultation—an attack on the representative of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), who today also holds the position of religious authority. According to the fatwas of all Islamic scholars and jurists, such an act constitutes aggression against religion, Islamic governance, and the legitimacy of religious authority.”

Pourzahabi referred to the widespread condemnation by Muslim scholars and communities in response to recent insults by the U.S. and Israel: “Islamic governance is founded upon the Holy Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the infallible Imams. Following these three pillars, obedience to the representative of Imam Mahdi during his absence is obligatory for all, and this is manifested through the system of guardianship of the jurist (Velayat-e Faqih).”

He added: “Velayat-e Faqih is both a matter of faith and rooted in the will of the people. The Islamic ruler is responsible for implementing religious laws and preserving unity in society. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Supreme Leader is backed by divine authority, the legacy of the infallible Imams, and the votes of the people through the Assembly of Experts.”
As the Supreme Leader’s representative in Kurdistan, Pourzahabi emphasized: “Velayat-e Faqih carries both spiritual sanctity and national legitimacy. If either of these aspects is threatened, the response must be firm and reciprocal—both legally and politically—since its legitimacy is derived from the people.”
He reiterated: “From a religious perspective, threatening the Supreme Leader is equivalent to attacking the sacred realm of God, the Prophet, and the Ahl al-Bayt, and during the occultation, the representative of Imam Mahdi. According to the fatwas of senior scholars, such threats are considered an assault on religion and the legitimacy of Islamic governance.”
In conclusion, Pourzahabi stated: “Based on this understanding, religious authorities have issued fatwas declaring those who threaten or attack the Supreme Leader as apostates, deserving of reciprocal action. This principle has historical precedent dating back to the era of the Ahl al-Bayt, and it aligns with both religious doctrine and legal reasoning.”