<P>Ranging from the time of the infallible Imams, to the contemporary era, this book provides a comprehensive overview of Shi'i religious and political authority, focusing on Iran and Lebanon, without limiting the discourse to Khomeini's version of an Islamic State.</P>
<P>Utilising untapped Arabic and Persian sources, Hamid Mavani provides a detailed, nuanced, and diverse theoretical discussion on the doctrine of leadership <I>(Imamate)</I> in Shi'ism from traditional, theological, philosophical, and mystical perspectives. This theoretical discussion becomes the foundation for an analysis of the transmission of the Twelfth Imam's religious and political authority vis-á-vis the jurists during his Greater Occultation. </P>
<P>Bringing the often overlooked diversity within the Shi'i tradition into sharp focus, <I>Religious Authority and Political Thought in Twelver Shi'ism </I>discusses what constitutes an Islamic state, if there is such a notion as an <I>Islamic </I>state. Hamid Mavani further explores the possibility of creating a space for secularity, facilitating a separation between religion and state, and ensuring equal rights for all. This book argues that such a development is only possible if there is a rehabilitation of <I>ijtihad. </I>If this were to materialise modern religious, social, economic, political, and cultural challenges could be addressed more successfully.&nbsp;This book will be of use to scholars and students with interests ranging from Politics, to Religion, to Middle East Studies.</P>