📝 Deep Dive into Iran's Council of Experts: The Custodians of Authority

October 3, 2023 5 min read Faridah Nourbakhsh Politics History Islamic Studies Iran Council of Experts Islamic Republic Constitution Leadership Clerics

Explore the Council of Experts of Iran, an elected body of clerics entrusted with advising the Revolutionary Council, drafting the constitution, and overseeing the leadership succession in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Definition and Meaning

The Council of Experts (مجلس خبرگان رهبری‎, Majles-e Khobregan Rahbari), also known as the Assembly of Experts, is an influential body in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Primarily composed of clerics, it was established to advise the Revolutionary Council and the faqih (chief legal scholar). The council’s primary functions include monitoring the Supreme Leader’s activities, electing a successor, and ensuring adherence to the principles of the Islamic revolution.

Etymology

Council: Derived from the Old French conseil and Latin concilium, meaning an assembly or meeting.
Experts: From Latin expertus, emphasizing specialized knowledge or authority, particularly within the religious context in this case.

Background and Historical Facts

1979: The Council of Experts was integral in drafting Iran’s new constitution following the Islamic Revolution.
1983: It became a permanent institution to oversee succession in the Supreme Leader position.
1979 Constitution: Ratified to establish the religious authority of clerics in the governance of the Islamic Republic.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

While specific to Shia Islam and Iran, councils of religious advisors exist in various forms across numerous cultures including the Vatican’s College of Cardinals, which share the task of leadership succession.

Synonyms

Assembly of Experts
Expert Council

Antonyms

Secular Parliament
Civil Advisory Board

Faqih: A chief legal scholar in Islamic jurisprudence.
Supreme Leader: The highest-ranking political and religious authority in Iran.

Exciting Facts

The Council of Experts meets twice annually, a significant symbol of its continuous oversight and involvement in state affairs.
Only clerics who have undergone rigorous vetting processes are eligible for the council.

Quotations

“The Assembly of Experts is the engineer of the Islamic Republic’s constitutional edifice.” - Rahmatollah Mousavi, a scholar on Iranian politics.

References and Suggested Literature

“Iran’s Islamic Republic and the Council of Experts” by M. Afshari, 1997.
“The Constitution of Iran: Politics and the Peril of Writing” by A. Netin, 2003.
“Clerics, Revolution, and the Politics of Iran’s Council of Experts” by H. Djavadi, 2010.

Explore these works for an in-depth understanding of the Council’s historical context, its political role, and its profound influence on Iranian state affairs.

Translations of “Council of Experts” in various languages:

Arabic: مجلس الخبراء
Turkish: Uzmanlar Meclisi
Urdu: ماہرین کی کونسل
Bengali: বিশেষজ্ঞ পরিষদ
Indonesian: Dewan Ahli
Persian: مجلس خبرگان

Quizzes

### Who primarily composes the Iranian Council of Experts? - [x] Clerics - [ ] Military officers - [ ] Politicians - [ ] Business leaders > **Explanation:** The Council of Experts is composed mainly of clerics who are religious scholars in Iran. ### What key function does the Council of Experts serve in Iran? - [x] Electing and overseeing the Supreme Leader - [ ] Governing economic policies - [ ] Supervising educational institutions - [ ] Enforcing legal practices > **Explanation:** The primary function of the Council is to elect and oversee the Supreme Leader, making sure his activities align with the principles of Islam and the country's interests. ### In what year did the Council become a permanent institution? - [x] 1983 - [ ] 1979 - [ ] 1989 - [ ] 1995 > **Explanation:** The Council of Experts was made a permanent institution in 1983 to oversee leadership succession and maintain stability within the Islamic Republic. ### What notable historical event led to the formation of the Council of Experts? - [x] Islamic Revolution of 1979 - [ ] Iran-Iraq War - [ ] The 1953 Coup - [ ] The Qajar Dynasty Fall > **Explanation:** The Islamic Revolution of 1979 was the pivotal event that necessitated the creation of the Council to draft a new constitution and guide the newly formed Islamic Republic. ### Which term describes the chief legal scholar in the Islamic Republic of Iran? - [x] Faqih - [ ] Mujtahid - [ ] Qadi - [ ] Marja' > **Explanation:** The term "Faqih" denotes the chief legal scholar who provides Islamic legal rulings in the absence of the Hidden Imam in Shia Islam. ### The etymology of the term “council” is rooted in which language? - [x] Latin - [ ] Greek - [ ] Persian - [ ] Arabic > **Explanation:** The root of the term "council" is derived from the Latin word "concilium," meaning an assembly or a meeting. ### What type of vetting process do members of the Council of Experts undergo? - [x] Rigorous religious vetting - [ ] Military testing - [ ] Economic background checks - [ ] Psychological evaluations > **Explanation:** Members of the Council undergo rigorous vetting processes to ensure they are qualified religious scholars. ### How often does the Council of Experts meet? - [x] Twice annually - [ ] Monthly - [ ] Weekly - [ ] Every five years > **Explanation:** The Council of Experts meets two times a year to review and discuss matters pertaining to their duties.

Inspirational Farewell: Knowledge illuminates the path of wisdom. Understanding the intricate governance and profound history of institutions such as Iran’s Council of Experts sheds light not only on their functions but also on the cultural and religious values they uphold. Keep exploring and inspiring others through your journey of continuous learning!

Faridah Nourbakhsh

Saturday, July 6, 2024