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
Related Terms§
- 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§
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
