Hujjat al-Islam (, ) is an Islamic honorific title which translates in English to "authority on Islam" or "proof of Islam".
The title "Hujjat al-Islam" is given to scholars with a high level of Islamic expertise and Islamic theology.
Hujjat al-Islam history
The title
Hujjat al-Islam has a significant weight within the
community. It offers historical significance, educational purposes and responsibilities, traditional continuation, and ethical guidance.
This term, first established in the beginning of
Islamic history, used to refer to figures who served as authorities, but now it is used to refer to the
who have Islamic knowledge.
Individuals with this title are looked upon due to their deep knowledge of
Islam.
They could be responsible to teach Islamic classes, provide
on legal and ethical issue, and they can interrupt
teaching to others.
Since the term was established, it held a valuable meaning within the
community. It serves as a mark of honor and the term continues to be used to this day.
Sunni Islam
Its first recorded use was in a
Sunni Islam context, as a title for the 11th-century theologian
al-Ghazali, due to his refutations of
Hellenistic-influenced philosophers and Isma'ilis.
It was later used as a term of respect for judges.
Unlike in
Shia Islam Islam, Hujjat al-Islam is not as commonly used in the Sunni branch of
Islam.
Hujjat al-Islam serve more as teachers and guiders for their community, rather than a scholars. They may also be referred to as
or
. They are also in charge of providing legal
on religious information.
In the contemporary era, Egyptians Hadith studies Qadi Ahmad Shakir would confer the title " Hujjat al-Islam" to his teacher Rashid Rida, upon his death.
Shia Islam
The title of the "Hujjat al-Islam" is primarily popular in the
Shia Islam sect of
Islam.
In the Twelver Shia the title is awarded to scholars. Its earliest attested use, for a Shia personage, was during the
Qajar period for Muhammad al-Baqir (d. 1843).
It was originally applied as an honorific to leading scholars, but now the use indicates a status in the
hierarchy of the learned below
ayatollah.
Shia Islam believe that Imam al-Mahdi was the twelfth Imam after Muhammad. They await his return in order to bring peace, unity, and guidance to their community.
See also
