maraaja

Maraji is a term used primarily within Shia Islam to refer to highly respected religious scholars who are considered qualified to provide authoritative religious guidance to their followers. These individuals, often referred to as Grand Ayatollahs or Marja al-taqlid (source of emulation), have achieved the highest levels of religious education and scholarship in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and its principles (usul al-fiqh).

The concept of marja is central to the practice of taqlid, which is the act of a Shia Muslim following the rulings and interpretations of a living marja. Individuals who are not scholars themselves are generally expected to emulate a marja, meaning they consult the marja's legal opinions and pronouncements on matters of religious law and practice. This emulation is based on the belief that the marja possesses the necessary knowledge and understanding to correctly interpret Islamic texts and derive rulings.

Maraji typically issue fatwas (legal opinions) and write detailed legal treatises known as risalas or 'amaliyas, which outline their rulings on a wide range of issues, from prayer and fasting to marriage, divorce, and financial transactions. The authority of a marja is derived from their perceived piety, extensive knowledge, and adherence to the principles of Shia jurisprudence. When a marja passes away, their followers typically choose a new marja to emulate.