Khomeini, connoting the town of his birth. This was in accor-
dance with Shiite custom, which called for religious teachers to
be known by their birthplace.
Under Haeri’s leadership, the school at Qom acquired a
notable reputation as a center of Islamic training. As the school
flourished, so did the city, nurtured in large part by Haeri’s
personal prosperity. He was instrumental in starting a hospital.
In time, Qom became a hub of Shiite theology.The Scholar From Khomein 23
SHIITE CLERGY
There are no clear equivalents of “priests,” “rabbis,” or “bishops”
among Shiite clergy. As we learned in an earlier chapter, there are
teachers and interpreters of Islamic law, called ulema. Until modern
times, the ulema were, for practical purposes, Persia’s educators. Over
the centuries, the ulema evolved into a special class. The people looked
to them as their local authorities. The ulema collected and distributed
offerings—which gave them considerable power—and they commanded
a distinctive form of respect. Because of their knowledge of Islamic law,
members of the ulema typically are selected as Iran’s judges.
Mullahsare clergymen who serve Shiite communities as teachers and
preachers. Lower-ranking mullahs are not qualified to interpret Islamic
laws. Mujtahidsare more advanced Islamic scholars. Some acquire a
superior status called hojatalislam. A select few of these highest-ranking
mujtahids eventually are recognized as ayatollahs.
Clerics specially trained as interpreters of Islamic law are the fuqaha(the
singular form is faqih). Islamic law is called the sharia. A faqihis authorized
to make binding decisions in questions concerning Islamic law.
The word imamhas two meanings. Some Muslims loosely refer to
local clergymen and prayer leaders as imams. However, to most Shiites
in Iran, the term has far greater significance. Imams are Muhammad’s
legitimate successors and thus are the most sacred interpreters of the
Qur’an. According to Shiite tradition, twelve imams were born during
the first few centuries after the death of Ali. The twelfth, regarded as
the “hidden” imam, is believed to have vanished more than a thousand
years ago but someday will reappear on Earth. His reappearance
supposedly will bring justice throughout the world.
Those who follow this belief in the twelve imams are known as the
Twelver sect of Shiism. Twelver Shiism is Iran’s official religion.