Diversity of Islamic doctrines
Interesting article at The Economist titled The Verdict of Qom, with some illustrations of differing clerical opinion within Shia Islam about women and other things as well.
Quote:
Khomeini's central idea, the doctrine of velayat-e faqih, gives the Islamic Republic its theological underpinning. This holds that until the appearance of the Shias' “hidden imam” (of which more below) society should be governed by a supreme leader, the clerical judge best qualified to interpret God's will and the meaning of Islamic law. It is this doctrine that makes Ayatollah Khamenei supreme leader and all others subordinate to him. But Qom itself has never felt completely at ease either with Ayatollah Khomeini's idea or Ayatollah Khamenei's succession. Indeed, many of the most revered clerical minds in Qom see this doctrine, and especially the way it has been implemented since Khomeini's death, as negating their tradition.
Full article here:
http://www.economist.com/specialrepo...ory_id=9466854
Saudi Arabian mother becomes the First Lady of AQ
After a search the right thread to re-activate with this Saudi story and yes I am mindful it relies on official sources.
Sub-titled:Note:
Quote:
Shehri, a former Guantanamo Bay inmate who returned to Saudi Arabia and then fled to Yemen, specifically demanded the release of Heila al-Qusayyer, who had been arrested in February.
Saudi justices moves slowly and sometimes with press coverage. I wonder if his demand made the Saudis realise the value of the arrest?