Risalah () is the
Arabic
Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...
word for treatise. Among the
Shia
Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam. It holds that Muhammad designated Ali ibn Abi Talib () as both his political successor (caliph) and as the spiritual leader of the Muslim community (imam). However, his right is understood ...
the term is short for a () or treatise on practical law. These treatises are also known as collections of juridical edicts or clarifications of questions (). They are usually written by a mujtahid as part of the process of becoming a , i.e. a Grand Ayatollah.
These books contain the cleric's practical rulings on the application of
Islam
Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...
to daily life.
They are arranged according to topics such as ritual purity, worship, social issues, business, and political affairs. In considering each application they outline the principles and texts used to reach a specific ruling. They are used by a Marja' followers to conform their behaviour to their interpretation of Islam.
See also
*
Usooli
Notes and references
Shia Islam
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