Ayatollah is a high title in the religious hierarchy among Shiite Muslims.
In Shiite Islam, the figure of the ayatollah is considered the most important, as it represents the maximum amount of religious knowledge within Islamic doctrine.
In Iran, the ayatollahs have the power to control the country's legislation, in order to ensure that the laws are in accordance with the Sharia (Islamic law).
The Ayatollah also controls Iran's elections, judiciary and security forces, ensuring compliance with Islamic rules of moral conduct.
Even though Iran is considered a republic, where there is the election of a president and the presence of a parliament, in practice, the country is dominated by the figure of the ayatollah.
In order for a person to become an ayatollah, he or she must be directly nominated by another ayatollah, who recognizes the necessary characteristics to be worthy of this title.
In addition to possessing insight and in-depth knowledge of the philosophy of Shia Islamic doctrine, to become an ayatollah one must also be regarded as a direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad.
Therefore, it does not have a vote to choose this religious leader, requiring only his nomination or indication by another ayatollah or sheikh – a title attributed to the scholar of sharia.
Learn more about the meaning of Shiite.
This word originated from the Arabic ayatollah, which literally means "sign of Allah on Earth". In other words, according to the principles of Shiite Islam, the ayatollah would be a sign of God among mortals, someone with religious discernment who guides human beings in their journey.
For Shia Islamic doctrine, the most important ayatollah of all was Ruhollah Khomeini, spiritual leader of the Iranian Revolution, responsible for seizing power in the country from Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlevi, and establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979.
See also the meaning of the Islam.
