Hujjat al-Islam (, ) is an Islamic honorific title which translates in English to "authority on Islam" or "proof of Islam".
The title "Hujjat al-Islam" is given to scholars with a high level of Islamic expertise and Islamic theology. Essentially, one who acquires this title is considered to be an authority on Islam worthy of respect. The person with this title is also able to provide guidance and clarify topics on issues in the Islamic community. The term "Hujjat al-Islam" has different connotation to Sunnis and Shias.
Hujjat al-Islam history
The title Hujjat al-Islam has a significant weight within the Islamic community. It offers historical significance, educational purposes and responsibilities, traditional continuation, and ethical guidance. Individuals with this title are looked upon due to their deep knowledge of Islam. They could be responsible to teach Islamic classes, provide fatwas on legal and ethical issue, and they can interrupt Islamic teaching to others. Deobandis granted this title to their leader Hanafi Maturidi theologian Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi for his debates with scholars of other religions and establishing Darul Uloom Deoband.
Shia Islam
The title of the "Hujjat al-Islam" is primarily popular in the Shia branch of Islam. In the Twelver Shia the title is awarded to scholars. Its earliest attested use, for a Shia personage, was during the Qajar period for Muhammad al-Baqir (d. 1843).
See also
- Shaykhism
- Shaykh of Sufism
- Seghatoleslam
- Sufism
- Islamic religious leaders