A marja, or marja-e-taqleed (Arabic مرجع تقليد), literally "source of imitation" or "source of tradition", is the second highest authority on religion and law in Shi'a Islam after the (Shi'a) Imam. Where a difference in opinion exists between the marjas, Aalims (Religious Scholars) try to provide different opinions.
Four senior Grand Ayatollahs constitute the Hawza Ilmiyyah, a religious institution in Najaf and the preeminent seminary center for the training of Shia clergymen. There is a separate institution in Qom, Iran.
See also
Last updated: 08-31-2005 01:59:55
