Risalah (fiqh)

For other uses, see Risala (disambiguation).

Risalah (Arabic: رسالـة) is the Arabic word for treatise. Among the Shia the term is short for a risalah-yi'amaliyyah (Persian: رساله عملیه) or treatise on practical law. These treatises are also known as collections of juridical edicts or clarifications of questions (Arabic: توضيح المسائل). They are usually written by a mujtahid^[1] as part of the process of becoming a Marja'-e-Taqlid, i.e. a Grand Ayatollah.^[2] These books contain the cleric's practical rulings on the application of Islam to daily life.^[3] 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''s followers to conform their behaviour to their interpretation of Islam.^[3]

See also

• Usooli