How to Pronounce Marji

Meaning and Context

In Shia Islam, a Marjiʿ (plural: Marājiʿ), often Anglicized as Marji or Marja', is a Grand Ayatollah recognized as a supreme religious authority and a "source of emulation" (Marjaʿ al-Taqlīd). This esteemed position is achieved through decades of rigorous study in Islamic seminaries, particularly in centers like Qom, Iran, and Najaf, Iraq, culminating in a scholar being acknowledged by the community for his exceptional mastery of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), the Qur'an, and the Hadith. A Marjiʿ issues authoritative legal opinions (fatwas) and comprehensive guides to religious practice (resalah amaliyah), which his followers (muqallids) adhere to in their personal, social, and devotional lives. The concept of Marjiʿiyyah, or the institution of religious authority, is central to the structure of Twelver Shia Islam, providing spiritual guidance and continuity. Prominent historical Marājiʿ include Grand Ayatollah Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, and in the modern era, figures like Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who has been a leading Marjiʿ since the 1990s and whose rulings influence millions of Shia Muslims globally on matters ranging from daily worship to complex bioethical and political issues.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term has several transliterations from Arabic/Persian, leading to common variations. The most accurate representation is "Marjiʿ" with an apostrophe or inverted comma representing the Arabic letter ʿayn (ع). However, it is frequently spelled without diacritics as "Marji" or "Marja". The spelling "Marja'" with a straight apostrophe is also widely accepted. A common error is the misspelling "Marjaa" or "Marjia," which incorrectly elongates or alters the final vowel sound. The plural is "Marājiʿ," often seen as "Maraje" or "Maraji'". Confusion also arises with the related term "Marja'iyyah" (the office or institution of a Marjiʿ), which is sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably with the title itself. When searching for information, using combinations like "Marja," "Marji," and "Marja taqlid" (source of emulation) will yield the most comprehensive results.

Example Sentences

After years of independent study, the young Shia Muslim chose to follow the rulings of a specific Marji whose scholarly approach to modern ethical dilemmas he deeply respected.

In his Friday sermon, the local cleric clarified that the question regarding financial transactions required consulting the detailed resalah of one's appointed Marji.

The conference in Najaf brought together several senior Marāji to discuss contemporary challenges facing the Muslim community.

When asked about the ruling, she explained, "I must defer to the fatwa of my Marja' on this matter, as I am not a scholar myself.

" The passing of a universally respected Marjiʿ like Grand Ayatollah Sistani would mark a significant moment of transition within the Shia world.

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