Diffrence in Verdicts
Question :

Why do the Marajae differ in their verdicts?

Answer :

Human nature necessitates differences in opinions in every field, including Islamic jurisprudence, since it is one of the sciences that depend on in-depth and detailed derivations, like other sciences. So, it is natural for scientists to arrive at different conclusions as long as they are thinking freely and objectively. As such, the Shia school of jurisprudence has developed as a result of the intellectual efforts of many great scholars throughout centuries, may Almighty Allah shower His blessings over their souls and guard those still amongst us, for their preservation of the religion from external influences and powers and maintained the religion in its pure and untainted form.

Becoming Ayatollah
Question :

How does a person become a grand ayatollah?

Answer :

In our time, the said title is known to be for the marja' who writes a treatise of practical laws. The level of knowledge required for him is achieved after passing various stages of studies, in which he becomes an expert in the details of the practical laws and their evidences.

Answering Questions
Question :

Who are authorized to answer questions from the official website of his Eminence? Are all the answers from this site given personally by him or a team of his students or the like?

Answer :

Any question received via the internet or otherwise is read carefully by a number of senior students. If the answer is found in his book of practical Islamic laws or if it is similar to a previously answered question, it will be answered accordingly. If the answer is not found, the question is then presented to his Eminence (may Allah prolong his life) to address it.

More Than One Marja
Question :

What is the wisdom behind having so many Marjas instead of just having one?

Answer :

Referring to the religious jurists in finding the rulings of the Sharia is one of concepts which have certain limitations and conditions, for which one must refer to the religious legislator, Almighty Allah. The religious texts explain the general qualities of the scholars whom one should refer to. This concept was implemented during the time of the Imams (peace be upon them) themselves, who guided the believers to refer to certain scholars amongst the disciples in various parts of the Muslim world. The followers of the Ahlulbait continued for the subsequent generations to refer to the scholars who fulfilled the criteria described by the Imams (peace be upon them). Since there are more than one scholar who fulfills these qualities, the individual should refer to the one who is most knowledgeable, and determining this is a subjective task for each individual. Therefore, the believers will naturally come to different conclusions and have different Marjas to follow.

Naib-e- Imam
Question :

Can we address any of our Marja as Naib-e- Imam?

Answer :

Being the deputy of the Imam (peace be upon him) has several aspects, some of them fits the Marja like the ability to give verdicts and to be the judge in personal conflicts, and other aspects do not apply to him. It is permissible to intend the ones that apply to the Marja when addressing him.

Role of Marjaiyya
Question :

What is the role of Marjaiyya in the new democratic Iraq?

Answer :

The policies of the previous dictatorial regime in Iraq were focused on personality-worship and the use of all Iraqi resources, capabilities and establishments to strengthen the throne. Once the mentioned regime collapsed, the religious leadership "the Marjaiyya"; directed the Iraqis to fill the legislative, political and security gaps.
The Marjaiyya did not enforce a particular kind of regime. Rather, it took in consideration Iraq's conditions and its components. Therefore; a populist election system was adopted on the basis of allowing every private citizen to vote and an election was based on the same guidelines that advanced modern countries observe in addition to preserving Iraqi identity, which encompasses ethical values and religious foundations that Iraqis are proud of. The Marjaiyya did not obligate the citizens to vote for a particular clause in the constitution but they were allowed the freedom of choice.