Note 549 — Chapter VI · THE RULING INSTITUTION: AS GOVERNMENT

“The dignity of the Imâmate does not absolutely demand that the Imâm be just, virtuous, or irreproachable, or that he be the most eminent and the most excellent of the human beings of his time” (from the Multeka, quoted by D’Ohsson, i. 271); “Vices or tyranny in an Imâm do not demand his deposition” (ibid. 288). This is the doctrine of orthodox Islam, as the outcome of the early Kharijite schisms. The Shiites are more critical as regards their sovereigns, who are not regarded as Imâms.