One of the reasons many, including myself, view Islam as a pagan-rooted religion that eventually adopted aspects of the God of Abraham is due to its structural resemblance to older religious power systems.
For example, the role of a Grand Ayatollah in Shia Islam closely mirrors the historical authority once granted to Catholic priests before the Protestant Reformation.
The lack of a comparable reformation within Islam has allowed certain factions—particularly among Shia communities—to elevate religious leaders like Grand Ayatollahs into positions of political and spiritual dominance. In some cases, this has directly contributed to the radicalization of youth and the formation of terror cells.
In the Shia Islamic faith, a Grand Ayatollah holds the highest rank of religious authority. Recognized as a “source of emulation” (marja’), other Shia Muslims look to them for guidance in religious matters and interpretation of Islamic law. While not typically holding official government office, Grand Ayatollahs wield tremendous societal and political influence through their religious pronouncements.
Recently, Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The fatwa declared that any person or government who undermines the leadership and unity of the global Islamic community (the Ummah) is to be considered a “warlord” or “mohareb”—an individual who wages war against God. Under Iranian law, this classification can carry brutal consequences, including execution, crucifixion, amputation, or exile.
A fatwa is a non-binding legal opinion in Islam, issued by a qualified religious scholar (mufti) to provide guidance based on Sharia law. It can address a wide range of topics—from religious obligations to ethical dilemmas—according to The Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs.
The politics behind such declarations are glaring. If ever brought to trial, a Grand Ayatollah like Shirazi could simply claim, “I never told anyone to act violently.” It’s a carefully worded game of semantics, religious posturing, and plausible deniability.
Should President Trump or his administration retaliate? That remains debatable—especially considering Ayatollah Shirazi is now 98 years old. At this point, he’s a frail man issuing ideological dog whistles, hoping to inspire young, often impoverished, Iranian men to carry out acts of violence in his name.
This is one of the reasons I lean toward anarcho-capitalism and small government. A 98-year-old religious figure inciting conflict for personal power and prestige—while living comfortably—demonstrates how centralized power can be easily abused. In essence, he’s behaving like a spiritual gang leader, seducing youth with the promise of honor, only to use them as pawns in a geopolitical game.
Sadly, many Iranian youths participate in this system just to survive or earn a sense of purpose and belonging—no different from those who get caught up in criminal gangs in the West.
As Christians, we’re taught that the Kingdom of God should reside within us. This spiritual principle reminds us not to wage wars for personal gain. Our faith encourages peace. The more genuine followers of Christ there are in the world, the more peace and restraint we will see. We do not rely on governments for our morality—the Bible is both our ethical guide and our spiritual constitution.
Muslims should not need intermediaries like Grand Ayatollahs. At the same time, in the West, we must work to shrink bloated welfare states and refocus our policies on local responsibility and godly stewardship.
That also means stepping back from trying to micromanage Israel’s affairs. Whether Israel chooses to go to war, expand territory, or defend itself—that is their national decision. Christians should stop interfering based on political allegiances and start trusting God’s sovereignty.
Too often, tyrants in the Middle East have risen to power simply because Western nations placed restraints on Israel’s right to defend itself. If my own country were attacked, I’d want us to flatten the aggressor without hesitation. In a free-market, capitalist society, I can choose who I support, under what conditions, and how. That’s the nature of liberty.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.