Risalah (Arabic: رسالـة) is the Arabic word for treatise, but among the Shia, the term is used as shorthand for a risalah-yi'amaliyyah (Arabic: رسالهی 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 Islam.^[3]

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All resalahs begin with an explicit disclaimer stating that no proof shall be given for any of the five articles of faith in the roots of religion (usul al-din).^{[citation needed]}

• Ayatollah
• Taqleed
• Usooli