In institutions where religious authority is politically dependent on centres of power, authorisation usually implies a close relationship with a particular circle within the institution; these religious circles are monitored, manipulated or controlled by political power, drawing a line between loyal circles and those who resist the decisions made by a political power. In either case, the authorised religious figure is seen through the lenses of this loyalty/disloyalty. As we have observed, Kadīvar’s connection to Montaẓerī guaranteed him to achieve the highest standing at the Qom seminary, but this association also condemned him once Montaẓerī himself became dissident. The dependence of religious authorities on political power in such institutions makes them vulnerable to interference in the authorisation process itself, as in the case of favouring certain figures in the hierarchy of the institution over others. Corruption might also take place whereby some people obtain certificates, ijāzāt of religious authority in exchange of money or services. Religious authorisation could also turn into a mere tool to legitimise the ambitious political figures. When these institutions advocate specific political agendas they risk decline (when political power collapses) or devaluation of their religious authority in the eyes of the community.