implementation of the hudod punishments during the cccultation age: principles and challenges

one of the most important issues in the occultation age that has been discussed by islamic jurists is whether the implementation of hudod punishment is allowed during the occultation age of infallible imam or not. the jurists have different opinions about this issue that we could generally categorize such opinions into three groups. the majority of jurists believe in the permissibility of performance of punishments; some believe in impossibility; and some others refrain from expressly saying yes or no. as a conclusion that is reached by examining these opinions, it can be declared that as a principle the implementation hudod is permitted if they are enforced by a fully qualified jurist during the occultation age of infallible imam. but if the performance of some punishments in certain circumstances would cause some hate among public opinions about islam and its rules, and consequently would result in the weakness of religion basis