What is the difference between special and general deputyship?

It is self-evident that the appointment of a special deputy by the Imam is explicit and emphatic. Anyone appointed with the direct endorsement of Imam al-Mahdi, peace be upon him, holds the office of special deputy; his words and speech are regarded as those of God’s Proof. Such an appointment is in no sense made by the people.

Any religious authority whom members of society, exercising their reason and discernment, turn to for guidance on religious law, religion and belief may, in a broad sense, be said to hold the office of general deputy. Whether Imam al-Mahdi, peace be upon him, approves or rejects such an authority is unknown. His answers on matters of religious law and belief, and his directives, are also accepted as a means of resolving uncertainty.