Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Ṭabāṭabāʾī's approach to political philosophy in Shia Islam, juxtaposing it with Khomeini's Wilāyat al-Faqīh (Guardianship of the Jurist). Beginning with an exploration of al-Fārabī's influence on Muslim political thought, the paper delves into the governance theories of Khomeini, Ṭabāṭabāʾī, and Hāʾirī Yazdī. Contrary to the connections often made with Ṣadrā’s philosophy, this paper posits that Khomeini's governance theory is largely rooted in his jurisprudential interpretation, not in philosophical or mystical influences from Ṣadrā’s thought. The focus then shifts to Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s perspective on governance, which is deeply embedded in his philosophical delineation of "real" versus "mental concepts" or "Secondary intellectual considerations" (al-iʿtibārīyāt al-ʿaqlīya), integrating the dimension of imagination as a vital component in understanding the application of these concepts to societal governance. His approach, emphasizing justice, collective responsibility, accountability, and the adaptability of governance to societal needs, incorporates imagination as a tool to envision and implement governance structures that are responsive and conducive to human development. By leveraging imagination, Ṭabāṭabāʾī underlines the importance of a forward-thinking governance model that transcends conventional jurisprudential limits, advocating for a dynamic interpretation of Islamic law that can evolve with societal progress. The paper further explores Ṭabāṭabāʾī's ideas on mutual employment, societal interaction, and the innate nature of governance in human society, highlighting how imagination plays a crucial role in the practical realization of these ideals. It concludes that while Ṭabāṭabāʾī’s religious and metaphysical works gained prominence post the 1979 Iranian revolution, his contributions to political philosophy, especially in conceptualizing governance through the lens of imagination, are underexplored and hold immense potential for enriching contemporary discourse.