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The Foundations of Political System Legitimacy in the Quranic Thought of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei (May his shadow be extended)
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Mohammad bashir Ahmadi1   , GhlamReza Behrouzilak2 , Mohammad Ali Ghasemi3 |
1- Al-Mustafa International University
2- Baqir al-Ulum University, Qom, Iran
3- Research Deputy of the Jurisprudential Center of the Infallible Imams (A.S.), Qom, Iran |
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Abstract: (31 Views) |
The issue of legitimacy is one of the most fundamental debates in political philosophy, with various theories addressing it. This study, using a descriptive-analytical approach and the thematic-exegetical method of interpreting the Qur’an, systematically examines the foundations of political legitimacy in the Qur’anic thought of Ayatollah al-Uzma Khamenei. The significance of this research lies in the fact that no comprehensive study has thus far focused on the Qur’an as the primary source for legitimacy in his political thought. The central question is: “What are the Qur’anic bases of political legitimacy in Ayatollah Khamenei’s perspective?” Findings indicate that legitimacy in his thought has a dual divine–popular nature. Its divine dimension rests on the general appointment of the qualified jurist, rooted in Qur’anic concepts of wilayah, obedience to those vested with authority, and imamate. Its popular dimension, while not the source of legitimacy, functions as a necessary condition for its realization through “public acceptance,” based on the Qur’anic teachings of shura and human vicegerency. Accordingly, he considers legitimacy during the occultation contingent upon both “religious qualification” (general appointment) and “popular acceptance” (election). Ultimately, this theory offers an innovative model reconciling divine rights and popular rights in religious governance.
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Article number: 2 |
| Keywords: Political Legitimacy, Quranic Thought, Ayatollah Khamenei, Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Velayat-e Faqih), General Appointment, Popular Acceptance. |
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Full-Text [DOCX 135 kb]
(11 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/18 | Accepted: 2025/12/22 | Published: 2025/12/22
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