Islam, Theocratic Republicanism, and Governance in Iran
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21111/injas.v3i1.14700Keywords:
Iran, Velayat-e Faqih, Shia Islam, Revolution, Theocratic Democracy, Political Islam, Guardian Council, Supreme LeaderAbstract
Iran represents a unique theocratic republic that integrates Islamic governance with republican principles. The political system is based on the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), at the core of its political system, which grants significant authority to Islamic scholars. This doctrine asserts that in the absence of the Hidden Imam, a qualified Islamic jurist should lead the state and society to ensure adherence to Islamic law. This system is designed to combine Islamic principles with modern governance; it simultaneously generates ongoing debates and tensions regarding the balance between religious authority and democratic processes. Through an analysis of Shia political thought and its manifestations within the Islamic Republic, this paper evaluates the adaptability and flexibility of Islamic principles to modern governance structures.References
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