Political Studies of New Islamic Civilization

Political Studies of New Islamic Civilization

The Role of the Clergy in the New Islamic Civilization: Resolving the Tension Between Religious Mission and Governmental Participation Within the Framework of the Thought of the Leaders of the Islamic Revolution

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Qur’anic Sciences and Hadith, University of Qur’anic Sciences and Teachings, Qom, Iran
Abstract
The New Islamic Civilization, as the ultimate ideal of the Islamic Revolution, cannot be realized without the systematic and purposeful presence of the clergy within the structure of governance. The central problem of this research is to explain an operational model for the participation of clerics in government in a way that resolves the apparent tension between their intrinsic religious mission (guidance, education, and scholarly authority) and governmental responsibilities (execution, supervision, and policymaking). Using a descriptive–analytical method and drawing on jurisprudential and hadith sources, the conduct of the Infallibles (peace be upon them), and the thought of the Two Leaders of the Islamic Revolution, this article addresses the question of how seminary-educated scholars can participate in the structure of governance without weakening their religious mission. The findings indicate that restricting the duties of the clergy solely to religious guidance is inconsistent with rational foundations, Qur’anic verses, narrations (including the Noble Tawqi‘, the hadith of the Prophet’s successors, and the Sermon of Shaqshaqiyyah), and the conduct of the Infallibles (peace be upon them). The evolution of Imam Khomeini’s (may God have mercy on him) view—from initial caution toward direct involvement to the necessity of essential presence—and the emphasis of the Supreme Leader (may his sanctity endure) on active yet limited participation indicate that there is no inherent contradiction and that governmental participation is necessary, provided that executive involvement remains temporary and based on necessity. The result of the research is a three‑layer model consisting of “strategic–permanent”, “supervisory–guiding”, and “executive–temporary” roles, which resolves the perceived tension and ensures the central role of the clergy in the realization of the New Islamic Civilization..
Keywords

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Volume 5, Issue 10
March 2026
Pages 142-169

  • Receive Date 06 December 2025
  • Revise Date 27 January 2026
  • Accept Date 18 February 2026