Principles and Foundations of Political Negotiation in the Quranic Thought of Imam Khamenei (may his shadow endure)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 A fourth-level student at the Qom Seminary, MA in Political Science (International Relations), PhD student in Quran and Sciences with a focus on Psychology, Higher Education Complex of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

2 PhD in Quran and Sciences, specializing in Law; Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Humanities, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

10.22084/rjir.2025.30748.3901

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Despite the pivotal role of political negotiation in the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the contemporary world, the utilization of Quranic principles in this arena has often been neglected. This research aims to elucidate and extract the principles and foundations of political negotiation from the Quran, with emphasis on the Quranic thought of Ayatollah Khamenei (may his shadow endure).
Method: This research was conducted using a qualitative method (analytical-inferential). Data were collected by extracting and gathering statements related to negotiation from the written works of Imam Khamenei, based on the purposeful selection of keywords. In the next stage, relying on the method of inference, research questions were derived from the data, and finally, the obtained content was analyzed and explained using the qualitative content analysis method.
Findings: The research shows that political negotiation in Imam Khamenei's thought is based on value foundations (steadfastness, independence, rejection of domination, mutual interests) and functional principles. These principles are analyzed on two levels: strategic (cognitive-behavioral) and tactical. Cognitive principles (understanding the opponent's strategy, wise statesmanship, intelligent expediency, monotheistic dignity, realism) and behavioral principles (duty-orientation, acceptance of logic, concealment, rational calculation of consequences and effects) are used to achieve the macro goals of negotiation. Tactical principles (heroic flexibility, purposeful display of authority, reciprocal action, and the logic of confronting illogic) are used in specific situations.
Results: The research shows that these foundations and principles have the potential, if adhered to, to pave the way for achieving the ideals of the Islamic system, including preserving dignity and independence, and realizing justice and expediency in the field of political negotiations.

Keywords

References

  •  

    • Abdul-Waniss Shata, Ahmad (1996). The General Principles of International Relations in Islam in Times of Peace. Cairo: Islamic Thought.
    • Afrasiabi, Zahra, Akbari, Mahmoud (2024). “Explaining the Rationality of Imam Khomeini's (ra) Unifying Approach in the International Relations of Muslim Countries.” Iran's Contemporary Government Research, 10(3): 85–106. (In Persian)
    • Bahrani, Hashem (1994). Al-Burhan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Proof in the Interpretation of the Quran). Qom: Bu‘that Foundation.
    • Batini, Mohammad Reza (1997). Contemporary English–Persian Dictionary. Tehran: Farhang-e Moaser. (In Persian)
    • Batman Ghelich, Mohammad Hossein (2017). Translator's Dictionary (Arabic–Persian). Tehran: Mizan. (In Persian)
    • Dehkhoda, Ali-Akbar (1955). Dehkhoda Dictionary. Tehran: University of Tehran Press. (In Persian)
    • Duverger, Maurice (n.d.). An Introduction to Political Science. Translated by: Sami Durubi and Jamal Atassi. Beirut: Dar al-Jeel.
    • Eftekharian, Mohammad Hossein (2001). Encyclopedia of War and Peace (Academic Culture of International Politics). Tehran: Moslem. (In Persian)
    • Fakhr Razi, Mohammad (1999). Al-Tafsir al-Kabir (Mafatih al-Ghaib). Beirut: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi.
    • Farahidi, Khalil (1988). Kitab al-Ayn. Beirut: Hijrat.
    • Ghaffari, Mostafa (2019). From the June (1963). Uprising. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Ghasemi Shoob, Mohammad (2022). “Typology of Political Negotiation Goals in the Prophetic Tradition (PBUH).” Contemporary Iranian State Studies, 8(1): 11–39. (In Persian)
    • Ghasemi Shoob, Mohammad, Shahroudi, Mohammadreza, Ayazi, Mohammad Ali (2020). “Recognizing the Political Negotiation of Imam Hassan (AS); Principles of Peace Discourse.” Islamic Political Research, 8(18): 118–141. (In Persian)
    • Gohari Moghadam, Abuzar, Moudjahed, Kiani Mohammad (2019). “The Negotiation Model in the Prophetic Tradition.” Political Science, 15(1). (In Persian)
    • Hurr al-Amili, Muhammad (1995). Wasa'il al-Shia (The Means of Shia). Qom: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi.
    • Ibn Babawayh, Muhammad (1984). Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih (The One Who Has No Jurist Present). Qom: Islamic Publications Office.
    • Ibn Manzur, Muhammad (1994). Lisan al-Arab (The Tongue of the Arabs). Beirut: Dar al-Fikr for Printing and Publication.
    • Javadi Amoli, Abdullah (2000). Thematic Interpretation: The Prophet's Conduct in the Quran. Researcher: Hossein Shafiei. Qom: Isra. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Ali (2019r). The Idea of Resistance from the Perspective of Ayatollah Khamenei. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2013). The Sun in Confrontation. Researcher: Hadith Loh-e Qalam Cultural Institute. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2017a). Two Mujahid Imams. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2018). Common Pain. Researcher: Hossein Shahsavari. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2018). Comrades of Hussein (AS). Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2018). Enemy Recognition. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2018). Teachings of the Revolution. Researcher: Alireza Mokhtarpoor Ghahroudi. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2018). The Islamic Ummah. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2019). Charter of the Teachings of the Islamic Revolution. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2019). Nahj al-Balagha: Explanation of Parts of Nahj al-Balagha. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2019). Politics from the Perspective of Ayatollah al-Ozma Khamenei. Researcher: Amir Siahpoosh. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2019b). The New Era of the World. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2019c). The Form and Nature of the Islamic Revolution in the Statements of Ayatollah Khamenei. Research: Mohammadreza Haji Anzhaei. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2019d). Armaghan. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2020a). The Epic of Imam Sajjad (AS). Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2022a). Commentary on Surah Bara'at. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (2022b). Commentary on Surah Tawbah. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khamenei, Seyyed Ali (n.d.). Statements. Tehran: Islamic Revolution Publications. (In Persian)
    • Khansari, Mohammad (1953). Formal Logic. Tehran: Didar. (In Persian)
    • Khomeini, Ruhollah (2000). Guardianship of the Jurist: Islamic Governmen Tehran: Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini's Works. (In Persian)
    • Kulayni, Mohammad (1984). Al-Usul al-Kafi. Tehran: Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya.
    • Latifi Pakdeh, Lotfali (2009). Islam and International Relations. Qom: Zamzam Hedayat. (In Persian)
    • Majlesi, Mohammad Baqer (1983). Bihar al-Anwar. Beirut: Dar al-Turath al-Arabi.
    • Mostafavi, Hassan (1995). Al-Tahqiq fi Kalimat al-Quran al-Karim. Tehran: Institute of Printing and Publishing. (In Persian)
    • Nahj al-Balagha (The Peak of Eloquence)
    • Omidvar, Hossein (2011). Globalization and International Relations. Tehran: Afraz. (In Persian)
    • Pakatchi, Ahmad (2012). Research Method with Emphasis on the Field of Quran and Hadith Sciences. Qom: Imam Sadiq University (AS). (In Persian)
    • Redhead, Brian (1998). Political Thought from Plato to NATO. Translated by: Morteza Kakhi and Akbar Afsari. [n.p.]: Agah. (In Persian)
    • Sadr, Mohammad Baqir (2004). Logical Foundations of Induction. Translated by: Ahmad Mohammad Ali Qods Pour. Tehran: Yamin. (In Persian)
    • Sadr, Mohammad Baqir (2020). Historical Traditions in the Holy Quran. Translated by: Jalal Miraghai. Qom: Dar al-Sadr Publications. (In Persian)
    • Sajjadi, Abdul Qayyum (2009). Diplomacy and Political Behavior in Islam. Qom: Boostan Ketab. (In Persian)
    • Schoenfield, Mark, Schoenfield, Rick (2008). The Art and Science of Negotiation. Translated by: Ali Mostajeran. Tehran: Ney Publishing. (In Persian)
    • Shaban Nia, Qasem (2020). “Characteristics of Desirable Islamic Negotiation in Resolving Regional and International Political Conflicts.” Islamic Political Research, 8(18). (In Persian)
    • Sharif Razi, Mohammad (1987). Nahj al-Balagha (Sobhi al-Saleh). Qom: Dar al-Hijrah.
    • Shetabdra, Mohammad (2019). “Observatory Negotiation Model with an Analytical-Critical View of the Philosophy of Negotiation and its Approaches (Case Study: JCPOA Agreement).” Defense Policy, 28(107): 9–51. (In Persian)
    • Souri, Alireza (2018). “Imam Khamenei's Management in Crises: A Case Study (The Crisis Before the 2009 Elections).” Crisis Management Studies, 8(31). (In Persian)
    • Tabataba'i, Mohammad Hossein (1973). Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran. Beirut: Al-Alami Institute for Publications.
    • Tarihi, Fakhr al-Din (1987). Majma' al-Bahrain. Researcher: Seyyed Ahmad Hosseini. [n.p.]: Maktab Nashr al-Thaqafa al-Islamiyya.
    • The Holy Quran
    • Tusi, Hamidreza (2019). “A Study on the Rule of Reciprocity Based on Verse 58 of Surah Al-Anfal.” Quranic Teachings, 16(29): 199–222. (In Persian)
    • Tusi, Mohammad (1986). Tahdhib al-Ahkam. Tehran: Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya.
    • Zabidi, Muhammad Murtada (n.d.). Taj al-Arus min Jawahir al-Qamus. Beirut: Al-Maktaba al-Hayat.
    • Zanjani, Abbasali (2006). The Foundations of Islamic Political Thought. 3rd Ed. Tehran: Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought. (In Persian)
Volume 15, Issue 55 - Serial Number 55
November 2025
Pages 95-114

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics