Comparative Studies of Quran

Comparative Studies of Quran

An Analysis of the Fruits of 'Adhering to God' (I'tiṣām bi-Allāh) in the Paradigm of Islamic Governance in Light of the Perspectives of the Two Schools of Thought (Fariqayn)

Document Type : Original

Authors
Mahdi Alizadeh 1
Eisa Eisazadeh 2
Elham Heydarpour 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Islam and Spirituality Studies, Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Interpretation, Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture, Qom, Iran
3 Level 4 (PhD) Candidate in Qur'anic Exegesis, Rukn-ol-Hoda Specialized Islamic Seminary, Kerman, Iran
10.22034/csq.2025.543072.1580
Abstract
Detailed Abstract
Research Objective:
The fundamental objective of this study is to systematically analyze and elucidate the Qur'anic concept of "adhering to God" (i'tiṣām bi-Allāh) and to redefine it as an operational paradigm and strategy within the structure of Islamic governance. While contemporary political literature predominantly focuses on material instruments and purely rational calculations, this research seeks to demonstrate how connection to the sacred dimension (i'tiṣām) can serve as a stabilizing principle to guarantee the efficacy of the political system in confronting complex challenges and modern crises. Furthermore, through a comparative analysis of the perspectives of the two main Islamic schools of thought (Fariqayn: Shia and Sunni), this paper aims to extract interpretive commonalities and points of convergence regarding this strategy, thereby filling a gap in governance studies which have hitherto viewed i'tiṣām solely as an individual ethical matter. The ultimate goal is to propose a theoretical framework wherein i'tiṣām underpins macro-decision-making and the conduct of state officials in alignment with Islamic civilization standards.
Research Methodology:
This study was conducted using a "descriptive-analytical" method with a foundational approach. The data collection process was library-based, relying on primary sources including the Holy Qur'an, authoritative and foundational exegeses (tafāsīr) of the two schools of thought, authentic Hadith sources, and specialized literature in the fields of Islamic governance and political thought. In the analytical phase, "qualitative content analysis" was employed to extract the components of i'tiṣām and categorize its fruits. By conducting a lexical and terminological analysis of Qur'anic verses related to i'tiṣām (adhering) and tamassuk (grasping), the researchers developed a conceptual network and extracted a model of political agency based on these concepts to highlight the points of convergence or divergence between the views of major commentators from both Islamic schools of thought in this area.
Research Findings:
The findings of this research are categorized into three main themes:
Theoretical Foundations: The results indicate a profound convergence among scholars and commentators of both schools of thought (Fariqayn) in defining the essence of i'tiṣām as "detachment from the non-divine and absolute adherence to divine power." Both schools perceive i'tiṣām not as passivity, but as an active, conscious, and strategic agency aimed at safeguarding the identity of the Islamic society.
Analysis of Barriers: An analysis of the barriers revealed that neglecting this strategy in governance stems from cognitive and psychological factors, including "epistemological weakness regarding divine sunan (laws of nature and history)," "suspicion toward divine assistance (su' al-zann bi-nusrat Allah)," "political obstinacy," "excessive reliance on instrumental rationalism and empiricism," and ultimately, "dependence on non-divine centers of power," which lead to the fragility and instability of the political system.
The Fivefold Fruits: The study extracts five critical outcomes of i'tiṣām within the governance paradigm:
The Encompassment of All-Enveloping Divine Mercy (Shumūl al-Rahmah al-Wāsi'ah): Which softens the political climate and fosters social justice.
The Realization of Spiritual Excellence (Tahaqquq al-Iḥsān): Which elevates the quality of administrative services from mere bureaucratic duty to altruistic selflessness (īthār).
Benefiting from Perpetual Divine Presence (Ma'iyyah Dā'imah): Which doubles the foresight and inner tranquility of governors during crises.
Immunity from Apostasy and Deviation (Mas'ūmiyyah min al-Irtidād wa al-Inḥirāf): Which serves as an "ideological vaccination," safeguarding the system against infiltration and cultural-ideological decay (istiḥālah).
Guidance to the Straight Path (Hidāyah ilā al-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm): Which guarantees the continuous movement of the state on the axis of truth and its preservation from political extremes.
Final Conclusion:
The ultimate conclusions of the study show that "adhering to God" is far more than a mere personal ethical recommendation for a believer; it is a "strategic necessity" for the survival and efficacy of Islamic states in the contemporary world. Within the paradigm of Islamic governance, this concept functions as a "managerial compass" that prevents structural instability when confronted with internal and external threats. The consensus of both schools of thought (Fariqayn) regarding the fruits of governance based on i'tiṣām demonstrates the high potential of this concept for forging a "coherent foreign diplomacy and domestic policy" in the Muslim world. Consequently, it is recommended that this principle be incorporated as a foundational module in the training of public officials and the drafting of strategic policy documents for Islamic states. Governance without i'tiṣām, despite possessing advanced technological tools, will ultimately suffer from an identity crisis and an erosion of legitimacy. I'tiṣām represents the nexus between human rationality and divine guidance, capable of steering society toward a modern Islamic civilization.
Keywords
I'tiṣām bi-Allāh (Adherence to God)
Paradigm of Governance
Islamic Governance
Perspectives of the Two Schools of Thought (Fariqayn: Shia and Sunni)
The Straight Path (al-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm)
Divine Guidance
Political Stability
Subjects
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Comparative Studies of Quran
Volume 10, Issue 2 - Serial Number 20
January 2026
Pages 270-298

  • Receive Date 23 May 2025
  • Revise Date 01 September 2025
  • Accept Date 04 November 2025
  • Publish Date 22 December 2025