Understanding the Political Thought and Conduct of Imam Reza (A.S.) with Emphasis on the Perspective of the Supreme Leader

Sazandegi, Mohammad Taghi; Safari Foroshani, Nematallah

doi:10.22034/ijs.2025.426572.1042

Understanding the Political Thought and Conduct of Imam Reza (A.S.) with Emphasis on the Perspective of the Supreme Leader

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad Taghi Sazandegi ¹

Nematallah Safari Foroshani ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic History and Civilization, Dar al-Hikma Institute of Higher Education, Qom, Iran.

² Professor, Department of Civilization and Contemporary History, Complex of History, Conduct, and Islamic Civilization, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

10.22034/ijs.2025.426572.1042

Abstract

This research examines the understanding of the political thought and conduct of Imam Reza (A.S.), with emphasis on the perspectives of the Supreme Leader. By posing the central question, “How did Imam Reza (A.S.) interact with Al-Ma’mun’s policies after accepting the position of Crown Prince, and what were the constant principles of his political struggle within the framework of spatiotemporal conditions?”, this article analyzes the Imam’s behavior and political stances against the Abbasid rule. The research method employed in this study is descriptive-analytical, based on data collection from library sources and reliable historical and hadith texts. The findings indicate that Imam Reza (A.S.), with a deep understanding of the critical situation of his time, upon the forced acceptance of the crown princehood, never recognized the legitimacy of Al-Ma’mun’s government. By setting conditions such as non-interference in executive affairs, he neutralized the conspiracy to legitimize Al-Ma’mun’s rule. Furthermore, he utilized this position to explain the issue of Imamate, expand the communication network with the Shiites, and expose the true nature of the Abbasid rule. Ultimately, his conduct presents a model of wise political struggle and active resistance within the framework of apparent interaction.

Keywords

Imam Reza (A.S.)

Al-Ma&‌‌‌‌‌‌rsquo

mun

Political Struggle

Crown Princehood

Abbasid Rule

20.1001.1.29811341.1403.2.5.2.8

Subjects

امام رضا علیه السلام و علوم سیاسی

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