International Journal of Imam Reza (as) and modern sciences

International Journal of Imam Reza (as) and modern sciences

An Analysis of the Concept of Political Negotiation and Its Dimensions in the Conduct (Sīrah) of Imam Reza (A.S.)

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Imam hosein (as) university,Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
This article, through a conceptual analysis of political negotiation, undertakes a comparative examination of the dialogues of Imam Reza(A.S.)with Ma’mūn and the principles governing them. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach and taking a definitive concept of "political negotiation" as its basis, the present study comparatively investigates the imposed dialogues of Imam Reza(A.S.)with Ma’mūn during the succession (wilāyat al-‘ahd) process. The findings demonstrate that this negotiation can be classified within the type of "intra-religious/inter-party" negotiation and at the level of "an infallible personage with a usurping ruler," which, under conditions of duress, materialized through two stages: indirect (proxy-based) and direct. The analysis of the principles governing this negotiation across three domains -behavioral, expressive, and cognitive -delineates a model of Shi‘i diplomacy: "prudential flexibility" and "adherence to covenants" in the behavioral dimension; "observance of wisdom in discourse" and "explicitness in stating conditions" in the expressive dimension; and "vigilance and the withholding of full trust" alongside "persuasion of public opinion" in the cognitive dimension. The strategic outcomes of this negotiation indicate that the Imam (A.S.), through astute foresight, despite the outward acceptance of the succession, effectively played no role in the power structure by inserting restrictive conditions, thereby thwarting Ma’mūn's attainment of his political objectives. This event is the manifestation of political rationality and commitment to ethical principles in the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.), and constitutes an inspiring model for religious statesmanship.
Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 3, Issue 10
Winter 2026
Pages 130-163

  • Receive Date 16 January 2025
  • Revise Date 10 September 2025
  • Accept Date 22 November 2025
  • First Publish Date 20 February 2026
  • Publish Date 20 February 2026