Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D in Political Studies of the Islamic Revolution, Shahed University
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Nasibeh University of Education, Tehran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Nasibeh University of Education, Tehran.
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the criteria of political governance from the perspective of Imam Baqir and Imam Sadiq (AS). Therefore, this article seeks to answer the question of what are the components of political governance from the perspective of the Sadeghiins? In order to answer the aforementioned questions, the method of documentary analysis and the examination of documents such as books, articles and websites have been used. This article first examines the concept of governance and theories of political governance and its components, and then, while examining Shiite narrative and ethical books, it describes and analyzes the components of political governance in the words and deeds of Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS). By examining the theories of political governance, characteristics such as justice, transparency, honesty, security, efficiency, responsibility and accountability were obtained. Also, by analyzing the teachings of these two Imams, principles such as justice, security, consultation, honesty, freedom of speech, responsibility and efficiency were obtained as indicators of political governance. According to documents and sources, Imam Sadeqin (AS) emphasized the observance of these matters in governance in his advice to the caliphs and rulers of the era. The present study, emphasizing ethical and humane principles, shows how these teachings can help improve the quality of political governance and communication with the people in Islamic societies.
Etended Abstract
Political governance in Islam is fundamentally grounded in ethical, moral, and human-centered principles. The teachings and practices of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS) and Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (AS), known collectively as al-Ṣādiqayn, present a coherent and comprehensive model of political governance that transcends historical boundaries and remains relevant for contemporary societies. Living in an era marked by political corruption, social injustice, and ideological deviation under the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, these two Imams articulated a distinctive approach to governance rooted in justice, accountability, consultation, and moral responsibility. Although they did not formally assume political power, their guidance, political conduct, and strategic engagement with rulers and society reflect a clear political theory and an alternative paradigm of Islamic governance.
One of the most significant contributions of Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Imam al-Sadiq (AS) was their extensive scientific and intellectual movement aimed at preserving authentic Islamic teachings, training committed scholars, and safeguarding the Qur’an and Sunnah from distortion by ruling authorities. This intellectual struggle was more complex and enduring than overt political confrontation, as it sought to counter systematic efforts by the ruling elites to divert the Muslim community from its foundational values. Through education, dialogue, and the cultivation of social awareness, the Ṣādiqayn (AS) effectively undermined the legitimacy of unjust rulers while simultaneously presenting ethical standards for legitimate political authority. Their scientific endeavor, therefore, functioned as an integrated scientific–political movement.
This article argues that despite their exclusion from formal governance, Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Imam al-Sadiq (AS) articulated clear criteria for political governance through their sermons, letters, recommendations to contemporary rulers, and practical conduct. Their opposition, reformist stance, and political critique of ruling regimes demonstrate that they possessed a well-defined vision of governance. This position is reinforced by Shi‘a doctrinal sources, such as Ziyarat al-Jami‘a al-Kabira, which describe the Imams as “sāsat al-‘ibād” (those who govern and guide humanity), highlighting their inherent political role even in the absence of direct rule.
In the modern era, the declining global acceptance of ideological and religious governments has intensified the need to reassess Islamic models of governance. In this context, revisiting the teachings of the Ṣādiqayn (AS) provides an evaluative framework for contemporary Islamic governments, enabling scholars and policymakers to assess the extent to which these systems embody authentic Islamic governance principles. Furthermore, such a reassessment offers insights into adapting these principles to modern political, social, and institutional realities.
Methodologically, this study employs a qualitative documentary analysis, examining classical and contemporary sources including books, academic articles, and authoritative digital resources. The research seeks to answer the central question: What are the key components of political governance from the perspective of Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Imam al-Sadiq (AS)? To address this question, the article first reviews conceptual and theoretical foundations of political governance, including modern theories of “good governance,” which emphasize participation, transparency, accountability, rule of law, efficiency, and social justice. The study then compares these contemporary frameworks with Islamic teachings to demonstrate their conceptual convergence.
The findings reveal that Imam al-Baqir (AS) emphasized criteria such as divine piety (taqwa), justice, accountability, transparency, consultation, social security, and economic independence as essential foundations of governance. His guidance to rulers—particularly to ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz—illustrates a governance model centered on public accessibility, protection of rights, support for the oppressed, economic security, and national unity. Justice, in his view, constituted the cornerstone of political legitimacy, while oppression signified religious deviation and the loss of moral authority.
Similarly, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) articulated a comprehensive governance framework grounded in justice as the supreme political principle. His teachings extend governance criteria to include freedom of expression, avoidance of instrumentalizing religion for political gain, administrative efficiency, public welfare, security, consultation with knowledgeable advisors, honesty, fulfillment of promises, and responsibility toward citizens. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) explicitly warned against silencing critics and exploiting religious symbolism to legitimize unjust authority, emphasizing that such practices lead to societal decay and moral collapse.
The study concludes that the governance criteria proposed by the Ṣādiqayn (AS) are remarkably aligned with contemporary notions of good governance, while also extending beyond them through the inclusion of spiritual accountability, ethical leadership, and the sanctity of human dignity. Justice emerges as the central axis around which all other governance principles revolve; when justice is realized, security, welfare, trust, efficiency, and public participation naturally follow. Ultimately, the political teachings of Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Imam al-Sadiq (AS), alongside foundational texts such as Imam ‘Ali’s (AS) letter to Malik al-Ashtar, provide a comprehensive roadmap for ethical, sustainable, and legitimate political governance in Islamic societies.
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