Islam & Authoritarianism

Описание: A Discussion with Prof. Rahim Nobahar on "Islam & Authoritarianism"
Muslim Scholars' Perspective on Human Rights

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In this episode, we will explore the relationship between Islam and authoritarianism. Authoritarianism means obeying authority without questioning it and suppressing one's own freedom of thought and action. How does Islam relate to this concept? And how did the Islamic religious leaders, especially the Shia Imams, deal with the authoritarian rulers in the history of Islam?


• About the Speaker:
Prof. Rahim Nobahar is an associate professor of law at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran and a scholar of Islamic jurisprudence. He has a Ph.D. in criminal law and criminology and has taught courses on various aspects of Islamic law, philosophy, and theology. He has published several books and articles on Islamic studies. He is currently the head of the Department of Islamic Law at Shahid Beheshti University.


• Highlights:
Certainly, the relationship between authoritarianism and Islam is contradictory because the nature of Islam, as well as every single authentic and genuine religion, revolves around choice, interaction with metaphysics, and transcendence. The issue of choice, option, and free will is either categorically ignored or weakened in all forms of authoritarianism.

In Islam, individuals hold great importance. Conversely, in authoritarianism, individuals are either marginalized or completely denied. This can be observed in the overwhelming majority of Quranic verses which often address people as individuals rather than focusing on society or the state.

Not only do authoritarian regimes demand blind obedience from people, but authoritarianism in all its forms also promotes this mindset. In contrast, Islam places great value on contemplation, reflection, and thinking. Our tradition teaches us that dedicating just one hour to contemplation is more valuable than 70 years of worship.