ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Religion and Life
Fātemeh 'Alāie Raḥmānī; Fereshteh Mo'tamad Langrūdī
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The appointment of executive and administrative officials constitutes one of the most critical and necessary duties of an Islamic government, as the persistence of a system and government is contingent upon the competency of its agents. Should organizations be led by competent ...
Read More
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The appointment of executive and administrative officials constitutes one of the most critical and necessary duties of an Islamic government, as the persistence of a system and government is contingent upon the competency of its agents. Should organizations be led by competent managers, the quality of organizational activities will be enhanced, given that appointing competent managers significantly influences the promotion of societal behavior and Islamic values, fosters trust between the populace and the rulers, and facilitates the resolution of social problems.METHOD & FINDING: Reflecting to both the internal and external competencies of managers during their selection is imperative. This study seeks to elucidate the concept of competency, models of competency, and the significance of meritocracy within Islamic management. Furthermore, it analyzes the criteria for appointing competent managers with reference to the letters of Imām ʿAlī to His agents, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology and utilizing Spencer’s model. This process culminated in the design of a logical model of managerial competency derived from Imām ʿAlī’s teachings.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that managerial competencies, from the perspective of Nahj Al-Balāghah's letters, can be categorized into five components based on Spencer and Spencer's model: knowledge, skill, self-concept dimensions, personal traits, and motivation. These competencies were subsequently classified into two dimensions: hard and soft. Hard competencies encompass experience and expertise, reasoning, discipline, consultation, creating welfare, and communication with people. Soft competencies, characterized by an internal aspect in management, include self-control, justice, control and supervision, patience, humility, trustworthiness, honesty, adhering to the rights, and serving.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Cyber Life
Mojtaba Ansāri Moghaddam; Mohsen Nourāei
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Despite the rich background of discussions on the relationship between Īmān (faith) and ‘Amal (deed) in Islamic theological, exegetical, and ethical texts, this relationship has rarely been explored from a linguistic and stylistic perspective—particularly through ...
Read More
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Despite the rich background of discussions on the relationship between Īmān (faith) and ‘Amal (deed) in Islamic theological, exegetical, and ethical texts, this relationship has rarely been explored from a linguistic and stylistic perspective—particularly through the lens of Taṣrīf (semantic diversification) in the Quran. Pre-modern scholarship on Islamic doctrinal movements, notably the Murjiʾa, has predominantly engaged in theological and content-based analysis of their central tenet: the conceptual decoupling of faith from religious deeds. However, the lack of research into the Quran’s rhetorical representation of this relationship opens a new lens for examining faith and deed as a conceptual and linguistic continuum within the divine text.METHOD & FINDING: This study employs an analytical-comparative methodology to critically examine the doctrinal separation of faith and deed. Numerous Quranic verses emphasize the inseparable connection between faith and righteous deed. These two concepts are frequently mentioned together within the Quran, leading to the conclusion that faith and righteous deed are interdependent in the Quranic perspective. Faith without deeds is merely a verbal claim, i.e., its true realization is only possible through righteous deeds. CONCLUSION: Employing an innovative method of linguistic inference based on the Quranic style of Taṣrīf, this study demonstrates that even through the analysis of verses from the perspective of Taṣrīf techniques, one can discern the fundamental interconnection and coherence between faith and deed. Moreover, examining the verses related to faith and deed in light of rhetorical Taṣrīf reveals new layers of this relationship—most notably, the elevated reflection of action over faith, showing that action is not merely a function of faith, but in certain contexts, it also serves as the very means through which faith is manifested, strengthened, and actualized.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Philosophical and Theological Knowledge
Mohammad Mahdi Chegini
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This paper critically examines Western, happiness-oriented theories through the framework of Islamic ethics. It aims to compare the conceptualization and pursuit of happiness in the works of Greek philosophers (Plato, Aristotle) and contemporary Western thinkers (Marcuse, ...
Read More
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This paper critically examines Western, happiness-oriented theories through the framework of Islamic ethics. It aims to compare the conceptualization and pursuit of happiness in the works of Greek philosophers (Plato, Aristotle) and contemporary Western thinkers (Marcuse, Rand) with the perspectives of Muslim philosophers (Fārābī, Ibn Miskawayh, Ṭūsī).METHOD & FINDING: Using an analytical-descriptive approach, the study conducts a comparative analysis of the concept of happiness in selected philosophical traditions. The findings reveal that each thinker offers distinct interpretations of human nature, collective life, and the relationship with transcendence. Additionally, the influence of the socio-economic and cultural context of the contemporary West on happiness is highlighted. In contrast, Muslim philosophers present a more holistic view, linking happiness to spirituality and moral transcendence. CONCLUSION: The study concludes by emphasizing the need to revisit and revive certain concepts proposed by Muslim philosophers in the modern world. Reintegrating these Islamic perspectives could address the shortcomings of Western theories in defining and achieving human happiness.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Culture and Civilization
Amir Karimi; Mohammad Ali Parghoo; Muhammad Husin; Rizky Agassy Sihombing
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Understanding the impact of world history on ethics is crucial for fostering global ethical discourse and navigating modern challenges with historically informed moral decisions.METHOD & FINDINGS: The study finds that world history has played a dual role in shaping ethics, ...
Read More
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: Understanding the impact of world history on ethics is crucial for fostering global ethical discourse and navigating modern challenges with historically informed moral decisions.METHOD & FINDINGS: The study finds that world history has played a dual role in shaping ethics, reinforcing moral ideals such as justice, human rights, and compassion, while simultaneously exposing the depths of human immorality through colonialism, war, slavery, and systemic oppression. However, these opposing narratives do not exist in isolation; they interact dynamically within a continually evolving moral field. Historical events, movements, and philosophical developments have influenced and shaped ethical thought, demonstrating a reciprocal and dialectical relationship between the two domains.CONCLUSION: The paper proposes the Dialectical-Moral Field Theory of History, which reinterprets world history as a contested space where moral and immoral forces are in constant tension. This perspective moves beyond simplistic moral or cynical interpretations, emphasizing history as a site of ethical struggle and transformation. Recognizing this dynamic interplay enables a deeper understanding of the moral responsibilities we inherit and informs efforts to cultivate a more just and ethically grounded global society.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Education and Social Ethics
Tasneem-e-fatema Kermali; Asgher Kermali; Hajar Zabihi
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The confluence of Islamic tradition and developmental psychology reveals a compelling paradigm for navigating adolescence. Grounded in the Prophetic three-phase model, i.e., nurture-discipline-consult, and substantiated by empirical research on authoritative parenting, ...
Read More
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: The confluence of Islamic tradition and developmental psychology reveals a compelling paradigm for navigating adolescence. Grounded in the Prophetic three-phase model, i.e., nurture-discipline-consult, and substantiated by empirical research on authoritative parenting, Mashwarah (consultation) emerges as a transformative practice that balances autonomy and guidance by engaging adolescents in family decisions, builds competence, and strengthens relationships. This synthesis addresses a critical gap in parenting literature by systematizing consultation as an evidence-based tool while offering measurable benefits for individual and societal well-being. Future research should explore its cross-cultural adaptability and long-term impacts on civic engagement.METHOD & FINDING: This qualitative study combines Islamic teachings on Mashwarah with developmental psychology to show how involving adolescents in decision-making builds responsibility. Key findings reveal that structured consultation supports teens' cognitive growth (Inhelder), autonomy (Erikson), and moral reasoning (Kohlberg) while aligning with Prophetic nurturing methods. It strengthens responsibility through problem-solving, which builds self-efficacy (Bandura), better parent-child bonds (Steinberg), and intrinsic motivation. The research frames Mashwarah as an evidence-based, authoritative parenting style (Baumrind) that aligns with Islamic pedagogy and brain development (Giedd). Limitations include the need for cross-cultural studies, but the findings highlight Mashwarah as a culturally rooted tool for fostering responsible adulthood. CONCLUSION: Consulting youths boosts their self-worth, cognitive skills, and independence, preparing them for responsible adult roles.
PAPER DERIVED FROM THESIS
Education and Social Ethics
Kazim Raza Jamani; Abbas-Ali Shameli; Majid Toroghi Ardakani
Abstract
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This research article investigates the development of ‘Aql (intellect) from a Quranic perspective and its significant role in achieving a “PURE LIFE”. The objective is to differentiate the Quranic concept of intellect from conventional ideas of intelligence ...
Read More
SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This research article investigates the development of ‘Aql (intellect) from a Quranic perspective and its significant role in achieving a “PURE LIFE”. The objective is to differentiate the Quranic concept of intellect from conventional ideas of intelligence and to propose a practical, holistic framework for intellectual growth grounded in Quranic teachings. The study aims to show how cultivating intellect, as emphasized in the Quran, leads to individual and societal prosperity in this world and the hereafter.METHOD & FINDING: Using qualitative content analysis, the study focuses on Quranic verses containing the Arabic root ‘Aql [‘-q-l]. Through thematic coding and interpretive analysis, a Quranic model of intellectual development is extracted, highlighting stages such as Tafakkur (thinking), Ta‘aqqul (pondering), Ḍhikr (remembrance of the Almighty), Shukr (gratitude), culminating in divine Hidāyat (guidance). The findings indicate that the Quranic framework is inherently holistic, integrating cognitive, and has ethical, and spiritual dimensions. This model enriches reasoning and decision-making while fostering virtues and social responsibility, thus facilitating a pure and balanced life.CONCLUSION: The research concludes that ‘Aql (intellect) is a divinely bestowed faculty, one of Allah’s noblest gifts to humanity, serving as the foundation for understanding, discernment, and ethical living. Unlike mere intelligence, intellect integrates rational, moral, and spiritual aspects, enabling humans to distinguish between Ḥaqq (truth) and Bāṭil (falsehood). This discernment guides ethical conduct, protecting individuals and societies from moral decline. When aligned with divine guidance, intellect leads to a PURE LIFE marked by inner peace, contentment, and righteous action, culminating in true felicity and success in both this world and the hereafter.
