Ayatullah Khamenei, Sayyid Qutb, Ignorance, Wilāyah, anti-arrogance.

Document Type : Scholary

Authors

1 Faculty Member, Department of Islamic Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty Member, Department of Quran and Humanities, Higher Education Complex of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University,.

10.22034/qns.2025.20221.1102

Abstract

The concept of Wilāyat, recognized as one of the foundational principles in Islamic thought, has consistently garnered the attention of researchers. In this context, revisiting the perspectives of Sayyid Qutb and Ayatullah Khamenei on wilāyah, as two contemporary thinkers, holds particular significance.
     This study employs a qualitative content analysis method with an inductive approach to identify overarching and basic themes, subsequently elaborating on the details within each overarching theme. The findings reveal that in Ayatullah Khamenei’s thought, the concept of wilāyah revolves around “wilāyat al-faqīh” (guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), emphasizing the establishment of unity and cohesion within the Islamic Ummah, the formation of an Islamic government, and the struggle against global arrogance. Conversely, Sayyid Qutb perceives wilāyah as a means to achieve Muslim unity and confront modern ignorance, though he does not propose a specific operational framework for its realization. Moreover, differences in their approaches to issues such as jihad, Islamic sovereignty, and interactions with non-Muslims highlight Ayatullah Khamenei’s more structured perspective in contrast to Sayyid Qutb’s broader, more general viewpoint. This research underscores the importance of a comparative understanding of these two perspectives to enhance comprehension of contemporary Islamic movements. 

Keywords

The Quran: Contemporary Studies
Volume 3, Issue 10
Third year, Number 10, Winter 2025
March 2025
Pages 6-30

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