Prophetic Principles Governing Cultural Crisis Management from the Perspective of the Holy Quran: A Case Study of Sūrat al-Aḥzāb

Document Type : Scholary

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Quran & Management, Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qum, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Sciences (Management), Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qum, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Higher Education Complex of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

One of the fundamental topics in the field of Quranic studies is the examination of the various dimensions of the lives of the divine prophets and the derivation of their managerial patterns. The present study, aiming to extract and explain a model of cultural crisis management from the perspective of the Quran, analyzes the Battle of the Confederates (al-Aḥzāb), also known as the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq), which took place in the fifth year of the Hijrah, in order to redefine and systematize the principles governing the Prophetic strategies for confronting and managing cultural crises. Employing an exploratory, meta-synthesis, and interrogative (istinṭāqī) method, and drawing on the macro-level criteria of crisis management — including forecasting, prevention, preparedness, warning, immunization, assessment and mobilization of resources, special operations, containment, reconstruction, purification (cleansing), and learning — this research has developed a theoretical framework for cultural crisis management. The findings indicate that the Noble Prophet (s), across three stages — before the crisis, during the crisis, and after the crisis — by establishing an effective intelligence network, engaging in purposeful consultation with his companions, and adopting strategic decisions, not only neutralized the enemy՚s military threats but also managed cultural crises by strengthening the foundations of faith, trust in God (tawakkul), and fostering cohesion among the believers. The Prophet (s), through the reconstruction of social structures, the elimination of negative consequences, and an emphasis on education and drawing lessons from the event, guided the society of Medina toward greater stability, steadfastness, and resilience. This study confirms that the Prophet՚s model of cultural crisis management is an intelligent synthesis of preventive measures, the utilization of human and material resources, and reliance on the divine will — one that can be employed as a comprehensive framework and a practical model for managing cultural crises in the contemporary world.

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