Political Security Challenges in the Holy Quran: A Thematic Analysis and Operational Solutions (A State-Centered Approach)

Political security, as a fundamental topic in the field of political and security sciences, has received special attention in religious texts, particularly the Holy Quran. Despite the importance of this subject in Islamic societies, numerous challenges regarding political security exist, rooted in both internal and external factors. This research aims to examine the internal weaknesses and vulnerabilities of political security from the perspective of the Holy Quran and to provide operational solutions to counter them, using an inferential thematic interpretation method (tafsīr mawḍūʿī). To this end, Quranic verses were systematically examined through an analytical approach. The logic for extracting relevant verses relied on direct terminology, implicit and necessary connotations, opposing concepts, and contextual and semantic implications. From the Quranic perspective, the realization of political security necessitates the observance of mutual rights between rulers and the people. The findings of this study indicate that internal challenges to political security can be categorized into two main areas: governance challenges and popular/social challenges. Within the realm of governance challenges, issues such as the tyranny and rebellion of rulers, injustice and corruption within ruling regimes, arrogance and pride in leadership, and a disregard for accountability within the governmental structure were examined. By rejecting tyranny and rebellion, emphasizing the accountability of the political system, attending to social and legal matters, and highlighting the necessity of establishing a legislative system, the Holy Quran provides comprehensive strategies for achieving political security in an Islamic government. In verses such as Surah al-Baqara, Verse 247, the Quran refers to the story of Saul (Ṭālūt) and Goliath (Jālūt), emphasizing the necessity of selecting competent and capable rulers. Furthermore, in Surah al-Nisa, Verse 58, the Quran highlights the necessity of implementing justice and trustworthiness in governance: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice." These verses demonstrate that rulers must be accountable and uphold the rights of the people. In the realm of popular and social challenges, issues such as sedition (fitna) and disobedience, moral corruption, and weakness in faith and steadfastness are analyzed. By emphasizing the avoidance of sedition, disobedience, and moral corruption, and stressing the necessity of perseverance, the Holy Quran offers strategies to strengthen political security within the Islamic community. In verses such as Surah Ali 'Imran, Verse 103, the Quran refers to the necessity of unity and solidarity among believers: "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." This verse shows that division and discord can threaten political security, while unity and solidarity are vital factors for its realization. The research demonstrates that applying Quranic teachings and adapting them to contemporary conditions can serve as an effective strategy for resolving political security challenges in Islamic societies. The findings indicate that the Holy Quran serves not only as a source of guidance but also as a practical model for achieving political security. By providing
a comprehensive framework of Quranic teachings, this study takes a step toward strengthening political security in Islamic governments. Consequently, attending to Quranic teachings and aligning them with current circumstances can be utilized as an effective solution to address political security challenges. Through the analysis of Quranic verses and the provision of operational strategies, this research shows that political security in an Islamic society is achieved only through the observance of mutual rights between rulers and the people, and the implementation of justice and transparency in governance.