Assessing the Relationship between Resistance and Defensive Jihad in Shiite Political Jurisprudence

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Assistant Professor, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran

Abstract

This research aims to explain the relationship between "resistance" and "defensive jihad" in Shiite political jurisprudence, examining whether these two concepts are synonymous or whether there are serious distinctions between them in terms of nature, scope, and function. Given the importance of defending the Islamic polity and its role in preserving the security and cohesion of Islamic society, one of the significant challenges in political jurisprudence is the precise differentiation between resistance and defense. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and based on ijtihad methodology, this article analyzes relevant theoretical sources and foundations and demonstrates that resistance is a broad, strategic, and comprehensive concept that can be articulated and applied across various political, cultural, economic, security, wartime, peacetime, and negotiating arenas; whereas defensive jihad is a more limited concept, largely pertaining to practical engagement with threats and aggression in the domain of defense and security. The findings of this research indicate that in Shiite political jurisprudence, resistance is understood as a coherent strategy for safeguarding the identity and existence of Islamic society, and defensive jihad is considered one of the operational mechanisms and significant instances of resistance under specific circumstances. Accordingly, the conceptual distinction between resistance and defensive jihad is essential for a more precise understanding of the functions of defense, security, and sound governance in Islamic political thought.

Keywords

References

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