Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Theology and Islamic thought (Islamic jurisprudence and fundamentals of Islamic law) Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Researches Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU) Qazvin Iran
2 Masumieh Qom Institute of Higher Education, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Wilayat-based education is founded on the authority (Wilayah) of God, the prophets—especially the Great Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of God be upon him and his family)—and the Holy Imams (peace be upon them), with the ultimate aim of cultivating servitude to God. The phrase "Ule al-Nas" (those who have a greater right), derived from the concept of Wilayah, helps clarify the pillars of Wilayat-based education. Accordingly, this research, using qualitative content analysis, seeks to answer: From the perspective of educational jurisprudence, how are the pillars of Wilayat-based education articulated in light of the traditions of “Ule al-Nas”?
Content analysis of the “Ule al-Nas” traditions indicates that Allah, the Prophet of Islam, and the Imams function as educators within the Wilayat-based educational system, addressing "people, believers, and the Ummah." In this hierarchy, “the Prophet of Islam and the Imam in relation to Allah” and “the Imam in relation to the preceding Imam and the Divine Prophets” occupy primary positions, whereas “the Shia and followers in relation to their imam” are the recipients of this education. After being nurtured and trained within the Divine system, the Prophet and the Imam are also regarded as “Ule al-Nas” with respect to the understanding and exposition of this educational content, including the Quran and the Sunnah of the Messenger of God.
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