The Islamic Revolution Approach

The Islamic Revolution Approach

Political Philosophy and Reformist Theology in the Thought of Ayatollah Na'ini and John Locke: A Comparative Reflection on the Legitimacy of Power and the Limits of Religious Sovereignty

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Ahmad Tayyebi
Faculty Member, Department of Islamic Studies, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The main goal of the research is to analyze the points of commonality and difference between these two thinkers in explaining the foundations of political legitimacy and the relationship between religion and politics. The central question of the research is how Na'ini and Locke, each in different epistemological and social contexts, have addressed the concept of legitimacy of power and what differences exist in their perception of the role of religion and the people in political sovereignty. The research hypothesis is based on the fact that despite the fundamental difference in the relationship between religion and politics, both thinkers share an emphasis on limiting the power of the ruler and the right of the people to monitor and resist. The research method is qualitative-analytical and based on the conceptual analysis of primary and secondary sources. The results of the research show that Naini, with his religious interpretation of constitutional government and his emphasis on justice and popular oversight, and Locke, with his theory of natural rights and social contract, both have moved towards restricting power and guaranteeing public freedoms, although their epistemological foundations and relationship to religion are different.
Keywords
Political legitimacy
Ayatollah Naini
John Locke
Limitation of power
Popular oversight
Religion and politics
Natural rights
The Islamic Revolution Approach

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 August 2025