Examining the Impact of Imami (Ja‘fari) Jurisprudential Teachings on the Political and Economic Participation of the People in Islamic Society

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of examining the impact of the teachings of Imami (Ja‘fari) jurisprudence on the political and economic participation of the people in Islamic society. The research adopted an analytical–historical–conceptual approach and, drawing on a systematic review of sources, thematic analysis, and comparative examination, sought to elucidate the normative, institutional, and functional dimensions of this influence. The findings indicate that Imami jurisprudence, through the language of obligation (taklīf) and religious legitimacy, articulates a model of participation that goes beyond episodic involvement in political or economic arenas and is instead defined as a continuous and multidimensional duty. Institutions such as endowments (awqāf), religious seminaries (ḥawzah ‘ilmiyyah), and markets operating under religious supervision, in addition to providing sustainable economic resources, have created a foundation for preserving and enhancing social capital and political cohesion. Historical–functional analysis shows that this model has demonstrated a high degree of resilience in the face of external pressures and internal crises and is aligned with contemporary concepts such as the “resistance economy.” The findings also reveal that the close linkage between religious legitimacy and institutional functionality has transformed political and economic participation within this tradition into a durable practice that is largely independent of governments. Nevertheless, the lack of empirical data on the current functioning of this model and the need to employ modern theoretical frameworks to explain it represent gaps that should be addressed in future research. This study concludes that the Imami model, by combining religious authenticity with institutional dynamism, possesses significant capacity for the reconsideration and localization of participatory models in contemporary Islamic societies.