Fundamental Theories of Extra-religious Approach
Extra-religious approach seeks to find out through rational analysis and deduction that what kind of government is required according to psychological realties and personal as well as social aspects of man’s life, without referring to religious texts about the government and its objectives or the life or conduct of religious figures
· Since in social life contradiction occurs, the society needs law, executive mechanism and a supervising body or judiciary to regulate collective relations and various relations between people.
· Because of his limited senses and ordinary sources of knowledge, man is not capable of discerning all benefits, harms and result of his action, particularly their otherworldly fruits. Therefore he needs divine guidance to achieve true perfection and attain terrestrial and otherworldly happiness. Characteristics of a desired government, its purpose and duties are among the most important benefits of collective life, because the government and political dominance plays the key role in directing man towards values.[1]
· Since man has a spiritual aspect and he continues on his journey to the otherworld after his life on the terrestrial ends, his life must be planned in a way to direct his personal and social actions so that his terrestrial and otherworldly happiness and perfection would be insured. Therefore the government has the duty to direct and safeguard values and norms.
The government’s duty is not limited to regulating social affairs and providing security in order to improve material life and economic welfare. The main and ultimate duty of the government is to promote values, enforce religious laws and safeguard divine restrictions due to their role in man’s eternal happiness.
Note:
1. [1] It has been said that, the people follow their kings' religions, Mohammad Bagher Majlesi, Bahar Alanvar, volume 102, p. 8; also see: Mohammad Bagher Majlesi, Bahar Alanvar, volume 14, p. 314; Ibn Sina, al-Isharat wa'l-Tanbihat (Pointers and Reminders), commented on by Nasir al-Din Tusi, volume 3, edited by Karim Feizi, 4th chapter, p. 4.2
Ahmad Niazi, graduate of Qom Seminary and Phd student of Al Mustafa international university
Source: political science journal, No. 3
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Liberal Democracy (Justice and Happiness)
Liberal Democracy
