The Roles of the Qur’an in Defense Objectives and Policymaking, with Emphasis on the Defensive Thought of Imam Khamenei (may his shadow endure)
Author
nngggffdds
10.22034/saas.2025.237574
Abstract
Abstract
The Holy Qur’an pays close attention to the various dimensions of defense and assigns multiple roles to it. This paper examines several of these roles. On the one hand, the Qur’an provides the rational dimension of defense by setting forth reasonable and legitimate objectives for combatants, such as the removal of oppression and corruption, the liberation and protection of the oppressed, and the expansion of the school of truth. In this respect, the Qur’an plays a fundamental rational role in defense.
On the other hand, the Qur’an provides the defense policymaking dimension by outlining the governing principles and rulings of defense, including proportional retaliation, the prohibition of aggression, oppression, and rebellion (baghy), the prohibition of harm to women and children, and the preservation of natural resources and the environment. Accordingly, the Qur’an functions as a source of defense policymaking.
Moreover, the Qur’an itself serves as an instrument of defense against the enemy; that is, through the Qur’an, major jihad (jihad al‑kabir) can be pursued in the form of cultural jihad. From this perspective, the Qur’an plays a significant role in soft warfare.
This study employs established Qur’anic exegetical methods alongside an analytical examination of the statements of the Supreme Leader, Imam Khamenei (may his shadow endure).
The Holy Qur’an pays close attention to the various dimensions of defense and assigns multiple roles to it. This paper examines several of these roles. On the one hand, the Qur’an provides the rational dimension of defense by setting forth reasonable and legitimate objectives for combatants, such as the removal of oppression and corruption, the liberation and protection of the oppressed, and the expansion of the school of truth. In this respect, the Qur’an plays a fundamental rational role in defense.
On the other hand, the Qur’an provides the defense policymaking dimension by outlining the governing principles and rulings of defense, including proportional retaliation, the prohibition of aggression, oppression, and rebellion (baghy), the prohibition of harm to women and children, and the preservation of natural resources and the environment. Accordingly, the Qur’an functions as a source of defense policymaking.
Moreover, the Qur’an itself serves as an instrument of defense against the enemy; that is, through the Qur’an, major jihad (jihad al‑kabir) can be pursued in the form of cultural jihad. From this perspective, the Qur’an plays a significant role in soft warfare.
This study employs established Qur’anic exegetical methods alongside an analytical examination of the statements of the Supreme Leader, Imam Khamenei (may his shadow endure).
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