The Social Authority of the Clergy

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Author

Level Four Seminary Student in Philosophy, Islamic Seminary of Qom, Iran

Abstract

The social authority of the clergy is the issue addressed in this article. The aim of this research is to reassess the status of clerical authority in recent decades. After the introduction and problem statement, the study is divided into four chapters that explore the indicators and challenges of the clergy’s social authority, its security implications, and strategies for its preservation. We conclude that with the realization of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the gradual transition from a traditional state to a post-traditional space, the clergy has experienced a kind of displacement. Consequently, some of its previous roles have lost relevance and have manifested in new forms. As a result, based on the findings of this study, the clergy’s social authority has relatively declined in certain traditional contexts—an inevitable consequence of transformations brought by the modern era. One of the strengths of this research is its dual methodology, combining both library research and interviews with experts. The sources used include scientific and specialized books and articles, seminary special issues, and journals. Considering the rapid advancement of science and technology and the necessity of knowledge-based research in the global arena, this study is neither the first nor the last on this subject and naturally may have some shortcomings. Thus, we welcome constructive feedback from all scholars and writers.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Islam and Social Studies
Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
ExecutiveExpert
August 2025
Pages 7-33

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 January 2021
  • Revise Date: 04 February 2021
  • Accept Date: 02 August 2025

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