Social Theories of Muslim Thinkers

Social Theories of Muslim Thinkers

Rereading Ali Shariati's Theory of Muslim Decadence

Document Type : Research Article / Original Article

Authors
Seyyed Mohsen Mollabashi 1
Faeze Kamali 2
1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 MA of Sociology, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
10.22059/jstmt.2025.383368.1737
Abstract
The emergence of diverse social and cultural challenges in Islamic Iran over many decades and centuries has prompted numerous thinkers - drawing on different theoretical perspectives and scholarly frameworks - to describe, analyze, and explain this profound and wide - ranging problem, as well as to propose various solutions for its improvement. Among these thinkers, Ali Shariati stands out for his analysis of the issue through the lens of Muslim decline, an approach shaped by his sociological and historical education. In addressing the fundamental question of the causes behind the decline of Muslims, Shariati first identifies the distancing from true Islam as the central issue. He then examines the underlying causes of this deviation and its role in the deterioration of Muslim societies, before offering strategies for returning to authentic Islam. In his view, among the multiple causes contributing to this deviation, the transformation of Islam’s ideological foundation constitutes the most fundamental factor. Consequently, restoring Islam’s ideological essence is both the most challenging remedy and the foremost responsibility of intellectuals. The present study employs a library - based research method with the objective of systematically examining Shariati’s interpretation of the decline of Muslims, analyzing the causes and mechanisms of deviation from true Islam, and evaluating the solutions he proposes for reviving the ideological and transformative dimensions of the faith.
Keywords
Ideology
Islamic Civilization
Muslim Decadence
True Islam
Subjects
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Social Theories of Muslim Thinkers
Volume 15, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 98-114

  • Receive Date 17 October 2024
  • Revise Date 04 June 2025
  • Accept Date 10 June 2025
  • Publish Date 22 June 2025