The Role of Wilayah in the Formation and Consolidation of Religious Identity Based on the Quranic Perspective of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Research Fellow, Imam Reza International Research Institute, Al Mustafa International University, Khorasan Branch, Iran:

2 Head of the Department of Ahl al Bayt Studies in the International Arena, Imam Reza International Research Institute, Al Mustafa International University, Khorasan Branch, Iran:

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the central role of Wilayah (divine authority and guardianship) in forming and consolidating religious identity based on the Quranic thought of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, addressing why comprehensive religious identity often fails to materialize in Islamic societies despite widespread individual devotion.
METHOD: Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology rooted in Fiqh al-Hadith and qualitative content analysis, this research investigates Quranic verses, Islamic narrations, and the analytical speeches and writings of Ayatollah Khamenei regarding religious identity, Wilayah, and social cohesion.
FINDINGS: The study reveals that Wilayah is not merely an isolated component of Islam, but its fundamental foundation and interpretative key, functioning as the structural “operating system” for religious identity. It establishes the prerequisite condition for the validity and spiritual acceptance of devotional acts and serves as the primary unifying mechanism against collective negligence. Wilayah operates across two crucial dimensions among believers: internal solidarity (Rahma'u Baynahum) and political-intellectual impenetrability (Ashidda'u 'ala al-Kuffar). Analyzing the dialectical interplay between Divine Wilayah, Believers' Wilayah, and Taghut's Wilayah demonstrates that Divine Wilayah provides the necessary ontological axis for safeguarding monotheistic identity against tyrannical subjugation.
CONCLUSION: Wilayah plays a vital, irreplaceable role in constructing individual and collective Islamic identity. By fostering internal harmony and resilience against foreign domination, it consolidates monotheistic identity and offers an active pathway to counter Taghut. Promoting a profound understanding of Wilayah is essential for establishing a unified, resilient, and dignified Islamic society.

Keywords

References

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  • Receive Date: 08 March 2026
  • Revise Date: 05 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 03 May 2026

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