The Role of the Elite in Transforming Society in Light of the Quran and the Prophetic Age

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor at Imam Sadiq (a) University. (Email: alvirim@gmail.com)

2 PhD. Student in Qurʾān and Social Sciences, al-Mustafa International University (Primary Author) (hakhlaqi@gmail.com).

Abstract

Abstract
According to an analysis by a number of Italian sociologists, social change is the result of decisions and actions carried out by the elites of a society. In other words, social change must be sought in the replacement of the ruling elite by new elites in society, and the general masses are unlikely to be the source of societal change. Searching for the Qurʾān’s view on the subject of elites and their effect on the change of social institutions and structures is, in fact, the question that this endeavor seeks to find an answer to, through reflection upon its verses. The existence of words such as al-malaʾ (elite), mutrifīn (affluent), aḥbār (scribes), ruhbān (monks) and qissīsīn (priests) in the Holy Qurʾān indicates the Qurʾān’s particular view of these people as influential elites in a society. From the perspective of the Qurʾān, in one way, human history is a struggle between the elites of truth (such as the Prophets and the reformers of history) and the elites of falsehood (such as the elites who support existing social structures and institutions). Divinely appointed Prophets, and their teachings based on justice and righteousness, have consistently aimed to waken up the masses so that they may stand up against the ruling elite. The efforts of these righteous elites, albeit limited to specific times and on a relatively small scale, have brought about transformations of justice in social structures and relationships.

Keywords

The Quran and Science
Volume 13, Issue 24
January 0
Pages 253-274

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 October 2018
  • Revise Date: 02 June 2019
  • Accept Date: 06 July 2019

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