Iran: Islam and Political Participation

Abstract

The political structure sanctioned under the authority of Islam has long been debated. In fact, it has been an issue of contention since the Shi'ite-Sunni split following the dispute over who should succeed Prophet Mohammad as the leader of the Muslim nation. As a result, religious sects that have developed over the past fourteen centuries have often attempted to establish some form of an Islamic government in an effort to turn back the clock to the days of political power & stability, economic prosperity, and scientific & artistic accomplishments during the Golden Age of the Islamic Empire. Today, this debate has evolved into one over whether or not democracy, as defined by the West, is workable under Islam. One major example where this debate has been significantly conducted is in the contemporary Islamic Republic of Iran that arose out of the 1979 Revolution. In light of the February 2004 electoral disqualifications of many parliamentary candidates in Iran, this research aims to determine whether or not political participation and democratic elections are feasible realities within Islam in general, and under the Islamic Republic of Iran in specific.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2004

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Sadri, Houman A.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Political Science

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences; Iran -- Politics and government; Islamic countries -- Politics and government

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021815

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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