The Prophetic Model of Political Education (PBUH) in the Meccan Verses of the Holy Quran: An Analysis of Epistemic, Affective, and Behavioral Tools Using a Gradual Revelation Interpretation Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Master's degree, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran

10.22081/psq.2026.73078.3056

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze and identify the political education tools employed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Meccan chapters (surahs), relying on a gradual revelation (tanzīlī) interpretation approach. The research seeks to demonstrate how the Holy Prophet (PBUH), during the period lacking an official state or an established political structure in Mecca, gradually organized the political education process of his audience through the revealed verses and by utilizing various epistemic, affective, and behavioral tools. The main question is: What were the tools of Prophetic political education, and how were they realized within the context of the gradual revelation of the Quran? The research hypothesis posits that the gradual revelation of the Holy Quran provided an educational framework through which the Holy Prophet (PBUH), relying on faith, awareness, and responsible action, established a new political discourse based on monotheism (tawḥīd), justice, and resistance against pre-Islamic domination. The theoretical framework of the research is based on a triad of epistemic (creating political insight and belief), affective (arousing spiritual fervor and collective solidarity), and behavioral (practicing social action and civil resistance) components. The findings show that through continuous faith-based education, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) laid the groundwork for the formation of an independent, responsible, and justice-oriented political identity among the early believers—an identity that gave rise to the foundation of the "Ummah" (community) and a new social order in opposition to the pre-Islamic tribal system. The final conclusion is that the Prophetic model, prior to any external political transformation, emphasizes a cultural and internal revolution within the individual, demonstrating that authentic power begins with the reformation of hearts, thoughts, and behaviors. The novelty of this research lies in combining a gradual revelation (tanzīlī)-interpretive approach with a sociological analysis of the Meccan verses and explaining the concepts of political education within the framework of a monotheistic worldview.

Keywords


Jafarian, R. (2007). Political history of Islam: The prophetic conduct (Sirah) of the Messenger of God. Tehran: Dalil-e Ma Publications. [In Persian]
Javadi Amoli, A. (2019). Thematic interpretation of the Quran: Iran. Qom: Esra International Publishing Center. [In Persian]
Khavari, M. (2025). Social education in the Quran. Qom: Al-Mustafa International Translation and Publishing Center. [In Persian]
Khazaee Gasak, M., Majidi, H., & Mosallaee Pouryazdi, A. (2022). Foundations and principles of political education of rulers in the Holy Quran. Quran and Hadith Studies, 15(2),
pp. 315-348. [In Persian]
Laclau, E., & Mouffe, C. (1985). Hegemony and socialist strategy. Verso.
Nye, J. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. Public Affairs.
Radmanesh, S. M. (1983). Political education in Islam. Tehran: Islamic Sciences Foundation Publications. [In Persian]
Rezaei Isfahani, M. A., & a group of researchers. (2008). Tafsīr-i Qurʾān-i Mihr (Vols. 1-24). Qom: Interpretive and Quranic Sciences Research. [In Persian]
Sayyid Qutb. (2008). Fi Zilal al-Quran (S. A. Khorramdel, Trans.; Vol. 6). Tehran: Dar al-Fikr. [In Arabic]
Shahidi, S. J. (1999). Analytical history of Islam. Tehran: University Publishing Center. [In Persian]
Tabatabai, M. H., & Musavi, M. B. (1999). Tafsīr al-Mīzān (S. M. B. Musavi Hamedani, Trans.; Vols. 1-20). Qom: Islamic Publications Office. [In Persian]
Tilly, C. (2004). Social movements, 1768–2004. Paradigm.