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Cited by 18Islamic Studies and HistoryIslamic Thought and Society StudiesQur’anic Interpretation Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 39 of the 39 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 2 of the 44 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Wasatiyya Discourse in Shi’i Islam: Ayatollah Montazeri and Human Rights Jurisprudence

Open access
Ghobadzadeh, Naser·2022·Religions
DOI 10.3390/rel13020126
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Abstract

There are significant differences of opinion about the successes and failures of Iran’s clerical government, but it can hardly be disputed that the experience has led to the flourishing of Shīʿī political thought. In the past four decades, aided by government support, extensive literature has been produced endorsing the political theology of “governmental Shīʿism” conceptualized by Khomeini in the early 1970s. Numerous other schools of thought have also emerged in opposition to the militant Shīʿī interpretation of religion by governmental Shīʿism. Using the concept of Wasatiyyah to conceptualize the most important counter-discourse to governmental Shīʿism, this article addresses the life and thought of Ayatollah Montazeri, one of the most prominent Wasatiyyah thinkers. Focusing on the issue of human rights in Montazeri’s thought, the article seeks to demonstrate how Montazeri instigated a fundamental reform of the seminary episteme, and by doing so articulated intra-religious reasoning in favor of the promotion of modern concepts such as human rights.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The article argues that Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri exemplifies a Shiʿi Wasatiyyah (moderate) counter-discourse to Khomeini’s governmental Shiʿism, reforming the seminary episteme from within to accommodate human rights. It shows how Montazeri grounded innate human dignity and rights in Qurʾānic verses, ḥadīths, and jurisprudential reasoning, becoming the first Shiʿi jurist to write a book with “human rights” in the title.

Key findings

  • Montazeri is presented as a pioneering *marjaʿ-i taqlīd* of the Shiʿi Wasatiyyah school, unique because he argued entirely within the seminary episteme while promoting human rights, democracy, freedom, and pluralism; the paper calls him the first Shiʿi jurist to write a book with “human rights” in the title and the founder of human rights jurisprudence in that episteme.
  • He separated human rights from religious belief, arguing that humans have inherent dignity regardless of faith, citing Qurʾānic verses such as Q 17:70 (“Verily we have honored the Children of Adam”) and Q 49:13; he held that fundamental rights—self-determination, life, livelihood, freedom of thought and expression, personal and social security—are innate, fixed, inalienable, and not rooted in legislation or government will.
  • Specific positions attributed to Montazeri include opposition to the death penalty for apostasy, the principle that there should be no political prisoners, permission for temporary detention only in murder charges and only for a very limited period, rejection of torture-based confessions, a fatwa granting Bahāʾīs equal citizenship rights, and a fivefold classification of rights; he also identified religious foundations for rights to retirement pension, education, employment, and housing.
  • The paper notes limits to his progressivism: he opposed women serving as judges or political leaders, defended the classical rule that women inherit half of men’s share, and did not address homosexual rights; on minorities, he argued equality in human, public, civil, criminal, and commercial rights but sought to justify restrictions on senior government posts for non-Muslims.

Methods

  • Conceptual and intellectual-history analysis using the framework of Wasatiyyah, with a single case study of Ayatollah Montazeri’s life and thought focused on human rights.
  • Sources are Montazeri’s own writings, fatwas, classes, memoirs, and treatises—such as *Treatise on Rights*, *Jurisprudential Foundations of the Islamic Government*, and responses to religious questions—alongside secondary scholarship; no empirical sample or quantitative analysis is used.
  • The main analysis is textual and contextual: it reconstructs Montazeri’s intra-religious reasoning within the Shiʿi seminary episteme and contrasts it with Khomeinism and other Wasatiyyah thinkers.

Limitations

  • The paper states that Montazeri’s extensive works cannot all be examined in one article and that it focuses on human rights; it also says separate research is needed to examine how far Wasatiyyah thinking has developed within the Shiʿi seminary.
  • The paper acknowledges that Montazeri’s ideas were not fully aligned with human rights standards, that he avoided some controversial issues such as homosexual rights, and that his views on women’s rights and minorities can be subject to serious criticism; it also speculates about his reasons for avoiding certain topics.
  • Evident from the text: this is a single-case conceptual study without systematic comparative or empirical measurement, relying on selected primary texts and secondary sources, so its claims about broader Shiʿi Wasatiyyah are illustrative rather than exhaustive.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/rel13020126

Cites

39 of 39 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

2 of 44 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Individuals such as Mohsen Kadivar, Ahmad Qabel, Mohammad Soroush Mahallati, Ayatollah Assadollah Bayat Zanjani, and numerous others present moderate readings of religion in relation to a range of matters.

    “Individuals such as Mohsen Kadivar, Ahmad Qabel, Mohammad Soroush Mahallati, Ayatollah Assadollah Bayat Zanjani (Ridgeon 2020(Ridgeon , 2021;;Jahanbakhsh 2020), as well as numerous others, present moderate readings of religion in relation to a range of matters.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Ridgeon 2020 source

      The Introduction (p. 2) identifies Mohsen Kadivar and Ahmad Qabil as New Religious Thinkers and describes the movement’s reformist interpretations of Islam. The Introduction (p. 4) says its clerics propose reforms on a wide range of issues. Our copy does not establish that Mohammad Soroush Mahallati or Ayatollah Assadollah Bayat Zanjani present such readings; the Soroush named on p. 2 is Abdolkarim Soroush. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Ridgeon 2021 source
    • cites Jahanbakhsh 2020 source

      Section 2, “The Iranian Context,” identifies Mohsen Kadivar as a religious reformer working on a range of social and political topics. Section 3, “Ahmad Qabel and His Legacy,” describes Qabel’s reformist approach. Our copy does not establish the claim about Mohammad Soroush Mahallati or Ayatollah Assadollah Bayat Zanjani; the Soroush it discusses is Abdulkarim Soroush. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingreasoning

    The open political atmosphere made it possible for reformists to give public lectures and air reformist debates in the classroom.

    “The open political atmosphere also made it possible for reformists to give public lectures and air reformist debates in the classroom.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Montazeri's fatwas in response to Kadivar's questions inferred that Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, was an oppressive leader.

    “Without naming the Leader, the fatwas issued by Montazeri in response to these questions inferred that Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, was an oppressive leader.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    Shī'ī Wasatiyyah thinkers have denounced the strictness and extremism of governmental Shī'ism.

    “In all these cases, it can be said that Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Montazeri issued a fatwa granting Bahā'īs equal rights to other citizens of Iran.

    “Among these was a fatwa granting Bahā”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 106
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 65
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingreasoning

    The seminary was not unaffected by this atmosphere.

    “The seminary was not unaffected by this atmosphere.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    It only took the ruling clergy a few years to remove all competing groups from the political arena.

    “It only took them a few years to remove all competing groups from the political arena.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    This intolerance was not limited to secular groups and ideologies such as communists, liberals or nationalists; Shī'ī religious groups dissenting from governmental Shī'ism were also severely repressed.

    “This intolerance was not limited to secular groups and ideologies such as communists, liberals or nationalists; Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    A significant number of religious intellectuals were educated in and retained close ties to the seminary, and spread moderate ideas through this forum as well.

    “A significant number of religious intellectuals were educated in and retained close ties to the seminary, and spread moderate ideas through this forum as well.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingreasoning

    On the basis of this interpretation, many discriminatory laws have been enacted that grossly violate women's rights.

    “On the basis of this interpretation, many discriminatory laws have been enacted that grossly violate women's rights.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Over the past four decades, the Islamic Republic has imposed many social restrictions on all Iranians.

    “Over the past four decades, the Islamic Republic has also imposed many social restrictions on all Iranians.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    The ruling clergy of Iran have not been strict in following religious rules; they have demonstrated pragmatism whenever needed.

    “It is correct to say that the ruling clergy of Iran have not been strict in following religious rules: they have demonstrated pragmatism whenever needed”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tamadonfar 2001 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    The ruling clergy's monopoly on true Islam has been a central claim of the ruling clergy, and terms such as 'American Islam' and 'English Shī'ism' have been invented to invalidate other interpretations of the religion.

    “Their monopoly on true Islam has been a central claim of the ruling clergy, and terms such as”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    The most prominent thinkers of this movement were Abdolkarim Soroush, Mohammad Mujtahed Shabestari, Mohsen Kadivar, and Hasan Yousefi Eshkevari.

    “The most prominent thinkers of this movement were Abdolkarim Soroush, Mohammad Mujtahed Shabestari, Mohsen Kadivar, and Hasan Yousefi Eshkevari-to name but a few.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Tension and rivalry have been key features of the ruling clergy's foreign policies in relation to both Muslim and non-Muslim nations.

    “Not surprisingly, tension and rivalry have been key features of the ruling clergy's foreign policies in relation to both Muslim and non-Muslim nations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingreasoning

    After Montazeri's ouster and with the death of Khomeini, right wing Islamists came to dominate the political arena to the extent of removing the left wing from all centers of power.

    “After that, and with the death of Khomeini, right wing Islamists came to dominate the political arena to the extent of removing the left wing from all centers of power.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Even religious intellectuals without such a background, in particular Abdolkarim Soroush, gained a strong presence in the seminary and held face-to-face debates and exchanged written arguments with many of its thinkers.

    “Even religious intellectuals without a such a background, in particular Abdolkarim Soroush, gained a strong presence in the seminary and, in addition to presenting numerous lectures in the seminary, held face-toface debates and exchanged written arguments with many of its thinkers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    A new discourse emerged in the Shī'ī-Iranian world in the mid-1980s, widely referred to as religious reformism.

    “A new discourse emerged in the Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingreasoning

    Concepts such as radical, extremist, violent, and hostile have been widely used to describe the political thought and behavior of Iran's ruling clergy.

    “This is why concepts such as radical, extremist, violent, and hostile have been widely used to describe the political thought and behavior of Iran's ruling clergy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    In the early years after the revolution, the ruling clergy's rise to power was accompanied by their elimination of all political rivals.

    “In the early years after the revolution, the ruling clergy's rise to power was accompanied by their elimination of all political rivals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri was ousted in 1989 from the second most-important position in the state.

    “Montazeri was ousted in 1989 from the second most-important (after Khomeini) position in the state.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    There is not even a single mention of the concept of human rights in the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh.

    “There is not even a single mention of the concept of human rights in this doctrine”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    With the support of Khatami's reformist government, the granting of newspaper and magazine publication licenses increased sharply, and a significant proportion of the content of the resultant publication boom comprised religious reformist ideas.

    “With the support of Khatami's reformist government, the granting of newspaper and magazine publication licenses increased sharply, and a significant proportion of the content of the resultant publication boom comprised religious reformist ideas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Compared to other religious minorities, the situation of Bahā'īs is much worse; they are generally disallowed from enjoying basic citizenship rights, such as the right to education and the right to work.

    “Compared to other religious minorities, the situation of Bahā”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Various aspects of human rights (women's rights, the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, children's rights), and the issues of freedom, religious pluralism, tolerance, and apostasy are among the key matters subject to reevaluation by Shī'ī Wasatiyyah thinkers, who have offered modern readings of each one.

    “Various aspects of human rights (women's rights, the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, children's rights), and the issues of freedom, religious pluralism, tolerance, and apostasy are among the key matters subject to reevaluation by Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    A number of religious intellectuals, including Mohsen Kadivar and Emadeddin Baghi, were among Montazeri's students and maintained close contact with him.

    “A number of religious intellectuals, including Mohsen Kadivar and Emadeddin Baghi, were among Montazeri's students and maintained close contact with him.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Both Montazeri and Sanei constructed their arguments entirely within the episteme of the Shī'ī seminary, played their politico-religious roles within the same framework, and never studied or taught at secular universities.

    “Both of these Wasatiyyah thinkers constructed their arguments entirely within the episteme of the Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Both Montazeri and Sanei reached the highest rank in the seminary hierarchy, that is, marja'-i taqlīd, and for this reason held a high level of religious authority and prestige.

    “Both reached the highest rank in the seminary hierarchy, that is, marja”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    Tolerance and moderation are among the important elements that have been conceptualized in the debates of the Shī'ī Wasatiyyah thinkers.

    “Tolerance and moderation are among the important elements that have been conceptualized in the debates of the Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    During this period, Montazeri taught and published his most important jurisprudential-political work, the extensive Jurisprudential Foundations of the Islamic Government.

    “In fact, it was during this period that he taught and published his most important jurisprudential-political work, the extensive Jurisprudential Foundations of the Islamic Government.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Sanei had lesser standing than Montazeri, both in terms of government appointments, scholarly position and degree of influence in the sociopolitical arena.

    “Sanei had lesser standing than Montazeri, both in terms of government appointments, scholarly position and degree of influence in the sociopolitical arena.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri was among the seminarians who instigated a series of live debates and written exchanges of views with Abdolkarim Soroush and other religious intellectuals.

    “Montazeri was among the seminarians who instigated a series of live debates and written exchanges of views with Abdolkarim Soroush and other religious intellectuals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Beyond this official post, Montazeri also founded several institutions and instituted many of the important occasions of the Islamic Republic's calendar.

    “Beyond this official post, Montazeri also founded several institutions and instituted many of the important occasions of the Islamic Republic's calendar.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri was one of Khomeini's oldest allies and played an important role in the promotion of Khomeini's ideas.

    “Montazeri was one of Khomeini's oldest allies and played an important role in the promotion of Khomeini's ideas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri was particularly critical of the continuation of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the treatment of political prisoners, censorship of the press, and the overall management of the country.

    “He was particularly critical of the continuation of the Iran-Iraq War (1980)(1981)(1982)(1983)(1984)(1985)(1986)(1987)(1988), the treatment of political prisoners, censorship of the press, and the overall management of the country.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Between the publication of the draft constitution and the election of the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution in June and July 1979, Montazeri presented the most coherent proposal of wilāyat-i faqīh and called for its inclusion in the constitution.

    “Between the publication of the draft constitution and the election of the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution in June and July 1979, Montazeri presented the most coherent proposal of wilāyat-i faqīh and called for its inclusion in the constitution”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 1979

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Randjbar-Daemi 2013 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Both Montazeri and Sanei were students of Khomeini, leaders during the revolutionary struggle, and occupied senior government positions after the revolution.

    “Both Montazeri and Sanei were students of Khomeini, leaders during the revolutionary struggle, and occupied senior government positions after the revolution.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri belonged to a generation of Shī'ī scholars who received their entire education in the traditional jurisprudential context, who never studied at schools or universities.

    “Montazeri belonged to a generation of Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Due to his political activities and his association with Khomeini, Montazeri was imprisoned and exiled many times during the Pahlavi era.

    “Due to his political activities and his association with Khomeini, Montazeri was imprisoned and exiled many times during the Pahlavi era.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri, along with Morteza Motahhari, persuaded Khomeini to start teaching dars-i khārij in the 1940s.

    “Montazeri, along with Morteza Motahhari, 11 persuaded Khomeini to start teaching dars-i khārij 12 in the 1940s”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2000a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Mo'asse-ye Tanzim va Nashr-e A'asar-e Emam 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri had a pioneering role in identifying the potential of Khomeini's personality and ideas.

    “He also had a pioneering role in identifying the potential of Khomeini's personality and ideas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    Ayatollah Montazeri played an important role in the designation of Khomeini as a marja'-i taqlid.

    “Ayatollah Montazeri also played an important role in the designation of Khomeini as a marja”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    In addition to chairing the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution, Montazeri briefly served as the Friday Prayer Imam of Tehran and later became the Friday Prayer Imam of Qum.

    “In addition to chairing the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution, Montazeri briefly served as the Friday Prayer Imam of Tehran and later became the Friday Prayer Imam of Qum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri was born in 1922 in Najafabad in central-west Iran, and entered the seminary at the age of 12, which remained the main platform for his scholarly and practical activities until the end of his life.

    “He was born in 1922 in Najafabad in central-west Iran, and entered the seminary at the age of 12, which remained the main platform for his scholarly and practical activities until the end of his life.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    The readings that Wasatiyyah thinkers have articulated shift from a focus on the apparent meaning of Qur'ānic verses and hadīths towards an emphasis on the intent and purpose of religion.

    “The readings that the Wasatiyyah thinkers have articulated in relation to the aforementioned matters shift from a focus on the apparent meaning of Qur”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Even when Montazeri was the designated successor to the Leader of the Islamic Republic (1985-1989), he was still based at the Qum seminary, and in addition to his political activity, taught at the highest level of seminary classes.

    “Even when he was the designated successor to the Leader of the Islamic Republic (1985)(1986)(1987)(1988)(1989), he was still based at the Qum seminary, and in addition to his political activity, taught at the highest level of seminary classes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Khomeini formulated the idea of wilāyat-i faqīh in Najaf, Iraq, in January 1970, and made no mention of it between then and September 1979, a few days after the principle of wilāyat-i faqīh was approved by the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution.

    “Khomeini had formulated the idea of wilāyat-i faqīh in Najaf, Iraq, in January 1970, and made no mention of it between then and September 1979, a few days after the principle of wilāyat-i faqīh was approved by the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ghobadzadeh Forthcoming

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    In addition to traditional religious sources such as the Qur'ān, hadīths, and Shī'ī history, Wasatiyyah thinkers have also made use of various intellectual and philosophical schools of thought in the Western world in their attempts to challenge governmental Shī'ism.

    “In addition to traditional religious sources such as the Qur”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    There are few references in Montazeri's writings to Western thought or philosophy; his thinking reflects Qur'anic verses and hadiths, and all his arguments are presented within the conventional methodology of seminary scholarship.

    “There are few references in his writings to Western thought or philosophy; his thinking reflects and refers to Qur”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingreasoning

    In their work, Wasatiyyah thinkers have highlighted the commonalities and potential for cooperation and rapprochement between the two civilizations of Islam and the West.

    “In their work, they have highlighted the commonalities and potential for cooperation and rapprochement between the two civilizations of Islam and the West.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Both Montazeri and Sanei later withdrew from the government system and focused on research and teaching religious sciences in the seminary.

    “However, both later withdrew from the government system and focused on research and teaching religious sciences in the seminary.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    While all Wasatiyyah thinkers share the aforementioned goals and aspire to the same broad outcomes, there is also considerable diversity among them.

    “While all Wasatiyyah thinkers share the aforementioned goals and aspire to the same broad outcomes, there is also considerable diversity among them.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri was resoundingly voted onto the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution, and became its Chair.

    “He was resoundingly voted onto the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution, and became its Chair.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    After these posts, Montazeri's most important official position was acting as the authorized representative of Khomeini in appointing members of the Supreme Judicial Council as well as judges throughout the country.

    “After these posts, his most important official position was acting as the authorized representative of Khomeini in appointing members of the Supreme Judicial Council as well as judges throughout the country.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    The ruling of the Assembly of Experts referred to the fact that Montazeri 'is currently accepted by the overwhelming majority of the people as the future leader, and the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership recognizes and approves this choice'.

    “The ruling of this Assembly of Experts referred to the fact that Montazeri”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ghasemi 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingreasoning

    Many of the subjects Montazeri engaged with theologically in his classes and writings after 1997 reflected the ideas of the religious intellectuals and the issues raised in the reformist atmosphere of the Khatami years.

    “Many of the subjects he engaged with theologically in his classes and writings after 1997 reflected the ideas of the religious intellectuals and the issues raised in the reformist atmosphere of the Khatami years.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that Qur'an 49:13 relates to the value of dignity, which has no effect on human social rights, and that all human beings, regardless of their level of faith and piety, enjoy such social rights.

    “Separating the value of dignity from intrinsic dignity, Montazeri argues that this verse is related to value of dignity, which has no effect on human social rights, and that”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Many Muslim thinkers have not been involved in human rights issues beyond controversial issues, whereas Montazeri's engagement was expansive enough to include social rights.

    “Many Muslim thinkers have not been involved in human rights issues beyond these controversial issues; in contrast, Montazeri's engagement in human rights issues was expansive to the extent that he broadened the discussion of human rights to encompass social rights too.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri cites numerous narrations to demonstrate that torture for the purpose of obtaining a confession is not permitted by sharī'a, and that any trial based on such a confession would be invalid.

    “Montazeri also cites numerous narrations to demonstrate that torture for the purpose of obtaining a confession is not permitted by sharī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2003

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingreasoning

    Montazeri concludes that it is very difficult to prove apostasy.

    “He concludes that it is very difficult to prove apostasy, because it cannot be said with certainty that a person who outwardly denies Islam really believes in its legitimacy in their heart, and denies Islam out of stubbornness or due to other motives.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that in the sacred texts, the word human is used and not the word believer, Muslim, woman, man, or jurist.

    “Referring to many Qur”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Montazeri had progressive views on women's rights and issued several progressive fatwas in this regard.

    “Overall, Montazeri had progressive views on women's rights and issued several progressive fatwas in this regard.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that enjoining good and forbidding evil is not limited to personal issues and is highly obligatory in relation to the social structures of religion and morality.

    “Referring to the rule of”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that the Qur'an does not prescribe the death penalty for apostates.

    “Montazeri gives various reasons and cites multiple religious sources in reaching this view, including the fact that the Qur”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Akbar 2021b source

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingreasoning

    Montazeri concludes that if insult and desecration are prohibited, then the more fundamental rights of non-Muslims, such as the right to life and the right to a different opinion, are bestowed with even greater respect.

    “He concludes that if insult and desecration are prohibited, then naturally the more fundamental rights of non-Muslims, such as the right to life and the right to a different opinion, are bestowed with even greater respect.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that the ruling on apostasy is relevant to a person who intends to conspire against the Islamic community.

    “and that the ruling on apostasy is relevant to a person who”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2006a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri defines faith as a practical and moral commitment to a belief found in the heart, and disbelief as denial and non-adherence to that belief.

    “To clarify this discussion, Montazeri presents a definition of faith and disbelief:”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2006c

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri emphasizes that human beings are honorable in essence, even if one is a disbeliever, because the essence of human beings is respected by God.

    “Montazeri emphasizes that”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Baghi 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri identified strong legal foundations in religious sources for the right to a retirement pension, the right to education, the right to employment, and the right to housing.

    “In religious sources, for example, Montazeri identified strong legal foundations for the right to a retirement pension, the right to education, the right to employment, and the right to housing.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri states that according to Islamic sources and sunna, temporary detention is permitted only in the case of a murder charge, and even then only for a very limited period of time.

    “Referring to a h .adīth from Imām S .ādiq, the sixth Imām, 23 he states that according to the Islamic sources and sunna, temporary detention is permitted only in the case of a murder charge, and even in that case can occur only for a very limited period of time (Montazeri 2015, pp. 103-4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that enjoining good and forbidding evil, in addition to being obligatory, is also a universal right.

    “He also argues that enjoining good and forbidding evil, in addition to being obligatory, is also a”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri concluded that there is no particular reason to prevent people from submitting to a female marja'-i taqlīd for religious direction.

    “He concluded as a result that there is no particular reason to prevent people from submitting to a female marja”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Throughout the seminary's several-hundred-year history, no jurist produced a book or pamphlet under the title of human rights.

    “Throughout the seminary's several-hundred-year history, no jurist produced a book or pamphlet under the title of human rights.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri's thought separated a human's rights from his or her beliefs, considering human beings bestowed with inherent dignity and rights purely due to their humanity.

    “However, Montazeri's thought separated a human's rights from his or her beliefs, considering human beings bestowed with inherent dignity and rights purely due to their humanity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    According to Montazeri, the complete and correct realization of the rule of enjoining good and forbidding evil requires freedom of expression and freedom of association.

    “In other words, according to Montazeri, the complete and correct realization of the rule of enjoining good and forbidding evil requires freedom of expression and freedom of association (Montazeri 2000b(Montazeri , pp. 1031-34)-34).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2000b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri writes that in the time of the Prophet and Imam Ali, there was not even a single case of a political prisoner being arrested and tried for expressing an opinion and criticizing the government.

    “For this reason, Montazeri writes that in the time of the Prophet and Imām”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2006b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The authors may not put it forward as true. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri emphasizes that religion cannot be a matter of force.

    “Referring to the verse,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri responds that the hadith 'Do not consult women because their view is weak and their determination is unstable' does not impart a general rule or principle towards all women in all times and all circumstances.

    “However, Montazeri responds that”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri held that the key requisite of a person referred to for religious guidance is scholarly expertise, and that being a man or a woman is irrelevant to knowledge and scholarly expertise.

    “In relation to the possibility of female marāja”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that because the core of the issue has been eliminated and the Muslim community is so vast that one person leaving the faith cannot harm the religion, no punishment can be imposed for leaving Islam.

    “Montazeri argues that because the core of the issue has now been eliminated, and the Muslim community is so vast that one person leaving the faith cannot harm the religion, no punishment can be imposed for it (Montazeri 2006a, pp. 692-95).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2006a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that choosing a religion or belief, or changing it, is not apostasy.

    “Montazeri argues that”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri holds that when a sharī'a ruling conflicts with a ruling of theoretical or practical reason, the true aim of the sharī'a is different from the apparent content, or the content was limited to a specific time and place with other requirements.

    “In his view, when a sharī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingnone given

    In relation to each of his numerous examples of rights, Montazeri refers to evidence from Qur'anic verses and hadiths, and the early history of Islam, especially the words and deeds of the Prophet and Imam Ali.

    “The important point in Montazeri's arguments is that in relation to each of his numerous examples of rights, he refers to evidence from Qur”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    According to Montazeri's reading, the narrative advising against consulting women is relevant to a time and society in which women were not permitted to develop intellectually.

    “According to Montazeri's reading, this narrative is relevant to a time and society in which women were not permitted to develop intellectually.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri defines an apostate as a person who, despite certainty in the legitimacy of Islam, denies it out of stubbornness or bigotry, or for political, economic, or other comparable motives.

    “Montazeri continues that an apostate is a person who, despite their certainty in the legitimacy of Islam,”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2006c

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argued that throughout history, men's financial responsibilities have been greater than women's, and it is for this reason that these rulings have been issued.

    “In defense of this view, Montazeri argues that throughout history, men's financial responsibilities have been greater than women's and it is for this reason that these rulings have been issued (Montazeri 2008, p. 128).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Montazeri avoided engagement in some controversial issues, such as the rights of homosexuals.

    “He avoided engagement in some controversial issues, such as the rights of homosexuals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    In Montazeri's view, in a Muslim-majority society, the minority will never gain the support of the majority to occupy a senior political post.

    “In Montazeri's view, in a Muslim-majority society, the minority will never gain the support of the majority to occupy a senior political post.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri argues that minorities are equal to the majority in human rights, including public, civil, criminal, and commercial rights.

    “In general, Montazeri argues that minorities are equal to the majority”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Montazeri 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    Montazeri claimed that judgeship and leadership are difficult tasks not commensurate with the physical and mental characteristics of women.

    “He claimed that judgeship and leadership are difficult tasks not commensurate with the physical and mental characteristics of women.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There can be no defense of the performance of governmental Shī'ism in terms of tolerance and moderation.

    “There can be no defense either of the performance of governmental Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh exemplifies an authoritarian reading of Shī'ī political theology.

    “The doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh exemplifies an authoritarian reading of Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: According to the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh, the source of government legitimacy is the will of God and there is no place for popular sovereignty.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The radicalism of Khomeinism is evident both in its theoretical framework (the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh) and in the track record of the political system of the Islamic Republic.

    “The radicalism of this discourse is evident both in its theoretical framework, i.e., the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh, and in the track record of the political system of the Islamic Republic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Khomeinism was the first and most significant modern political stream of thought in the Shī'ī world.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This discourse is a direct and inverse backlash to the discourse of governmental Shī'ism.

    “This discourse is a direct and inverse backlash to the discourse of governmental Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Governmental Shī'ism's reading of religion, and the manner in which it is implemented in the political, social, and international relations spheres, has no place in the conceptual framework of moderate Islam.

    “In sum, governmental Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Khomeini's jurisprudential innovation has been conceptualized as the expedient jurisprudence.

    “This jurisprudential innovation of Khomeini has been conceptualized as the expedient jurisprudence”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Hajjarian 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Ghobadzadeh 2014 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The conceptual approach of wilāyat-i faqīh is based on the duties of believers and religious scholars, and citizenship rights are immaterial.

    “Its conceptual approach is based on the duties of believers and religious scholars, an approach in which citizenship rights are immaterial.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: According to the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh, the source of government legitimacy is the will of God and there is no place for popular sovereignty.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    The use of the term Wasatiyyah highlights the similarities between Shī'ī and Sunnī reformism.

    “The use of the term Wasatiyyah highlights the similarities between Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    A further feature of Khomeinism is its implacable opposition to the West.

    “A further feature of Khomeinism is its implacable opposition to the West.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The issue of stoning and mass executions, as well as the implementation of sharī'a punishments without the slightest concession, leaves no room to doubt that Iran's ruling clergy have a radical and intolerant interpretation of religion.

    “The issue of stoning and mass executions, as well as the implementation of sharī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    The drafting of the constitution and the establishment of modern institutions indicated that Iran's ruling clergy had complied with a number of the rules of politicking in the modern world.

    “The drafting of the constitution and the establishment of modern institutions indicated that Iran's ruling clergy had complied with a number of the rules of politicking in the modern world.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    The purpose of these flexibilities is to expand the clergy's capacity to advance its own authoritarian policies and to more effectively constrain citizenship rights.

    “In fact, the purpose of these flexibilities is to expand the clergy's capacity to advance its own authoritarian policies and to more effectively constrain citizenship rights.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    These thinkers had close ties with the leftist political Islamists and therefore played a decisive role in the reformists' victory in the 1997 presidential election.

    “These thinkers had close ties with the leftist political Islamists and therefore played a decisive role in the reformists' victory in the 1997 presidential election.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    The concept of Wasatiyyah can explain the ideas of the Shī'ī-Iranian reform movement.

    “This article proposes that the concept of Wasatiyyah can explain the ideas of the thinkers of the Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Montazeri was able to promote the idea of innate human dignity regardless of religious belief, and defend human rights, within the episteme of the seminary.

    “I illustrate how Montazeri was able to promote the idea of innate human dignity regardless of religious belief, as well as defend human rights, within the episteme of the seminary.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The Shī'ī seminary has an independent episteme that has set the rules for its thinkers for centuries.
    • Rests on an assumption: According to the seminary episteme, individuals are duty-bound human beings and a person's rights are determined based on his or her religious beliefs.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisereasoning

    The term Wasatiyyah can also be used to describe this discourse, as its English equivalent, moderation, is often used in the relevant literature.

    “The term Wasatiyyah can also be used to describe this discourse, as its English equivalent, moderation, is often used in the relevant literature.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The political system proposed in the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh is based on discrimination.

    “The political system proposed in the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh is based on discrimination.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: According to the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh, the source of government legitimacy is the will of God and there is no place for popular sovereignty.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    The ruling clergy have a similarly indefensible record on the rights of religious minorities, including those of Sunnī Muslims.

    “The ruling clergy have a similarly indefensible record on the rights of religious minorities, including those of Sunnī Muslims.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    The ruling clergy have formulated a harsh and highly discriminatory interpretation of the sharī'a, and force all citizens to comply with this reading through the coercive measures of the state apparatus.

    “The ruling clergy have also formulated a harsh and highly discriminatory interpretation of the sharī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The exceptional importance of the ideas of Montazeri and Sanei in comparison with other Wasatiyyah thinkers arises from their laying of strong foundations for the promotion of human rights, democracy, freedom, and pluralism while also maintaining unqualified loyalty to the seminary episteme.

    “The exceptional importance of the ideas of these two thinkers in comparison with other Wasatiyyah thinkers arises from their laying of strong foundations for the promotion of human rights, democracy, freedom, and pluralism while also maintaining unqualified loyalty to the seminary episteme.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Montazeri became known as the spiritual father and moral voice of the Green Movement.

    “he played a very active role in the day-to-day politics of the country and for this reason became known as the spiritual father and moral voice of the Green Movement (Dabashi 2017, p. 39;Schwerin 2015, p. 8).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Dabashi 2017 source
    • cites Schwerin 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    Among the Shī'ī Wasatiyyah thinkers, two individuals possess special status: Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri and Ayatollah Yousef Sanei.

    “Among the Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    According to the Wasatiyyah interpretation, human dignity, regardless of religious affiliation, is of fundamental importance.

    “According to their interpretation, human dignity, regardless of religious affiliation, is of fundamental importance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Unlike militant secularism, the Shī'ī Wasatiyyah school does not deny the role of religion in the public and political arenas, but sees the purpose of religion in the public and political spheres as promoting social justice and ending discrimination.

    “Unlike militant secularism, the Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The Shī'ī Wasatiyyah discourse provides an interpretation of religion that takes the challenges of contemporary society into account and meets the needs of Muslims in the modern world.

    “The discourse provides an interpretation of religion that takes the challenges of contemporary society into account and meets the needs of Muslims in the modern world.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Through his public statements as well as meetings with the country's officials, Montazeri played a decisive role in guiding the policies of the fledgling government of the Islamic Republic.

    “The role of Montazeri was not limited to these examples, and through his public statements as well as meetings with the country's officials, played a decisive role in guiding the policies of the fledgling government of the Islamic Republic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although Khomeini was the architect of the theory of wilāyat-i faqīh, he had no direct role in its incorporation into the constitution of the Islamic Republic.

    “Therefore, although Khomeini was the architect of the theory of wilāyat-i faqīh, he had no direct role in its incorporation into the constitution of the Islamic Republic.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Premisenone given

    Other Wasatiyyah thinkers in Iran are not able to connect to the segment of society that is the most important social base of the Shi'i government.

    “This is very significant because, as mentioned earlier, other Wasatiyyah thinkers in Iran are not able to connect to this segment of society.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Montazeri's challenges against governmental Shi'ism are internal, questioning the theoretical foundations of governmental Shi'ism in the language of religion.

    “The challenges that Montazeri mounted against governmental Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The novelty and boldness of Montazeri's work, and the value of his conceptualization of human rights, was that he located all his arguments in defense of the dignity and innate rights of humanity within the episteme of the seminary, using accepted methods of jurisprudential research.

    “The novelty and boldness of Montazeri's work, and the value and importance of his conceptualization of human rights, was that he located all his arguments in defense of the dignity and innate rights of humanity within the episteme of the seminary, using the accepted methods of jurisprudential research.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    Generally, jurists believe that shedding the blood of a person who abandons Islam is permissible.

    “The situation of a person who changes his or her religious beliefs and abandons Islam is a controversial issue, but generally jurists 19 believe that shedding the blood of such a person is permissible.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    From an Islamic perspective, the detention and trial of individuals on political charges is against sharī'a law.

    “Therefore, from an Islamic perspective, the detention and trial of individuals on political charges is against sharī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Montazeri was the first Shi'i jurist to write a book with 'human rights' in the title, and thus he can be considered the founder of human rights jurisprudence in the episteme of the Shi'i seminary.

    “Montazeri was the first Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    The views of renowned Shi'i jurists are based on human inequality, and human rights were irrelevant to them.

    “As mentioned, the views of the renowned Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    Montazeri's ideas on the abovementioned issues are very close to today's human rights standards, but on other human rights issues his views can be subject to serious criticism.

    “Montazeri's ideas about the abovementioned issues are very close to today's human rights standards, but in relation to other human rights issues, Montazeri's views can be subject to serious criticism.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    Laws for non-Muslims include a subsidiary mechanism of discrimination; the jurisprudential rules that apply to the People of the Book differ from those applied to individuals with other or no religious beliefs.

    “The laws for non-Muslims include a subsidiary mechanism of discrimination; the jurisprudential rules that apply to the People of the Book are different from those applied to individuals with other or no religious beliefs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisereasoning

    Referring to the opinions of one's predecessors is a dominant tradition in the seminary, and casting aside all the literature produced over more than a millennium and referring directly to the Qur'an and sunna is almost impossible.

    “Referring to the opinions of one's predecessors is a dominant tradition in the seminary, and casting aside all the literature that has been produced over more than a millennium and referring directly to the Qur”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Many Muslim thinkers have been criticized for having apologetic approaches.

    “Many Muslim thinkers have been criticized for having apologetic approaches (Shavit 2017;Hughes 2015;Daneshgar 2020, pp. 15-65).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Shavit 2017 source
    • cites Hughes 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Daneshgar 2020 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisereasoning

    In relation to human rights, the apologetic approach is more pronounced because most discussions have focused solely on controversial issues such as apostasy, sharī'a punishments, or women's rights.

    “In relation to the issue of human rights, the apologetic approach is even more pronounced since most discussions have focused solely on controversial issues such as the ruling on apostasy, the implementation of sharī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    In Shi'i jurisprudence, a human's rights are not separate from his or her beliefs.

    “In Shī”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The authors may not put it forward as true. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    Shi'i jurisprudence enshrines substantial differences between Muslims and non-Muslims, and even between Shi'as and Sunnis.

    “Shī”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Montazeri was important not only in terms of his statements and ideas.

    “In sum, Montazeri was not only important in terms of his statements and ideas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    Montazeri's views on the rights of minorities are considered progressive within the seminary's episteme, but they are far from the standards accepted today.

    “Although Montazeri's views on the rights of minorities are considered progressive within the seminary's episteme, they are far from the standards accepted today.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    The article's central claim is that Montazeri made fundamental changes to the seminary episteme from within, forging a path that is being continued and expanded by his students today.

    “Rather, its central claim is that Montazeri made fundamental changes to the seminary episteme from within, forging a path that is being continued and expanded by his students today.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Montazeri's position in the seminary, as well as the context in which he conceptualized his progressive ideas, was even more significant than his statements and ideas.

    “His position in the seminary, as well as the context in which he conceptualized his progressive ideas, was even more significant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
130 of 130

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The experience of clerical government in Iran has led to a flourishing of Shī'ī political thought.

    “it can hardly be disputed that the experience has led to the flourishing of Shī”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Shī'ī seminary has an independent episteme that has set the rules for its thinkers for centuries.

    “The Shī”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    According to the seminary episteme, individuals are duty-bound human beings and a person's rights are determined based on his or her religious beliefs.

    “According to the seminary episteme, individuals are duty-bound human beings and a person's rights are determined based on his or her religious beliefs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Khomeinism was the first and most significant modern political stream of thought in the Shī'ī world.

    “Khomeinism was the first and most significant modern political stream of thought in the Shī”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    According to the doctrine of wilāyat-i faqīh, the source of government legitimacy is the will of God and there is no place for popular sovereignty.

    “According to this doctrine, the source of government legitimacy is the will of God and there is no place for popular sovereignty.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    As soon as Montazeri learned of Khomeini's decision, he tried unsuccessfully to prevent the 1988 mass executions.

    “It was revealed after the fact that as soon as he learned of Khomeini's decision, Montazeri tried unsuccessfully to prevent the executions.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The publication of Montazeri's letters to Khomeini regarding the executions led to the removal of his designation as successor to the Leader.

    “The publication of Montazeri's letters to Khomeini in relation to this matter led to the removal of his designation as successor to the Leader.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Government law in Iran institutionalizes persecution in the country's legal, judicial, and political systems.

    “Perhaps the most serious evidence of human rights violations in Iran is government law, which institutionalizes persecution in the country's legal, judicial, and political systems.”
8 of 8

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Saffari citation points outside the listed article's page range

    Minor

    The text cites pages 105-12 of Saffari (1993), but the reference list gives that article's page range as 64-82.

1 of 1

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 13

  1. 2016, A topical study of sources of Imam Khomeini’s Kashf ul-Asrar [مطالعه موضوعی منابع کشف‌الاسرار امام خمینی], Zharfa Pazhooh, 2, 1
  2. Ebrahimnezhad, 2016, A review and critique of Ayatollah Sanei’s rationale for the equality of blood money for men and woman [بررسی و نقد ادله نظریه آیت‌الله صانعی در برابری دیه زن و مرد], Jurisprudence and Islamic Law, 7, 1
  3. Foucault, Michel (1989). The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences, Routledge.
  4. Ghobadzadeh, Naser. Theocratic Secularism vs. Governmental shīʿism, Oxford University Press. Forthcoming.
  5. Hosseini, Omid (2011). A Review of the Political and Jurisprudential Perspectives of Ayatollah Sanei [بازخوانی دیدگاه‌های سیاسی و فقهی آیت‌الله صانعی], Markaz-e Asnad-e Enqelab-e Eslami.
  6. Manbachi, Katie Maryam (2013). The Evolution of Ayatollah Montazeri’s Doctrine of Velāyat-e Faqih. [Master’s thesis, Department of Near Eastern Studies, Princeton University].
  7. Qureishi, Assifa, and Vogel, Frank E. (2008). Women’s right to terminate the marriage contract: The case of Iran. The Islamic Marriage Contract, Harvard University Press.
  8. Montazeri, Hussein Ali (2000a). Memoirs of Ayatollah Montazeri, Vol. 1 [خاطرات آیت‌الله منتظری، جلد اول], The Office of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri.
  9. Montazeri, Hussein Ali (2000b). Memoirs of Ayatollah Montazeri, Vol. 2 [خاطرات آیت‌الله منتظری، جلد دوم], The Office of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri.
  10. Montazeri, Hussein Ali (2006c). Treatise of Requests for Legal Opinion, Vol. 2 [رساله استفتائات، جلد دوم], Sayeh.
  11. Shahrooz, 2007, With Revolutionary Rage and Rancor: Preliminary Report on the 1988 Massacre of Iran’s Political Prisoners, Harvard Human Rights Journal, 20, 227
  12. Soroush, 1995a, The Ceiling of livelihood upon the pillar of religion [سقف شریعت بر ستون معیشت], Kiyan, 5, 25
  13. Soroush, 1995b, Liberty and clergy [حریت و روحانیت], Kiyan, 4, 2

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Metadata

Authors
Ghobadzadeh, N.
Affiliations
Australian Catholic University (AU)
Corresponding author
Ghobadzadeh, Naser
ORCID
Ghobadzadeh, Naser
Venue
Religions
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2022-01-28
Volume
13
Issue
2
Pages
126
ISSN
2077-1444 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/rel13020126
OpenAlex
W4210542130
Semantic Scholar
cbdc7638e74bf53ea89b622121a2c61fb66c8c9c
Cited by
18
References
33
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 13
FWCI
13.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Religions (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Islamic Studies and History
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Islamic Thought and Society Studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Qur’anic Interpretation Studies
Keywords
human rights, Shi'i political thought, Imam Khomeini, Islamic jurisprudence

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

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