Peaceful Coexistence in Contemporary International Politics from the Perspective of Jurisprudence and Law with Reference to the Supreme Leader’s Thought

Abstract

War and conflict in international politics have necessitated the discussion of peaceful coexistence from the perspective of jurisprudence and law. Accordingly, the present article aims to examine the following critical question: What is the approach of Islamic jurisprudence and law to peaceful coexistence in the contemporary era of international politics, and how does the Supreme Leader view this issue? This article is descriptive-analytical in nature and addresses the above-mentioned question using a library-based research method. The findings indicate that from a jurisprudential standpoint, although Islam has never completely abandoned war—and even considers it legitimate and sacred in the pursuit of justice and defense of the oppressed—the Qur’anic approach has consistently been based on preventing war and resorting to it only as a last solution. In the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well, emphasis is placed on peace and peaceful coexistence with non-believers under conditions that do not lead to domination by non-Muslims. From the perspective of the Supreme Leader, the principle is peaceful coexistence, sustainable tranquility, and the establishment of universal justice in the world. The Leader believes in creating the conditions for lasting peace in human society by offering solutions grounded in shared values emphasized by Islam and all divine religions. From the viewpoint of Ayatollah Khamenei’s thought, peaceful coexistence and peace are valuable and beneficial only when they provide the groundwork for the realization of human rights and the establishment of justice. For it is in such a context that the outcome of peace—namely, the comfort and moral cultivation of humanity—can be achieved.