Representation of Identity in Traditional and Modern Political Islam in Contemporary Iran (Case Study: The Component of Nationality in the Thought of Mesbah Yazdi and Abdolkarim Soroush)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of Political Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Mashhad branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

10.22034/ipsa.2026.569
Abstract
The concept of identity in contemporary Iran has undergone profound transformations influenced by the intersection of tradition and modernity, and these transformations are represented in various forms within political discourses. this study aims to analyze the representation of identity within the discourses of traditional and reformist political Islam in contemporary Iran, highlighting the differences and points of convergence between these two identity frameworks. The question is: How is the representation of identity formulated in the discourses of traditional and modern political Islam in contemporary Iran? The hypothesis is that the traditional discourse is defined on the basis of authentic traditional Islam, Sharia law, and confrontation with the West, while the modernist discourse, emphasizing religious rationality and critical engagement with modernity, offers a civic and pluralistic redefinition of Islamic identity. The study intends to examine and compare the representation of the identity component of nationality in the thought of Mesbah Yazdi and Abdolkarim Soroush. The findings obtained through a descriptive-comparative method show that the component of nationality in Mesbah Yazdi's thought is represented under the discourse of traditionalism, religion is the most central element of identity in this discourse, and the component of nationality is represented as a weaker element in this discourse and serves to strengthen Islamic identity. In contrast, in Soroush's thought and under the discourse of modern political Islam, while maintaining position of religion, greater emphasis is placed on the importance of Iranian nationality. However, Soroush is trying to create a balance between religious and national identity.

Keywords

Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 July 2026

  • Receive Date 25 April 2026
  • Revise Date 08 July 2026
  • Accept Date 22 July 2026