Title: The social and political trend in the Holy Quran: A comparative study between Sayyid Ali Khamenei and Sayyid Qutb

Abstract

This research conducts a comparative analytical study of the socio-political approach in the exegetical thought of two influential figures in the contemporary Muslim world: Imam Ali Khamenei and Sayyid Qutb. The research stems from the central problematic of how to transform the Qur'an from a recited text into a lived reality, and it compares two primary methodologies for achieving this goal. The general orientation for both is the activation of the Holy Qur'an as a force for social and political change. They share the ultimate goal of establishing comprehensive Islamic governance and moving beyond traditional, theoretical exegesis. However, they differ fundamentally in their starting point and methodology of change. Imam Khamenei represents the "state-led reformist" approach, which is top-down, viewing the state as the primary instrument for implementing the Qur'an and addressing societal issues. In contrast, Sayyid Qutb represents the "foundational-revolutionary" approach, which is bottom-up, arguing that building a "vanguard group" (jama'ah tali'iyyah), isolated from modern ignorance (Jahiliyyah), is the prerequisite and sole foundation upon which a state can later be established. Thus, the research presents a comparison between a vision that prioritizes the administration of the existing state and a vision that prioritizes building the societal base first. To analyze this, the research employs a comparative methodology by extrapolating from Imam Khamenei's exegetical models in Surah At-Tawbah, classifying them under themes such as countering intellectual doubts, diagnosing societal ills, and deducing divine laws (Sunan Ilahiyyah). In parallel, the foundational vision proposed by Sayyid Qutb in "In the Shade of the Qur'an" and "Milestones" is analyzed. The findings show that Imam Khamenei utilizes exegesis as a practical tool to directly address the challenges of the state and society. Sayyid Qutb's thought, on the other hand, is focused on delineating the "milestones" for building the solid societal nucleus that will carry the Islamic project. The research concludes that the difference between them is not in the objective, but in the strategy to achieve it, reflecting two divergent visions of the relationship between religion, society, and the state in contemporary Islamic thought.