The Kalami-Fiqhi (Theological-Jurisprudential) Principles of Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi in Interaction with Abbasid Government

The purpose of this study is to investigate how and why Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi dealt with Abbasid government and also discern the rationale behind his political thought and behavior based on his works in Kalami-Fiqhi (theological-jurisprudential) principles. The significance of this study is that, in addition to understanding the tenets of Shi’ite ideology, it explains the principles of Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi as a Shi’ite Muslim thinker in his interaction with Abbasid government. By his accurate and principled comprehension of the Godly teachings and instructions of Ahl al-Bayt as well as Shi’ite former experiences, he inferred important principles in the realm of political thought that resulted in his appropriate encounter with contemporary realities back then and paved the way for the emergence of Shi’ite ideology in the political and social realm. The results of this theological-historical study showed that the theoretical principles of Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi are derived from the tenets of Shi’ite belief, Towhid (monotheism), and Imamat. He holds that the establishment of government is a requisite for human life as human being is instinctively social. He also regards that authority is only the right of God and those permitted by Him. Relying on ethical objectivism, he holds that only a government by an innocent Imam appointed by God, or introduced by Imam as his special or generic representative is deemed legitimate and appropriate. Therefore, he regards Abbasid establishment as an illegal occupant of Khilafat. Based on his intellectual principles derived from the Qur’anic verses and the narratives of innocent Imams and also the expediency for Muslims particularly Shi’ites, Khajeh Nasir interacted with Abbasid government by applying principles such as Taqia (denial of religious belief, justice, Imamat and so on.