From Qabil And Habil to Imamate Reconstructing Ali Shariati’s Vision of the Ideal Islamic Society

Abstract

The concept of an ideal society remains a central concern in intellectual discourse, including within Islamic thought across historical periods. Ali Shariati, a prominent twentieth-century Muslim thinker, offers a distinctive contribution by integrating Qur’anic narratives with a sociohistorical and dialectical analysis of society. This article examines Ali Shariati’s interpretation of the Qabil-Habil narrative alongside his concepts of ummah and imamate to uncover the philosophical foundations of his vision of an ideal Islamic society. By framing the Qabil-Habil conflict as a symbolic expression of the tension between domination and justice, Ali Shariati constructs a historical paradigm that culminates in the ummah as a purposive and transformative community, guided by the imamate as a form of morally grounded and revolutionary leadership. However, this study also critically engages Ali Shariati’s framework by highlighting its theoretical and practical limitations. His dualistic reading of history and his emphasis on charismatic, non-procedural leadership raise important questions regarding pluralism, inclusivity, accountability, and democratic legitimacy in contemporary contexts. Drawing on perspectives from modern Islamic thought and political theory, this article argues that Ali Shariati’s concepts are best understood not as a fixed political blueprint, but as a normative horizon that can be reinterpreted within pluralistic and institutional settings. In doing so, the study situates Ali Shariati’s thought within broader debates on Islamic political ethics, alternative modernities, and the role of religion in shaping just, inclusive, and transformative societies.