The Predilection for Flattery in Islamic Political Thought: Analyzing the Perspectives of Amir al-Mu&#039;minin (AS) and the Two Imams of the Revolution within the Framework of Power Distance Theory&quot;

Tabatabaei Nodoushan, Seyed Roohollah; Mirhoseini, Yahya

doi:10.22034/matin.2025.502573.2341

The Predilection for Flattery in Islamic Political Thought: Analyzing the Perspectives of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) and the Two Imams of the Revolution within the Framework of Power Distance Theory"

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Seyed Roohollah Tabatabaei Nodoushan

Yahya Mirhoseini

Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran

10.22034/matin.2025.502573.2341

Abstract

Power distance, as one of the cultural dimensions affecting governments plays a fundamental role in determining the relationship between societies and justice. In societies with a large power distance, rulers are prone to accepting excessive praise; a phenomenon that is condemned in Islamic teachings. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method, conducts a comparative study of the views of Imam Ali (AS), Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei on the love of praise within the framework of Hofstede's power distance theory. The findings of the study show that all three personalities, based on Islamic teachings, avoided this phenomenon and forbade others from it. In the words of the Commander of the Faithful (AS), love of praise has been introduced as an opportunity for Satan's influence and a source of pride and negligence. The Imams of the Revolution also emphasized the importance of avoiding praise by emphasizing the criticism of those in charge and prohibiting comparison with the Imam Ali(AS). His most important approach in this regard was the three ethical, theological, and jurisprudential approaches that considered praise to be contrary to Islamic teachings, beneath the dignity of the system, and a cause of an individual's unrealistic self-perception and tyranny;

Keywords

Ayatollah Khamenei , Leadership Ethics , Imam Khomeini, , Amir al-Mu'

minin (AS) , Predilection for Flattery . Political System Health , Power Distance

Subjects