Ahl al-Bayt (as) Teachings

Ahl al-Bayt (as) Teachings

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) as a Role Model in the Modern Age: Reconceptualizing the Prophetic Conduct within the Framework of Ethical Principles and Ijtihād

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Associate professor of Department of Islamic Theology, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (Rah) Shahre-rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
This article examines the methodology of emulating the Prophet in the modern world and argues that, despite the historical disparity between the Prophet’s time and the present, emulation remains viable through a profound understanding of universal principles and enduring ethical and human values. To this end, two foundational premises are introduced: the comprehensiveness of Islam as a way of life and the universality and perpetuity of Islamic Sharia. These premises collectively justify the continued relevance of religious teachings in addressing the evolving needs of humanity. Drawing upon the insights of Martyr Murtada Mutahhari, the article distinguishes between the constant and variable needs of human beings, demonstrating that Islam, by relying on overarching principles and moral values, responds to new challenges through the dynamic process of ijtihād (juridical reasoning) and the intelligent application of these principles to contemporary contexts. Furthermore, various methodological approaches to interpreting religious texts—including semantic theory, methodological holism, and interactive hermeneutics—are analyzed to elucidate how ethical principles can be derived from the Qur’ān and the Prophetic Sunnah. Ultimately, the article emphasizes that the Prophet’s exemplary status does not lie in the superficial imitation of the minutiae of his life, but rather in emulating his rational, ethical, and humanistic approach in confronting the challenges of the age.
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Volume 2, Issue 3
Autumn 2024
Pages 110-126

  • Receive Date 10 August 2025
  • Revise Date 11 August 2025
  • Accept Date 11 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 11 August 2025
  • Publish Date 01 December 2024