The Challenge of Secularism with the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Sphere of Beliefs

Islamic republic of Iran, suggesting a new viewpoint, challenged the prevailing theory and practice of the West. Secularists have criticized the Islamic republic of Iran from three perspectives: philosophical- theological, jurisprudential-legal, and sociological.This article focuses on scrutinizing the secularist challenge in its political philosophy, and inquires about the amount of its influence on the foundations of the Islamic republic of Iran. The author develops the hypothesis that the Islamic republic has not been influenced by secularism in the sphere of belief (political philosophy), and the secularists’ view in producing a secular explanation of the theoretical foundations of the Islamic Republic is not correct. He wants to establish major discrepancies in this regard, as the discourse of the Islamic republic of Iran is based on ethical values, justice, spiritual goals, religious democracy, and an understanding of religion that encompasses politics; while the secular discourse emphasizes materialism, superiority of material interests, and pragmatic tendencies.