Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Principles and Foundations of Negotiation from the Perspective of the Qur'an and the Narrations of the Infallibles (AS)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
akhtar soltani 1
parvin makeh 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Theology, Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran
2 M.A. in Theology and Islamic Studies, Teacher Educator, Instructor at the Department of Education, Darreh Shahr, Ilam, Iran
10.22034/jis.2025.243122
Abstract
Negotiation constitutes a significant part of interpersonal communication and requires the acquisition of skills and methods for establishing effective interactions. The lack of such skills can lead to consequences such as fear, guilt, blame, shame, strained relationships, communication breakdowns, and, in some cases, severe tensions in familial and social relations. By referring to the Holy Qur'an and reflecting on divine verses, it becomes evident that, from the perspective of this sacred scripture, negotiation is constructive and fruitful only when it is based on rationality, wisdom, and sound reasoning—referred to in Qur'anic terminology as “al-Jidāl al-al-Aḥsan” (the best argument). Such negotiation not only fosters individual and societal growth but also ensures security and tranquility. This concept can be observed in the story of Prophet Yūsuf [Joseph] (AS), where Allah speaks of the “proof from the Lord”—a proof that undoubtedly convinced Yūsuf (AS) and played a crucial role in his guidance and steadfastness against temptation. Therefore, the realization of these components is only possible through faith, devotion, and piety. Accordingly, a discussion lacking a scholarly (i.e. rational) foundation and based on falsehood, mockery, or unhealthy motives will not only be futile but will also lead to consequences such as anxiety, aggression, and the breakdown of relationships. From the Qur'anic perspective, speech must possess qualities such as wisdom, firmness, eloquence, and al-Jidāl al-al-Aḥsan. Additionally, maintaining respect for individuals and avoiding verbal pitfalls—such as mockery, lies, backbiting, and foul language—are among the most important principles that must be observed in proper and effective communication.
Keywords
negotiation
faith
devotion
piety
The Holy Qur’an
Nahj al-Balāgha
Barzanūni, Muhammad Ali. 1384 Sh. “Islam: The Originality of War or Peace?” Majalle-ye Hoqūqi-ye Baynal-melalī, no. 33, 73–157.
Dehqānpour, Alirezā; Sādeqi Gol, Behnāz. 1400 Sh). “Negotiation Rules in Qur'anic Verses Related to Family”. Mishkāt, no. 150, 130–147.
Fārsi, Jalāluddin. 1362 Sh. Prophethood and Jihad. Tehran: Mu’assisa-yi Anjām-i Kitāb.
Fayḍ Kāshānī, Mullā Mohsen. 1415 AH. Tafsīr al-Ṣāfī. Tehran: Enteshārāt Ṣadr.
Ḥamīdullāh, Muhammad. 1375 Sh. Letters and Political Treaties of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and Early Islamic Documents, trans. Seyyed Muhammad Hosseini. Tehran: Soroush.
Khālouzadeh, Saʿeed. 1391 Sh. Diplomatic and Consular Law. Tehran: SAMT.
Al-Majlisī, Muhammad Bāqir. 1363 Sh. Biḥār al-Anwār. Tehran: Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya.
Makārem Shīrāzi, Nāser. 1374 Sh. Tafsīr Nemūneh. Tehran: Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya.
Montazeri, Ali. 1401 Sh. The Strategy of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet (SAWA) in Negotiating with the Enemy, Master’s Thesis. Imam Sadeq (AS) University, Faculty of Theology, Islamic Studies, and Guidance.
Murtaḍā al-ʿĀmilī, Jaʿfar. 1385 Sh. The Eternal Life and Conduct, abridged and trans. from Al-Ṣaḥīḥ min Sīrat al-Nabiyy al-Aʿzam by Muhammad Sepehri. Tehran: Sāzmān Enteshārāt Pazhūhesh-gāh Farhang va Andīshe Islāmī.
Qāneʿ[Ghāneʿ], Ahmad; Jahāndūst Dālenjān, Masʿūd; Āhangar, Ehsān. 1397 Sh. “Jurisprudential Foundations of Islamic Government’s Support for Muslim Countries”, Biannual Journal of Dānesh Siyāsi, no. 1, 163–187.
Qāsemi Shoub, Muhammad. 1401 Sh. Typology of Political Negotiation Objectives in the Prophetic Conduct. Moṭāleʿāt Dowlat-pazhūhi dar Jomhūrī Islāmī. , no. 1, 11–39.
Rashīd, Ahmad. 1353 Sh. Islam and Public International Law, trans. Hossein Seyyedi. Tehran: Markaz Moṭāleʿāt ʿĀli Baynal-melalī Dāneshgāh Tehran.
Rasouli Mahallāti, Seyyed Hāshem. 1390 Sh. History of Islam: From the Emergence of the Arabs to the End of ʿUthman’s Caliphate. Tehran: Markaz Moṭāleʿāt ʿĀli Baynal-melalī Dāneshgāh Tehran.
Rātīb ʿArmūsh, Aḥmad. 1390 Sh. The Military System of the Prophet (SAWA): Political Leadership, trans. ʿAbdullah Hosseini. Qom: Dār al-Ilm.
Shāhroudi, Muhammad Rezā; Qāsemi Shoub, Muhammad. 1400 Sh. “Political Negotiation in the Conduct of Imam ʿAlī (AS): Principles and Objectives”. Pazhūheshhā-ye Nahj al-Balagha, no. 68, 145–168.
Ṭabāṭabā’ī, Sayyid Muhammad Ḥusayn. 1374 Sh. Al-Mīzān. Qom: Daftar Nashr Islamī.
Al-Ṭabrisī, Faḍl ibn Ḥasan. 1372 Sh. Translation of Majmaʿ  al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an, trans. Muhammad Bisotūnī. Tehran: Farāhānī.
 
 
Journal of Imamiyyah Studies
Volume 11, Issue 21 - Serial Number 21
September 2025
Pages 25-45