The Concept of “the People” and Their Rights in Persian Political Advice Literature of Iran: From the Sasanian Era to the Islamic Period

khazaei, yaghoub

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Volume 1, Issue 60 (winter 2025)

islamhistory 2025, 1(60): 1-5

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The Concept of “the People” and Their Rights in Persian Political Advice Literature of Iran: From the Sasanian Era to the Islamic Period

Yaghoub Khazaei ^*

Abstract: (11 Views)

The concept of “the people” carries multiple connotations in Persian political advice texts (siyāsat-nāmas). According to one interpretation, and within the framework of the shepherd–flock model of ruler–subject relations, the people cannot be regarded as possessing an autonomous or distinct status. Under this model, the people, conceived as “the common masses like cattle” and as “flocks under the care of shepherds,” possess no rights vis-à-vis the “shepherd” (rāʿī). Consequently, kingship and the position of the ruler assume an absolute character within this conceptual framework. According to another interpretation, however, it may be possible to speak of the status and standing of the people in political advice literature. The central argument of the present article is based on the premise that, contrary to the shepherd–flock model, the concept of the people as rights-bearing subjects is embedded within certain texts, and the present study seeks to trace some of these marginalized or suppressed meanings. From this perspective, the assumption that kingship constitutes an absolute institution capable of acquiring identity independently of the people is regarded as conceptually untenable. The present study demonstrates that, contrary to the shepherd–flock theory, rulers were understood to bear responsibilities toward the people and were advised to provide employment opportunities, establish justice, and secure the satisfaction of individual members of society. Indeed, widespread “unemployment” among the people could be regarded as a factor capable of precipitating the downfall of political rule.

Keywords: woman, political advice literature, justice, employment and unemployment, people.

Full-Text [PDF 592 kb] (12 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/09/26 | Accepted: 2025/12/1

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Mendeley

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RefWorks

khazaei Y. The Concept of “the People” and Their Rights in Persian Political Advice Literature of Iran: From the Sasanian Era to the Islamic Period. islamhistory 2025; 1 (60) :1-5
URL: http://journal.isihistory.ir/article-1-1574-en.html

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