The Conception of “Power” in Selected Persian Prose from the 4th to the 8th Century AH (Hijri) from the Perspective of Public Law

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Department of Public law, NT.C. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
In the historical context of the present study, the concept of power and the conduct of powerful figures of the time function as fundamental tenets that have consistently cast a shadow over the minds and discourses of Iranian thinkers. For this very reason, they have paved the way for the sharing and transmission of elite experiences to audiences across human generations, through the creation of refined works in the eloquent, nuanced, and metaphor‑rich Persian language. In this regard, a review of the history of Persian prose literature—particularly from the 4th to the 8th centuries AH—clearly demonstrates that the creators of prose texts were reflections of the prevailing conception of power in their era and have left behind a valuable heritage. Nevertheless, the breadth and complexity of events during these four centuries compel the author to engage deeply with the political considerations of the time. The present paper seeks to identify samples of Persian prose texts in which the author adopts a pessimistic view of power 




The Conception of “Power” in Selected Persian Prose …




and warns against the calamities of authoritarianism, as well as the fears, risks, and seductions inherent in power. According to this study, the primary approach adopted by the creators of literary works between the 4th and 8th centuries—which represents a small yet significant part of their intellectual system—is grounded in expressing and deploring the evils and corruptions of power.
 
Methods
To clarify the methodology of the present research, it should be noted that power is treated as an independent variable that plays a vital and determining role in state relations and in the way capabilities, tools, facilities, and resources are utilized in dealing with citizens—in other words, in the processing of the human being and his surrounding world. This holds true if we consider that addressing power and analysing its meaning, concept, background, theoretical considerations, and practical representations constitutes a vast domain in which numerous intellectual and cognitive fields—including political thought, the philosophies of politics, ethics, law, political sociology, public law, and human rights—converge upon a shared path and objective. The methodology of this research is as follows: in the first step, an excerpt of prose works from reputable sources between the 4th and 8th centuries (pre‑Mongol period) is examined; subsequently, the reflection of power perception and its consequences are navigated through the lens of thinkers in the 7th and 8th centuries (post‑Mongol period).
 
Findings
According to the relevant findings, owing to the unfavourable historical background and experiences of power, the analysis and measurement of power have consistently been accompanied by pessimism. Hence, to recognize and mediate power relations between the state and citizens, the central question arises: “What should or can one do with power? Should one fight against it? Remain silent? Engage with it? Resolve it—or attempt to dissolve it?” and other similar inquiries. Apparently, the solution seems deceptively simple. Consequently, the proposed remedy is to avoid anything dependent on power, or to abstain from its glaring manifestations and symbols. This is, however, only one solution—albeit a conventional guideline repeatedly mentioned in the pages of many Persian prose texts from the 4th to the 8th centuries AH, which advocate for the disarmament of power and the renunciation of all its manifestations due to its inherently evil nature.
 
 
 




Volume 18, Issue 2, Summer 2026
 




Conclusion
In light of the above points, one may conclude that modern humanity has experienced tangible progress in terms of character and moral development, and, influenced by this progress, the modern individual has undergone a profound transformation in relation to the world and his surrounding environment. Whereas in the past, people interpreted political affairs and their outcomes purely through a rationality based on fortune and chance, in the modern world such beliefs are regarded as overly simplistic and short‑sighted. The modern human being is now distinguished by a critical and censorious attitude toward the world. In this manner, the findings gathered on the concept of power in the present study can pave the way for a deeper understanding of a specific period in Iranian literary and philosophical thought, as reflected in prose texts from the 4th to the 8th centuries AH. This can be seen as the first step toward initiating a critical approach to power and its calamities and decay, from the perspective of public law.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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