The jurisprudence of harmony: Turning unity into social action

ID: 86897 | Date: 2026/08/16
A defining feature of Imam Khomeini’s view on the rapprochement of Islamic schools of thought was turning the idea of unity from an abstract ideal into practical conduct. A key example is his emphasis on taqiyya-ye modarati — “conciliatory precaution” — as a strategy to foster harmony among Muslims.


From this perspective, protecting the collective interests of the Islamic Ummah and building affinity among Muslims is a religious duty. This approach prioritizes common ground and avoids becoming entangled in secondary disputes.


By introducing a new model of Islamic political jurisprudence — which can be called the “jurisprudence of rapprochement” or the “jurisprudence of harmony” — Imam Khomeini transformed slogans of unity into lived practice.


The most prominent and widely applied concept in this model is taqiyya-ye modarati_, or “conciliatory dissimulation.” It is regarded as a practical and effective means of preserving and strengthening Muslim unity.