The intellectual contribution of Nasir al-Subhani to the family institution

Abstract

Nasir al-Subḥani was an outstanding scholar of Islamic sciences, to whom his teachers and peers testified his profound erudition and accurate understanding of religious texts. After receiving his scientific license, he embarked on his intellectual career to spread Islamic sciences and correct misconceptions, relying on the Qur’an and the prophetic Sunnah with renewed understanding. Al-Subhani was influenced by the knowledge of his professors and the books of reformers, which broadened his perception and deepened his vision in addressing the issues of his society. His thought was marked by an insightful vision of the social and political problems that faced his society, including injustice, tyranny and backwardness. These issues contributed to the formation of his intellectual personality, as he presented innovative theses that combined Islamic originality and the requirements of the Times. His lectures and books always carried new ideas and boldness in putting forward. In politics, Nasir al-Subḥani was a prominent figure before the Iranian Revolution, playing a role in mobilising the masses and directing public opinion towards revolutionary goals based on Sharia. However, his influence declined after the success of the revolution as a result of internal political pressures, which ultimately led to his arrest and death; yet he remained a symbol of reform and intellectual resistance. In his vision of the family and society, Al-Subhani emphasised the balance between men and women according to their innate nature, as he believes that the integration between them enhances the stability of the family and society. He addressed the issues of marriage, guardianship, divorce and polygamy with a fair and balanced perspective, stressing the importance of justice and responsibility in every relationship. His intellectual discourse was focused on holistic concepts and substantive issues rather than being preoccupied with doctrinal details, reflecting his deeply analytical nature. Nasir al-Subḥani combined thought and reality in his presentation, making him one of the most prominent thinkers who sought to renew Islamic thought and strengthen its role in facing the challenges of the era. The study employs an inductive and analytical approach to examine Al-Subḥani’s contributions to family studies, utilising data collection, textual analysis, and critical evaluation. It also compares his views with contemporary scholars to clarify complex family issues.