According to the Public Relations Office of IICT, and as reported from the fourteenth session of the twelfth round of free-thinking courses titled “The Theory of Participation in a Religious Democracy System,” held by the “Coordination Assembly of Followers of Imam and Leadership” in Qom Province and the “Toloo Mehr Think Tank”, the role of political parties in enhancing political participation and discourse was examined. This session was conducted both in person and virtually at the Toloo Mehr University in Qom.
At the beginning of the session, Hujjat al-Islam Mohsen Mohajernia addressed the topic of participation in determining one’s fate and stated that this concept is based on specific principles that are conveyed to society through awareness. This awareness motivates people to become concerned about their fate and future and encourages them to participate in social decision-making.
He then discussed the pre-revolutionary situation, noting that before the revolution, people remained silent about their future due to a lack of responsibility, and there were no demands regarding their future. However, with increasing awareness, people’s demands about the future emerged, leading to greater public engagement. This awareness and these demands gradually emerged from the monarchic system, giving rise to national decision-making power.
Hujjat al-Islam Mohajernia highlighted the role of participation in empowering people, saying that participation is a significant goal and motivation in determining one’s fate.
He referenced the people’s role in the revolution, noting that with the revolutionary spirit and capability they had acquired, they resisted the Shah’s tanks and cannons with empty hands. This capability and collective spirit were shaped through participation and ultimately contributed to building the future.
The political philosophy professor further categorized types of participation into two main categories: spontaneous and voluntary participation and non-voluntary participation. In spontaneous participation, individuals engage in social responsibilities automatically, without external provocation or pressure. In contrast, non-voluntary participation involves segments of society that need external stimulation and pressure to become active. These individuals are generally passive in social actions and require encouragement and awareness to engage.
In a different part of his speech, Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin Mohajernia addressed the participation during Arbaeen [walking event] and noted that this type of participation has experienced unprecedented enthusiasm in recent years.
He explained that comparing people’s presence in Arbaeen ceremonies to previous years shows a significant increase in participation and presence. He added that the various service stations and food offerings along the Arbaeen route reflect the people’s spirit and belief, as well as their active participation in this event.
Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin Mohajernia also emphasized the necessity of awareness-raising to increase public participation. He pointed out that a large portion of society is currently at a passive stage of participation and needs awareness to activate these individuals and increase public engagement. Accurate information and beliefs must be injected into the community to achieve this.
He further discussed the importance of planning to enhance public participation and stated that planning should ensure that people believe in the honesty and integrity of those inviting them to participate, as this belief is crucial for public presence and participation.
The author of “The Future-Study of the Islamic Revolution” referred to two major approaches in participation theories: people-centered participation and production-centered participation. In people-centered participation, the focus is on people and their involvement in decision-making, while production-centered participation relates to activating the community’s mechanisms.
He also outlined the four stages of participation in an Islamic system, including the formation of national and Islamic identity, the Islamic nature of the system, the republican nature of the system, and the preservation and continuation of the system’s pillars. These stages play a crucial role in determining the fate and future of society.
The Head of the Toloo Mehr Institute for Islamic Revolution Studies then highlighted the importance of maintaining the pillars of the Islamic Republic, noting that the two fundamental pillars of Islamism and republicanism in the Islamic Republic of Iran are considered unalterable according to the Constitution, and no one can alter or change them.
Hujjat al-Islam Mohajernia discussed the role of public participation in the formation and continuity of the Islamic Republic. He stated that this system is built on the two fundamental pillars of “Islamism” and “Republicanism,” with public participation playing a crucial role in the formation, stabilization, and continuity of this system. This participation has been essential from drafting the Constitution to electing parliamentary representatives and the President.
He pointed out that without the presence of the people, the revolution would never have succeeded. Imam Khomeini (RA), as the leader of the revolution, could not have achieved this victory alone, and the support and presence of the people were the main factors in the success.
The Head of the Toloo Mehr Institute for Islamic Revolution Studies emphasized the unparalleled role of public participation in the victory and continuity of the Islamic Revolution, stating that the Islamic Revolution is a unique model of public participation. This comprehensive participation has been one of the most critical factors in the success and continuity of the Islamic system. Imam Khomeini (RA) insisted that all structures of the system should be entrusted to the will of the people, demonstrating that public participation is vital in all stages of decision-making and implementing the policies of the Islamic Revolution.
Hujjat al-Islam Mohajernia also addressed the role of public participation in the exercise of power, noting that public engagement and interaction with the government and state institutions can enhance the effective implementation of policies and keep the system on the right path.
According to Hujjat al-Islam Mohajernia, the theory of public participation is based on religious and Quranic teachings, and the Constitution recognizes the people as the main actors in decision-making and the exercise of power in the Islamic Republic.
He concluded by highlighting the essential role of the people in overseeing officials’ performance and controlling power. The Islamic participation theory, with its emphasis on time-limiting power, defining precise powers, and structural and internal supervision, aims to prevent the abuse and deviation of power.
