The Relationship Between Social Capital and Sustainable Resistance: A Case Study of the Governance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 phd student of law at Tehran Azad University
2 Master's Degree in Jurisprudence of Motahari High School
Abstract
A government founded upon divine values is often the target of relentless external attacks. If resistance against enemies within a theocratic governance system does not manifest, the collapse of that government becomes inevitable. This study aims to demonstrate the direct relationship between resistance and social capital, suggesting that resistance without social capital is inherently fragile. If a government seeks sustainable resistance, one of its primary prerequisites is the enhancement of social capital. In this regard, the most exemplary model of governance with high social capital is the governance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Accordingly, the present research seeks to answer the following questions: What were the factors contributing to the high social capital during the Prophet Muhammad’s governance? And what was the relationship between "social capital" and "sustainable resistance" during the era of the Prophet’s governance? Using a "descriptive-analytical and documentary" method and applying Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of social capital alongside the examination of the Prophet’s leadership and governance, the findings reveal that the Prophet’s governance possessed a substantial amount of social capital. This high level of social capital was driven by factors such as the Prophet's (PBUH) honesty, his encouragement of the spirit of self-sacrifice, and his establishment of the "Brotherhood Pact" among his companions, among others. The results show that the maximization of social capital (including trust, participation, legitimacy, cooperation, solidarity, and social cohesion) in the Prophet’s governance significantly contributed to the Muslims' resilience in military, cultural, and economic arenas.
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