From Persuasion of the Elites to Mobilization of the Masses: A Paradigmatic Model of Jihad al-Tabyin in the Communicative and Explanatory Methodology of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH)

Hajikhani, Ali; Khani Ka;gay, Zahra

doi:10.22084/nahj.2026.31656.3229

From Persuasion of the Elites to Mobilization of the Masses: A Paradigmatic Model of Jihad al-Tabyin in the Communicative and Explanatory Methodology of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

ali hajikhani ¹

zahra khani ka;gay ²

¹ دانشیار گروه قرآن وحدیث دانشگاه تربیت مدرس

² Tarbiat Modares University

10.22084/nahj.2026.31656.3229

Abstract

Abstract

In the turbulent context of Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) caliphate, marked by widespread sedition, distortion of truth, and a legitimacy crisis, his explanatory approach played a central role in guiding society. Among various methods of explanation, **"persuasion"** held a prominent position in Imam’s communicative framework — an approach based on reasoning, logic, dialogue, and clarifying the truth, which, through cognitive and rhetorical tools, convinced the audience intrinsically. Imam Ali (peace be upon him), with deep understanding of the role of different social groups, applied this method both in guiding the elites who influenced public opinion and in mobilizing the masses. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method, examines two notable examples of persuading the elites and persuading the masses in *Nahj al-Balaghah*. The analysis of these cases presents a model of **"Jihad of Explanation"** in the Alavi discourse that can inspire responses to today’s intellectual and media challenges. The results show that Imam Ali’s persuasive methods were able to lead both specific and general audiences to internal acceptance of the truth and commitment to it, so that persuasion in the Alavi approach became not merely a rhetorical tool but a rational, educational, and social strategy for managing sedition and controlling crises — a model that can still serve as a guiding light for contemporary thinkers and social reformers.

Keywords

Jihad of Explanation

Persuasion

Elites

The Masses

Soft Warfare

Subjects