Postdoctoral Researcher, Qur’anic Sciences and Hadith, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract
This study reconsiders the concept of transnational religious identity and explores its implications for cultural policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Using a qualitative-interpretive analysis of selected Qur’anic verses (al-Hujurat:13; al-Anbiya:92; al-Rum:22; Al ‘Imran:103, 95) and classical commentaries, the research identifies a Qur’anic model of identity. This model emphasizes the unity of human origin and purpose, the universality of divine mission, human diversity as a divine sign enabling mutual recognition (ta’aruf), and piety (taqwa) as the sole measure of dignity. It also introduces the idea of a transnational faith-based community (ummah wahida), unity through holding to God's rope, and the concept of millah as a monotheistic path. While recognizing ethnic, national, and linguistic diversity, the Qur’an prioritizes a piety-based religious identity as the superior standard. Strategic implications for cultural policy include promoting Islamic brotherhood and human dignity across borders, managing cultural-linguistic diversity, rejecting prejudice through piety, reinforcing Islamic solidarity, and fostering a Qur’anic understanding of nationhood. Applying these principles in education, media, cultural diplomacy, and the arts can help build a cohesive Islamic society.
mollazadeh,R . (2025). Transnational Religious Identity in the Quranic System: A Model for Cultural Policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ala’ Al-Rahman Exegetic Studies, 3(11), 127-146.
MLA
mollazadeh,R . "Transnational Religious Identity in the Quranic System: A Model for Cultural Policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran", Ala’ Al-Rahman Exegetic Studies, 3, 11, 2025, 127-146.
HARVARD
mollazadeh R. (2025). 'Transnational Religious Identity in the Quranic System: A Model for Cultural Policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran', Ala’ Al-Rahman Exegetic Studies, 3(11), pp. 127-146.
CHICAGO
R mollazadeh, "Transnational Religious Identity in the Quranic System: A Model for Cultural Policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ala’ Al-Rahman Exegetic Studies, 3 11 (2025): 127-146,
VANCOUVER
mollazadeh R. Transnational Religious Identity in the Quranic System: A Model for Cultural Policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ala’ Al-Rahman Exegetic Studies. 2025;3(11):127-146 (In Persian).