Interpretation of the Verse "Do not say 'rā'īnā' but say 'unzurnā'": From the Rejection of the Shepherd-of-the-Flock Leadership Model to the Redefinition of the Divine Model of Leadership

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student at Baqir-ul-Ulum University

2 Associate Professor at the Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture

3 "Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Baqir al-Uloom University"

4 "Associate Professor of Sociology at Baqir al-Uloom University"

10.22081/jqr.2025.72194.4246

Abstract

Verse 104 of Surah Al-Baqarah marks a pivotal point in the Qur’an for defining the nascent Islamic community in Medina. It prohibits believers from using the word "Rāʿinā" (راعنا) when addressing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), substituting it with "Unẓurnā" (انظرنا – "Consider us").

This study, drawing fully on textual, exegetical, and lexical sources, explores the layers within this divine injunction. Findings reveal three interconnected dimensions:

Countering Media Subversion: Neutralizing semantic distortions propagated by Jews through a media campaign.

Educational Reform: Correcting Muslims' perception of prophethood and their relationship with the Prophet (PBUH) within the community.

Civilizational Paradigm Shift: Establishing a fundamental transformation in governance and the Imam-Ummah relationship. It utterly rejects the prevalent historical "shepherd-flock" model, based on practical control and subject immaturity. Instead, it institutes a novel model centered on "epistemic supervision" (نظارت معرفتی) and fostering insight (بصیرت).

This new paradigm aims to cultivate a mature, aware, and responsible Ummah capable of autonomously choosing its path based on profound understanding of truth.

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 December 2025
  • Receive Date: 29 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 03 September 2025
  • Publish Date: 13 December 2025