A Comparative Study of Machiavelli's Political Approaches and Islamic Teachings in the Encounter of Rostam and Sohrab in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh

This research comparatively examines the political approaches of Niccolò Machiavelli and Islamic teachings concerning the encounter between Rostam and Sohrab in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. The core focus of this analysis is Rostam's ruse in his second battle with Sohrab, which raises fundamental questions about the relationship between ethics and politics in critical situations. The article first provides a brief background on Hakim Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh, then delves into the story of Rostam and Sohrab as the main context for the study. The primary aim of this research is to answer whether Rostam's deception of Sohrab was justifiable from Machiavelli's perspective, what the view of ethicists and political realists is on this event, and what interpretation can be offered from an Islamic theological perspective. The methodology of this study involves the analysis of documents and library resources, examining various viewpoints in political philosophy and ethics to analyze the killing of Sohrab with a realistic approach. In the findings section, key verses related to Rostam's stratagem in the battle with Sohrab are presented. Subsequently, Machiavelli's viewpoint is explained, which considers the survival of government and power as the primary goal of politics, thereby justifying all means, even unethical ones. In contrast, Islamic teachings, based on verses from the Holy Quran and the conduct of the infallible Imams (peace be upon them), emphasize the inseparable link between politics and ethics. They insist on justice, honesty, and avoiding deception in governance, holding that the ultimate goal of an Islamic government is the transcendent well-being of humanity. Four central theories regarding the relationship between ethics and politics (separation, subordination, two-dimensional, and unity) are discussed in detail, and Rostam's action is analyzed within each framework. Ultimately, from Machiavelli's perspective, Rostam's action was a political necessity and is considered devoid of ethical or unethical dimensions. The ethical relativism viewpoint deems this action justifiable for the preservation of national interests. The two-dimensional theory evaluates Rostam's deception in the realm of grand politics as acceptable and in line with national interests. However, the Islamic divine ethics viewpoint, while stressing the obligation to defend the homeland, inherently considers deception undesirable. It maintains that the ultimate goal of governance is otherworldly salvation and complete adherence to ethical principles, even when faced with conflicting worldly interests.

کلیدواژه ها:

Machiavellian politics ، Islamic ethics ، Rostam and Sohrab ، Ferdowsi's Shahnameh ، ethics and politics ، war stratagem.