Diplomacy principles: an Islamic Sufi approach

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to investigate the general rules of diplomacy and the manner of the Islamic government's behavior with other nations and governments from the viewpoint of Sufi mystics. This viewpoint is of the opinion that the aim of diplomacy in Islam is not only to get benefits for the country. The author argues that the aim of diplomacy in Islam is to develop human transcendence by divine teachings and is superior to just material benefits and privileges exchange. Basically, the Islam's government does not look at the other countries as a source of exploitation but as a brother or neighbor attempting to organize relations. In the current system of international relations in the world, so much attention has been paid to material benefits; but ethics and spiritualities are ignored.

Design/methodology/approach

Islamic diplomacy with the aim of improving the moralities and spiritualities attempts to create relations with other countries. Some principles for reaching this goal based on Islamic Sufism standpoints are provided.

Findings

A total of 23 principles are introduced.

Research limitations/implications

Comparative researches in other religions' Gnosticism will be helpful.

Practical implications

These principles can be used for applied debates in the field and be added to new international regulations.

Social implications

The author argues that the delicateness, truthfulness, and righteousness of Islamic Sufism, may turn the attentions of scholars and researchers to this viewpoint, and a new set of regulations to be codified.

Originality/value

Political scientists have not touched the topic from a Sufi point of view. This paper brings this approach to a new challenging arena for those who are engaged in it.

Citation

Bidabad, B. (2012), "Diplomacy principles: an Islamic Sufi approach", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 54 No. 4, pp. 253-273. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542431211245305