The solutions to the problems of modernity also cannot be achieved by turning the clock back. We have to face modernity and provide alternatives rooted in the Qur’an and the Prophetic Way.

However, your post, if I am reading it correctly, seemed to imply that the place to find those ‘ulama who have gone deep into the heart of texts, is not in the circles ‘ulama with political inclinations. While I absolutely agree that politics is dangerous business, which one should never seek; it seems to me that the some of the most insightful Muslim thinkers in our era have been involved in the political scene. Ayatullah Mutahhari comes to mind here as a rare hybrid of activist and philosopher, and I think he ranks among the greatest Muslim ‘ulama/intellectuals of our age. If there are people who have bridged the gap between the two classes, he would certainly be among them. Deeply rooted in the traditional sciences, while fluent also with the modern thought in the form of a Bertrand Russel or Will Durant. Likewise, Ayatullah Baqir Sadr is another figure that comes to mind. And, of course, Imam Khomeini; I dont think one can argue, after reading a text of his, like Forty Hadith, or after reading some of his poetry, that he never “goes beyond the text that he reads.”

I certainly don’t mean to make this into a political discussion, and I can understand your hesitancy with respect to discussing individual figures who are in most cases quite controversial. However, it seems to me, that in an era in which the West seeks to impose, with an iron fist, its political structures, the ‘ulama are required to respond in some way. Why then, seek depth exlusively from those who avoid shouldering political responsibility (though often it is for very good reason)?

Thanks for your insightful elaboration and for questioning what I skirted around in my post. I grew up reading the works of the ulama you mention - their writings as well as their actions amidst the turbulence of their times had a profound impact upon me (and continue to do so) and certainly much of what I write emerges from that influence. I believe their engagement in the sphere of politics emerged in a cohesive and principled manner from their deep understanding of the religion. In other words, they lived their religion (not superficially but deeply, totally). They had a responsibility to their society and from this arose the necessity of action (long-term, patient, and steadfast action) and interaction with the dominant forces of the wider world - their metaphysics determined their methods and goals. They were those ulama…“who engage in deep-seated, knowledgeable, respectful, and sincere interaction with the text of the Qur’an (and other Islamic texts) and manifested approaches and solutions that truly and profoundly satisfy.”

However, the term ulama today refers to a vast range of scholars in the Sunni world as well as among the Shia, some of whom (due to violent and turbulent circumstances) are engaged in a somewhat frenzied, panicked, and impatient circle of action and reaction. In that impatience and under the immense pressure of western hegemonic ambitions, political ideology tends to rise hierarchically above the metaphysics of religion (the religion is re-interpreted to fit the ideology). “It becomes a matter where religion does not shape politics (politics does not unfold cohesively from the principles of the religion) but rather politics of desperation or outrage may shape and distort the interpretation of the religion - in this way religion and violent politics can, at times, become dangerously conflated (and dangerously intertwined with a misanthropic impulse to purge the society of non-conforming elements). But the root is politics (and fear), not religion.” (from Hermeneutics of Takfir)

Those whose actions arise from a real metaphysical connection and from truly profound readings of the Qur’an are in every age in the minority - but they are nevertheless present. As Imam Ali pointed out to Kumayl, this situation is not new:

“Here (and he pointed to his chest) is abundant knowledge. If only I could come upon people to bear it. Indeed I have come upon those who are not faithful to it - who took it hastily and did not imbibe and protect it (they sought it superficially, for their own ends). Such people seek to use the tools of religion for (advancement) in this world. They use the devices of belief as a means of attaining domination (and power) over God’s friends (through the authority of religion).” (Imam Ali - Nahjul Balagha)

These will play at politics or play with ideological interpretations and what they produce will be deeply dissatisfying.