The Left and Justice-Oriented Islamism: A Necessary Alliance for Iran’s Future
The “10 Mehr” Group, March 28, 2025 —
One of the greatest obstacles facing justice-oriented Muslim forces in Iran—those fighting for independence and social justice—is the division of the people into “insiders” and “outsiders.” This dangerous rift, which took shape in the early years following the Revolution, has over time inflicted serious harm on national solidarity, internal cohesion, and the country’s security. By preventing the full utilization of national talents and capacities in the path of progress, it has become an impediment to development—one that ultimately serves the interests of this nation’s enemies.
This narrow-mindedness has expanded from two different directions, driven by distinct motivations. On one side, some justice-oriented Muslims, caught in an idealistic purism, believe that cooperating with other forces—particularly leftists loyal to the ideals of the Revolution—would compromise their own beliefs. On the other side, opportunists who merely pretend to uphold Islam exploit this divided atmosphere to serve their own sectarian interests. By fueling this division, they obstruct the participation of all popular forces—especially revolutionary leftists—in the country’s development and prosperity. Meanwhile, neoliberal capitalists and wealth-hoarding oligarchs, in pursuit of their exploitative class interests, see the left as a barrier to their systematic corruption and plundering of the nation’s resources. These policies and actions ultimately delay not only the country’s development but also the realization of social justice.
Amid these divisions, some Muslim figures within the resistance movement have consistently emphasized the necessity of uniting all justice-seeking and revolutionary forces. The late martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in an interview with journalists from Oransel and the newspaper of Turkey’s Labour Party, eloquently articulated this vision of unity. When asked about the relationship between the resistance movement and the socialist movement, he stated:
“The socialist movement, which had been distant from international struggles for some time, has finally resumed its moral support for us. The most tangible example of this support was Hugo Chávez, the President of Venezuela. While many Muslim countries were incapable of taking concrete action against Zionism, Chávez recalled Venezuela’s ambassador from Israel and declared his support for our resistance. This action was a tremendous source of moral strength for us. We have also witnessed similar reactions from Turkey’s revolutionary movement. In the 1960s, our socialist brothers in Turkey traveled to Palestine to join the fight against Israel. One of them, who remains alive in my heart, is Deniz Gezmiş.
Today, we need new Denizes. Our ranks will always be open to new Denizes who stand against oppressors. Deniz will forever live in the hearts of the people of Palestine and Lebanon. Unfortunately, that spirit of brotherhood and joint struggle against our common enemy has faded. Our hope is that our socialist brothers in Lebanon will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight against imperialism and Zionism. This struggle is not ours alone; it belongs to all the oppressed people of the world. Do not forget that if the people of Palestine and Lebanon are defeated in this battle, it will mean the defeat of all the world’s oppressed. In our struggle against imperialism, revolutionaries also bear a responsibility, and new Denizes must be born in the hearts of the people of Palestine and Lebanon.”
These words exemplify the mindset of a justice-oriented and militant Muslim—one who seeks victory not in isolation but in the unity of all anti-imperialist and revolutionary forces. Today, more than ever, we must critically reassess artificial divisions and set aside exhausting disagreements. Only through solidarity, the utilization of all independence-seeking and justice-oriented forces, and the rejection of ideological narrow-mindedness can we stand against colonialism, imperialism, and domination and carve a path toward an independent and just future.
Hostility toward the left and Iranian leftist intellectuals is nothing but a childish obstinacy. The Iranian left has played—and continues to play—a pivotal role in the advancement and evolution of Iranian society toward greater fulfillment. Wherever we see signs of life, dynamism, and a forward-looking movement in Iran, the imprint of the left is unmistakable. This historical role cannot be erased from the landscape of Iran’s social and cultural struggles.
The late Comrade Ehsan Tabari once said: “… In this sun-scorched mountainous plateau, over long ages, great individuals have lived—people who burned with pure flames for what they regarded as justice and virtue…”
This sentiment holds true for the many justice-seeking revolutionaries, the advocates of a free and prosperous Iran, and the courageous architects of struggle who have walked—and continue to walk—this path.
Iranian society has suffered greatly from divisive dualisms, and history demands that we put an end to this destructive approach. We must embrace all constructive ideas without egotism or the marginalization of others. Setting aside exclusionary and narrow-minded thinking is a prerequisite for the true development and flourishing of our society. No force should be allowed, under the pretext of ideology, factional interests, or personal prejudices, to push revolutionary leftists out of the arena of service and participation.
Revolutionary leftist forces have always stood by the people, championing justice, equality, and independence while paving the way for the progress and advancement of society. The elimination or weakening of this movement will not only make the path to social justice more arduous but will also further clear the way for the unchecked dominance of oligarchs and unbridled capitalism.
With this perspective, transcending divisions and artificial boundaries, harnessing the potential of all justice-seeking forces, and recognizing the necessity of united action among all revolutionary forces is not merely a choice—it is a historical imperative. Today, more than ever, the people’s forces, including justice-seeking Muslims and anti-imperialist socialists, must join hands to resist the plundering of neoliberal capitalism and imperialist domination, forging a future founded on justice and liberation.