The present study aims to address the question of what perspectives Muslim scholars hold regarding the recognition of non-Muslim states by Muslim countries. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, the findings indicate that all political, economic, cultural, and other forms of interaction between nations and states depend on mutual recognition as independent and sovereign political entities with established rights in the international arena. While the principle of recognizing Muslim states is clear and self-evident in Islam, there is disagreement among Islamic scholars concerning the recognition of non-Muslim states in the international system. One group, citing Quranic verses, prophetic traditions (Sunnah), the practical conduct of the Prophet (PBUH), and rational arguments, deems the recognition of non-Muslim states permissible. Another group, however, rejects such recognition, arguing for the necessity of jihad against disbelievers—even during the occultation (ghaybah)—and the liberation of oppressed nations under the domination of arrogant powers (mustakbirīn). A comprehensive examination of Quranic verses, the narrations of the infallible Imams (AS), the Prophet’s (PBUH) conduct, and historical evidence from Islamic societies reveals that non-Muslim states can be categorized into two groups: those that are inherently corrupt and aggressive, relentlessly persecuting Muslims, and those that engage in peaceful coexistence and reconciliation with Muslims. Consequently, Islam adopts differing approaches to recognition based on the stance of non-Muslim states toward Muslims. If
non-Muslim states acknowledge the legitimacy of Islam and Islamic governance, refrain from seeking the destruction of Muslim societies or aggression against them, Muslims may recognize such states and establish peaceful and cooperative relations with them. However, if non-Muslim states exhibit hostility toward Muslims and Islamic countries, actively oppressing them, then, in accordance with explicit Quranic injunctions and the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), Muslims are obliged to engage in defensive struggle (jihad) and withhold recognition from such states.