Rasul Jafarian, an influential Iranian historian and scholar, has employed several approaches in analyzing the political history of Islam. His work often combines various methodologies, including:

1. Historical Analysis: Jafarian emphasizes a thorough examination of historical texts and sources. He critically analyzes primary sources from different periods of Islamic history to understand the political dynamics and events that shaped the Islamic world.

2. Contextualization: He places Islamic political history within broader socio-political and cultural contexts. This approach helps to illustrate how external factors, such as colonialism, nationalism, and global politics, have influenced Islamic governance and political thought.

3. Comparative Studies: Jafarian often compares Islamic political systems with other political systems, both historical and contemporary. This comparative approach allows for a deeper understanding of the unique features of Islamic governance and its evolution over time.

4. Interdisciplinary Methods: He integrates insights from various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and political science, to provide a more comprehensive view of Islamic political history. This interdisciplinary approach enriches his analysis and helps to uncover the complexities of political developments in the Islamic world.

5. Focus on Ideological Developments: Jafarian pays particular attention to the ideological underpinnings of political movements within Islam. He explores how religious beliefs and interpretations have shaped political ideologies and actions throughout history.

6. Critical Examination of Modernity: In his analysis, Jafarian often critiques the impact of modernity on Islamic political thought and practice. He examines how modern political ideologies have interacted with traditional Islamic concepts of governance.

Through these approaches, Rasul Jafarian has contributed significantly to the understanding of Islamic political history, offering insights that are both scholarly rigorous and relevant to contemporary discussions about Islam and politics.