The present study, employing an analytical–descriptive–critical approach, examines the nature, rationale, and mechanisms of the legal model of progress, aiming to provide a theoretical framework for organizing a legal system aligned with religious democracy. The findings indicate that the legal model of progress delineates a roadmap for an ideal legal system based on divine legitimacy, the realization of which varies according to
the conditions of different societies. To this end, after clarifying the relevant concepts,
the study discusses the nature of the legal model of progress and then analyzes three perspectives on the rationale of this model. The first perspective denies any role for the people in shaping the legal model; the second approach considers the people’s will as
the absolute criterion for legitimacy; and the third, integrative perspective regards sovereignty primarily as belonging to God and secondarily to the people. According to the third perspective, the formulation of a legal roadmap for progress is legitimate only within the framework of Sharia. The study demonstrates that in homogeneous societies, the structure of an Islamic republic is more suitable, whereas in heterogeneous societies, a federal structure is preferable. The novelty of this research lies in presenting a conceptual model that integrates divine and popular sovereignty, which can serve as a theoretical foundation for designing a progress-oriented legal system.