Shi'i Reformation in Iran

To the outside world, Shi'ism has become identified with the tradition or sunnah of those ruling elite within the Islamic Republic since they are considered as the spokespersons of an Iran tightly identified with Shi'ism. Radical and uncompromising, the prominent Shi'i jurist and reformist Shari'at [...]
Visa längre beskrivning

To the outside world, Shi'ism has become identified with the tradition or sunnah of those ruling elite within the Islamic Republic since they are considered as the spokespersons of an Iran tightly identified with Shi'ism. Radical and uncompromising, the prominent Shi'i jurist and reformist Shari'at Sangelaji (1891-1944) challenged the mainstream clerical establishment, and took issue with key Shi'i beliefs. In Shi'i Reformation, Ali Rahmena offers a fresh understanding of Sangelaji from a theological standpoint, and takes readers into the heart of the key religious debates in Iran in the 1940s. Exploring Sangelaji's life, theological position and disputations, the author demonstrates that far from being change resistant, debates around change have long been at the heart of Shi'i Islam. Drawing on the writings and sermons of Sangelaji, as well as interviews with his son, the book provides a detailed and comprehensive introduction to the reformist's ideas. As such it offers scholars of religion and Middle Eastern politics alike a penetrating insight into the impact that these ideas have had on Shi'ism - an impact which is still felt today.