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Chris Dunfield
Stacey Knapp
English 1A
24 February 2013
Shi'i Ulama and the Revolution in Iran
The revolution that took place during the 19th century in Iran was both long and strenuous, and can be attributed to a plethora of causes. The Shi'i Ulama, or religious leaders, are powerful people, clerics and shahs, who are authorities on the Shi'i doctrine and its' interpretations. Some of these influential leaders are at least a partial cause of the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
In the 19th Century, the Shi'i ulama are said to have played a large part in defending native peoples against tyrannical oppression by the Qajar. The interpreted doctrines require leaders and believers alike to “strive to end injustice and limit tyranny”(1481). Thus, it was these principles that created a natural flow of movement from those under its' faith to revolution. Samir Arjomand holds the view that, “... certain features of Shi'i Islam...were powerful instruments for political mobilization of the common people...” (1484).
Khomeini, an important religious leader, is said to have started a movement which caused a massive readjustment to the 'traditional understanding'. After this reformation of sorts, it was understood there was no instance of Shi'i ulama taking over political power to control the government themselves. Instead, this reformation was much more suitable to the petty bourgeoisie and lower class and thus was able to act as a catalyst for change and motivate the majority of the population, something much needed for a revolution. Furthermore, the Shi'i system had constitutional guarantees and checks on government. Although it is clear that the most of the Shi'i ulama faith tried to end tyranny naturally through their religious fundamentals, scholars disagree on their beliefs as to whether the actions as a
Khomeini, an important religious leader, is said to have started a movement which caused a massive readjustment to the 'traditional understanding'. After this reformation of sorts, it was understood there was no instance of Shi'i ulama taking over political power to control the government themselves. Instead, this reformation was much more suitable to the petty bourgeoisie and lower class and thus was able to act as a catalyst for change and motivate the majority of the population, something much needed for a revolution. Furthermore, the Shi'i system had constitutional guarantees and checks on government. Although it is clear that the most of the Shi'i ulama faith tried to end tyranny naturally through their religious fundamentals, scholars disagree on their beliefs as to whether the actions as a
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result of the doctrine was beneficial or not; “The Shi'i doctrine can be mined to justify and encourage active opposition to the state as readily as to justify political quiescence in the face of oppression” (1483). Clearly, although there are several oppositional views amongst scholars as to which sect of Shi'i played the beneficial role, they all agree that generally that the Shi'i faith and its' principles hold that people should strive to limit injustice and tyranny, and that generally those under this faith (the state) will naturally usurp unrighteous rulers' power. According to the American Historical Review, some scholars view the Shi'i evolution in faith and ideology as an attempted return to traditional values and ways of living, and others as a self-centered strive for resources and wealth; whether that's true or not, and whether it was the doctrine of the hidden Imam or not, both groups make the claim that they are martyrs for “democracy, liberty, and social justice” (1482).
The Shi'i doctrine was crucial in reaching the low class Iranian citizens, and consequently helped start the movement to revolution. The religious leaders, or Shi'i Ulama, hold that they are causes for liberty, social justice, and democracy, and were able to have influence in the political sphere of the state, further pushing this movement.
Works Cited
Bakash, Shaul. "Iran." American Historical Review (1991): 1479-496. Web.
The Shi'i doctrine was crucial in reaching the low class Iranian citizens, and consequently helped start the movement to revolution. The religious leaders, or Shi'i Ulama, hold that they are causes for liberty, social justice, and democracy, and were able to have influence in the political sphere of the state, further pushing this movement.
Works Cited
Bakash, Shaul. "Iran." American Historical Review (1991): 1479-496. Web.
Much better, thanks!
ReplyDeleteTwo tips: delete the number on the Works Cited
move that period over to after the citation in your in-text citations. We'll practice this more in class on Tuesday when we complete our collaborative writing.