Shi'ite Salafism?

This book explores the emergence of a stream of ideas in the 1930s and 1940s within the Imamiyya Shiʿite context, focusing on the thought of Shariʿat Sangelaji (1891–1944). It investigates whether Salafist mainstreaming thoughts had any influence over Shiʿite theology and examines the characteristic features of this flow of ideas, its sources of inspiration, the reception of its thought, and the imprints it made on theological currents within Imamiyya Shiʿa.

Format: Hardback
Length: 183 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into the fascinating emergence of a stream of ideas within the Imamiyya Shiʿite context during the 1930s and 1940s, with a primary focus on the thought of Shariʿat Sangelaji (1891–1944). Sangelaji, a prominent figure within the Imamiyya community, expressed his profound criticism of several fundamental theological beliefs within the Imamiyya Shiʿa. He accused these beliefs of promoting polytheism and superstition, particularly in their notions of shifaʿa intercession and the pilgrimage to the graves of the Shiʿite imams. Sangelaji further criticized the belief that the twelfth imam al-Mahdi has been in covert existence since the 9th century, awaiting his return to assist him in the final battle against evil.

To explore these critical issues, Mohammad Fazlhashemi adopts a theological and historical approach. He investigates whether Salafist mainstreaming thoughts, despite their often hostile attitude towards Shiʿa Islam, had any influence on Shiʿite theology. Fazlhashemi examines whether theologians within the Imamiyya Shiʿa have embraced or rejected components of the Salafist tradition of ideas and whether these changes resulted from an internal theological tug-of-war influenced by the interwar modernization efforts.

The book delves into the intricate details of this flow of ideas, its sources of inspiration, the reception of its thought, and the lasting imprints it left on theological currents within the Imamiyya Shiʿa in Iran and beyond. Sangelaji's ideas and criticisms sparked a significant debate within the Imamiyya community, leading to a reevaluation of traditional beliefs and a search for new theological perspectives. Through Fazlhashemi's meticulous research and analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the development of Shiʿite theology during this transformative period.

Weight: 383g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031187384
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022