The Making of Shia Ayatollahs

The Making of Shia Ayatollahs provides insights into the process of becoming an Ayatollah in Shia Islam, exploring the perspectives of scholars and the factors that contribute to their recognition. It discusses the core values of knowledge, jurisprudence, and the mechanisms of madrasas and hawza. The book also delves into the pluralism and debates within the Ayatollah community on various topics such as denominational identity, Sufism, philosophy, modernization, political power, and women in public life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Making of Shia Ayatollahs delves into the intricate process of a scholar's journey to becoming an Ayatollah in Shia Islam, exploring both insider and outsider perspectives. It sheds light on the diverse perspectives offered by Ayatollahs on faith, as well as the criteria used to recognize grand Ayatollahs, which encompass piety, scholarship, popularity, and networking. This comprehensive book is divided into two parts.

The first part delves into the core value of knowledge in Islam and the interpretation of jurisprudence by the Ulamas. It explores the subjects, values, and methodologies developed by the Ulamas and their application to contemporary challenges faced by the faithful. The author unveils the mechanisms of madrasas, hawza, and the recognition of scholars as Ayatollahs.

The second part delves into the rich and complex pluralism and debates within the community of Ayatollahs. It addresses a wide range of topics, including denominational identity, intra-faith work, Sufism and mysticism, Philosophy (falsafa and wisdom), modernization and the West, political power and government, and women in public life. After providing a historical background on each subject, the author takes the reader into the heart of current debates among Ayatollahs in Qum, Mashhad, Najaf, and Beirut, ensuring accuracy and originality while captivating a broad audience.

This book offers valuable insights into the world of Shia Ayatollahs, providing a deeper understanding of their roles, perspectives, and the dynamics within their community. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of Shia Islam and its intellectual traditions.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793655158