Document Type : Original Article
Author
Associate Professor, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies
Abstract
In this paper, the author is looking at Ali Shariati's conceptualization of Shiism from its early period to the 20th century. By dividing the history of Shiism into two forms of movement and institution, Shariati argues that Shiism in the form of movement is faith-oriented while in the phase of institution is power-oriented. This is a disputable form of conceptualization but it is worth debating as this distinction is employed by Shariati in re-reading the relation between religion and state too. He argues that in the phase of movement, the Shiite religious scholar appears as an 'Alim' while in the institutional phase we are faced with a new form of social being which appears as 'Ruhani'. Here Shariati argues that the consolidation of scholar as a Ruhani seems to bear resemblances to Christianity both in its religious form and social institutions. Furthermore, Shariati argues that Shiism in the Alavite form which is symbolized by religious scholar as an Alim holds a critical stance vis a vis power while in the Safavid form which is symbolized by religious personality as a Ruhani holds a domicile position vis a vis power.
Keywords
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