Showing papers in "Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies in 2013"

The Malaysian Shi'a: A preliminary study of their history, oppression, and denied rights

Abstract: Malaysia is one of the largest strongholds of Sunnism in the Islamic world, and, frequently, the existence of Shi‘a in the Malay archipelago in the pre-modern era or the existence of any sizable number of indigenous Malay Shi‘a is denied; this is done explicitly in the context of legislation outlawing Shi‘ism. Nevertheless, Malay cultural practices show evidence of the influence of Shi‘ism; this suggests a stronger historical presence of Shi‘ism than is commonly acknowledged. Applying the oral historiography framework of Jan Vansina, this study unearths evidence of Shi‘ism in Malaysia going back centuries through anonymous interviews. It also highlights the contemporary lack of religious freedom that the Shi‘a minority in Malaysia faces, particularly after the 2010 raid on the Hauzah Ar Ridha Alaihissalam community centre near Kuala Lumpur. Ultimately, this study hopes to put the situation of the Shi‘a in Malaysia today into a larger historical context and refute the argument that Shi‘ism is a recent arrival to the Malay archipelago.

Beyond the Karbala Paradigm: Rethinking Revolution and Redemption in Twelver Shi'a Mourning Rituals

Abstract: In the mid-90s, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and the Iranian Ayatollah Khamene’i both banned bloody forms of self-flagellation such as tatbir (cutting the forehead with a sword), calling them backward and un-Islamic. They argued that Shi‘a Muslims ought to imitate Husayn by actively fighting against oppressors rather than passively mourning Husayn’s martyrdom. This prohibition has not been unanimously applied in all Muslim countries, including Syria, where such practices persisted until the Arab Spring (when virtually all Shi‘a Muslims left the shrine-town where these practices were performed). By closely reading the linguistic, conceptual, and juridical discourses that circulated in Syria in order to justify this position, the paper shows that the performers of tatbir conceived of these rituals in revolutionary, rather than reactionary, terms. By examining the performance and reception of flagellation processions in terms of differing modalities of affect, the paper opens up spaces for rethinking ‘revolution’ and ‘redemption’ in contemporary Twelver Shi‘ism.

Women in Pilgrimage: Senses, Places, Embodiment, and Agency. Experiencing Ziyarat in Shiraz

Abstract: This paper is based on fieldwork that explores the social, cultural, and embodied organization of Shi‘a pilgrimage practices in Shiraz, Iran, specifically the ways in which women interact with the shrine. Pilgrimage ( ziyarat ) in Iran is a daily practice that carries an important role in cultural interactions and gives life to the religious experience. While places of pilgrimage usually contain a gendered division, women tend to hold a role of power in (non-Western) conventional dimensions of the religious practice. This is due to the informal nature of shrines, which, unlike other religious settings, offer a deep-seated intimacy and freedom of movement. In a timeline of six weeks, I investigated the culture of the shrine by focusing on three specific shrines and observed the role of women in relation to expressions of power and agency. An integral part of this research has been the exploration of Shi‘a Islam as a sensorial experience, specifically the practice of touch to the physical pilgrimage sites as a means of becoming closer to God. How are women’s relations with the shrine embodied? What are the various modalities of agency that are operative in these interactions? I have engaged with ethnographic material, which consists of interviews, informal conversations, personal observations and photographs of women and religious spaces. By participating in pilgrimage, and observing the way aestheticized space is created and divided, I have attempted to display the role and power of women in Iranian society.

Conversion to Shi'ism in East Africa

Abstract: Islam and Christianity both continue to spread in East Africa, in part due to organized proselytization efforts. In this study, converts to Islam in Tanzania and Kenya will be interviewed to determine to what extent their conversion was influenced by a local Islamic propagation organization. The study will also explore whether the converts feel that the organization’s religious and non-religious activities, such as economic development activities, are serving their needs, or whether there is a disconnect between the Islamic propagation organizations and the converts they are serving.

Imam 'Ali's Theory of Justice Revisited

Abstract: Justice is a topic which many thinkers in the East as well as the West have expressed diverse opinions about since antiquity. The differences between these views, as far as their belonging to the old or modern worlds are concerned, are such that subjecting them to even a cursory examination would suffice to reveal whether their authors are among the inhabitants of the modern world or the old world. The central thesis of this paper is that Imam ‘Ali’s views on justice have interesting conceptual capacities which liken them to modern doctrines of justice despite the fact that the author of those views was living in a pre-modern world and therefore his views should, of necessity, reflect his own time and place. The paper tries to show that the essence of Imam ‘Ali’s views on justice resembles the core of the ideas of some modern realist and rationalist philosophers. The importance of this point lies in the fact that it would provide, among other things, a strong argument for the objectivity of justice and against the views of those who regard it as a social construct and relative to differing social norms. In order to substantiate the main claim of the paper, the views of four prominent philosophers from antiquity and modern times are compared with each other and with Imam ‘Ali’s views. The four philosophers in question are Plato, Aristotle, Popper, and Rawls. It will be argued, without falling into the trap of anachronism, that the views of Imam ‘Ali on justice are closer to the two modern thinkers than the two philosophers of antiquity whose ideas were dominant in ancient era.

The Symbolic Expression of Power and Religion in the Public Buildings in Safavid Iran: A Conceptual Interpretation

Abstract: In this paper, the ideologies of Shari‘ati and Foucault are used to signify and explore the characteristics of Iranian architecture during the Safavid period (1501–1722) with respect to symbolism regarding religion and power. This study focuses on the architecture of public buildings constructed during the Safavid era. These buildings reflect the Safavid rulers’ views of political power and religious beliefs. Applying the ideas of Shari‘ati and Foucault through a survey of Safavid architecture yields five characteristics common to Safavid public buildings: ‘light-floating buildings’, ‘horizontality’, ‘inward-outward flow’, ‘illusion’, and ‘contrast and dualism’. Each of these characteristics is symbolic of Safavid beliefs regarding religion and power.

The Interpretation of Miracles according to Mutahhari and Golshani: Comparative and Critical Notes

Abstract: In this essay, I scrutinize the interpretation of miracles advanced by Ayatollah Motahhari (1920-1979), the well-known Shi'a scholar; and Mehdi Golshani (1939-), a physicist and philosopher of science. The essay begins with a presentation of their viewpoints on the nature of miracles in the light of the broader philosophical discourse on the nature of miracles. This is followed by a comparative analysis of their viewpoints with a consideration of relevant Qur'anic passages and their philosophical relevance. Finally, it concludes with a discussion of the challenges inherent to their interpretations.

A Study on the Notions of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib in Malay Popular Culture

Abstract: While Muslims universally acknowledge ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib as one of the most prominent figures in Islamic history, a number of Malay customs and rituals give him a special status. These customs and rituals point to the historical influence of Sufism, Shi‘ism, or a combination of the two during the process of identity formation among Muslims in the Malay Archipelago. This article will explore the special position given to ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib in traditional Malay martial arts as well as marriage customs, and will show how ideas generated in other parts of the Islamic world – such as the futuwwah tradition – evolved into uniquely Malay forms of religious and cultural expression which transcend sectarian bounds.

The Role of Dreams in the Political Affairs of the Safavid Dynasty

Abstract: This article explores a new window into Safavid political history – Safavid dream narratives. In that era, dreams were told to justify the kings’ deeds and to legitimise their hegemony. These dreams, the symbols in the dreams, and the way they were interwoven into the political affairs of the time reflect the widely held beliefs of the people in dreams and dream interpretation. Moreover, dream narratives divulge how political and religious goals could be pursued and achieved through dream-telling and dream interpretation. This article examines why, and in which periods, dreams were appropriated by Safavid kings as legitimising instruments. The author will analyse influential dream narratives from a wide range of Safavid texts and determine the different categories of dreams that were related.

The Shi'a of Baghdad at the time of the 'Abbasid Caliphs and the Seljuq Sultanate (447–575 ah )

Abstract: After the fall of the Buyids at the hands of the Seljuq Turks and the Seljuqs’ entry into Baghdad, the apparatus of the ‘Abbasid caliphs and the Sunnis once again gained control of Baghdad. However, this should not be considered as having been to the downfall or detriment of the Shi‘a, because it is in this period that we come across three powerful and influential forces in Baghdad: first, the ‘Abbasid caliphs and the Sunnis; second, the Seljuqs; and third, the Shi‘a. Despite the fact that the Seljuqs were followers and defenders of the Sunnis, their relationship with the ‘Abbasid caliphs had many ups and downs which saw them turn from allies to foes over time. Similarly, the position of the Seljuqs in relation to the Shi‘a was not such that they felt the Imami Shi‘a were a force that acted in opposition to them; rather, in certain instances, the Shi‘a would be treated favourably, peaceably, and respectfully by the Seljuq rulers. In this article we aim to show that in the period when the Seljuqs ruled Baghdad, the Shi‘a were recognized as a third effective power broker in the political and social scene, and there was no clear unified stance between the caliphs and the sultanate against the Shi‘a.

Shari'ah Views on Adjusting the Repayment Amount of Loans and Debts According to a Price Index

Abstract: This paper investigates the views of Sunni and Shi‘a jurisprudents on adjusting the repayment amount of loans ( qard , pl. qurud ) and debts ( dayn , pl. duyun ) in accordance with a price index. Classical and contemporary Islamic jurists fall into two groups regarding this matter. The first group argues that loans and debts should be adjusted according to the customary value of a currency in accordance with the Qur’anic verse saying to give full measure when selling. However, the second group rejects the idea of adjusting the repayment amount of debts and loans with a price index; instead, they emphasize that Islamic law requires loans and debts to be paid in their exact, original amounts, and any excess in repayment would be seen as interest, which is strictly prohibited in Islamic law. After examining both sides of this debate, the authors conclude that the preferable shari‘ah view is that correlating loans and debts with a price index should not be allowed. However, debts and loans may be repaid according to the value of the currency in cases where payment of indemnity is necessitated.

Kitāb al-Tawḥīd: The Book of Divine Unity, with select commentary by Ḥāshim al-Ḥusaynī al-Ṭihrānī by Shaykh al- Ṣadūq, trans. Ali Adam, ed. by Michal Mumisa and Mahmood Dhalla (review)

Abstract: KitÁb al-TawÎÐd: The Book of Divine Unity is a new translation of a primary source of hadith by one of the most prominent Shi‘a hadith scholars, Shaykh al-Saduq (d. 991 ad), also known as Ibn Babawayh. Shaykh al-Saduq compiled a number of hadith works, including one of the ‘canonical’ Four Books of Shi‘a hadith, and therefore this translation serves as a valuable reference for scholars interested in Shi‘a hadith on theology, as well as the development of classical Shi‘a theology. One distinguishing characteristic of Shi‘a hadith, as compared to Sunni hadith, is the inclusion of discussions on issues which began to be popularly debated in the centuries after the Prophetic era, such as the nature of the attributes of Allah, whether the Qur’an was created, and predestination – all of which are mentioned in this collection. Thus, these hadith are valuable not only in presenting the Imami Shi‘a position but also as useful historical record of the diversity of beliefs at that time. Other topics discussed include divine justice, including questions of human interest such as divine justice with respect to infants; divine omnipotence; and exegesis of theological verses of the Qur’an. The translation itself appears to have been carefully crafted, with attention given to proper use of diacritics, and the inclusion of scholarly commentary also adds value to the work. The introduction provides a brief biographical sketch of Shaykh al-Saduq, featuring quotations from classical historical and biographical works, and concludes with an index of Qur’anic verses cited.

Hostage Spaces of the Contemporary Islamicate World: Phantom Territoriality by Dejan Lukić (review)

Abstract: Part of a series aimed at communicating the abstract ideals and aesthetics of the Middle East and the Islamicate world, Hostage Spaces explores the physical space in which violent conflict occurs. As the title suggests, the book discusses spaces of violent conflict in a diversity of areas, such as Chechnya, Albania, Bosnia, and the Middle East; what ties these regions together is the historical presence of Muslims in each of these areas, as well as – in some cases – the role of political Islamism in the conflicts. There is also a substantial vignette on the Ka‘bah. The book itself is arranged thematically, rather than in a region-by-region analysis, and this gives the book a sort of avant garde rather than journalistic flair; the book might be most accessible to a philosopher of art. The spaces are discussed primarily with respect to their symbolism – for instance, the symbolism behind their architecture (such as a transparent dome representing democracy), their use (such as the implications of a bunker versus an elementary school as a site of violent conflict), and the mythos that these spaces invoke. Lengthy discussions of ideas which the author feels are connected with these spaces, such as love, sacrificing, veiling, life, death, and martyrdom, are also interspersed, along with a number of quotations of fiction and non-fiction works, as well as poetry. One notable absence is photographs or diagrams of the spaces being discussed, and while visual aids are not necessary to achieve the goals of the work, they might have been useful in communicating the aesthetics of these spaces to the layperson, particularly one not familiar with these regions.

The Establishment of the Office of the Shurtah during the Caliphate of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib

Abstract: Although some historical accounts refer to the existence of a shurtah before the caliphate of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, other accounts which refer to the shurtah during the caliphate of ‘Ali show that the real formation of the shurtah as a governmental organization occurred during the caliphate of ‘Ali. During this time, the military and to some extent the social and political characteristics of this organization were directly linked with ‘Ali’s political and ideological supporters; that is, originally, the shurtah was the same as the shurtat al-khamis or shurtat al-jaysh , which was comprised of an elite group of dedicated, faithful adherents of ‘Ali. Subsequently, the composition of the shurtah changed, and it developed into a full-fledged governmental organization in the Islamic empire

From Tyre to Tehran: Transnational Links Amongst Lebanese Shi'a Clerical Families

Abstract: The contemporary Western view of Lebanese Shi‘a transnational links generally focuses on the political relationship between Hizbullah and Iran. However, while Lebanon and Iran have historical links, Lebanese Shi‘a transnational links are not limited to Iran. In particular, the relationship between Lebanese and Iraqi Shi‘a has been of great significance amongst the elite clerical families; however, this link has been little examined. Due to the extended periods of time spent by Lebanese in Iraq to acquire the knowledge necessary to return to Lebanon and teach the religious sciences, Lebanese religious students sometimes married into the families of their Iraqi teachers, or members of other Lebanese clerical families in Iraq, and on occasion became representatives for their Najafi mentors. Some members of these extended Lebanese families never returned to their country of origin and remained in Iraq, or in at least one notable case moved to Iran. These links have proved resilient over time, but the opaque nature of these interpersonal connections has disguised the depth of the ties that some traditional Lebanese Shi‘a families retain with Iraq.

Bibliographical Discourse Analysis: The Western Academic Perspective on Islam, Muslims and Islamic Countries (1949 – 2009) by Saied Reza Ameli (review)

Abstract: Bibliographical Discourse Analysis: The Western Academic Perspective on Islam, Muslims and Islamic Countries (1949 – 2009) by Saied Reza Ameli, 2012. Islamic Human Rights Commission: Wembley. Volume 1: 1949 – 1979, 336 pp., £17.00. isbn: 978-1-903718-85-8 (pbk) Volume 2: 1990 – 1999, 280 pp., £17.00. isbn: 978-1-903718-86-5 (pbk) Volume 3: 2000 – 2009 (1), 396 pp., £17.00. isbn: 978-1-903718-87-2 (pbk) Volume 4: 2000 – 2009 (2), 384 pp., £17.00. isbn: 978-1-903718-88-9 (pbk)