Ervand Abrahamian introduces his work Khomeinism: Essays on the Islamic Republic with a discussion of two terms interesting for an analysis of the Islamic Revolution, particularly considering Western images of Khomeini and his movement: fundamentalism and populism. These ideologically loaded concepts depict the book’s central thesis, namely that fundamentalism is not an appropriate term for describing Khomeini, his ideas and movement. According to Abrahamian, it alludes “religious inflexibility, … political traditionalism, … social conservatism, the centrality of scriptural-doctrinal principles, [and] … the rejection of the modern world.” He instead presents populism as a more apposite term, which “connotes attempts made by nation-states to enter that world.” The scholars Daniele Albertazzi and Duncam McDonnell define ‘populism’ in a widely accepted definition as
an ideology which pits a virtuous and homogeneous people against a set of elites and dangerous ‘others’ who are together depicted as depriving (or attempting to deprive) the sovereign people of their rights, values, prosperity, identity and voice.
Essentially approving of Abrahamian’s cited thesis, this essay attempts to illustrate that the Islamic Revolution, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, does not represent a movement driven by “religious fundamentalism” or “fanaticism,” but the Iranian way of emancipation from domestic and foreign oppression and domination, materialized by the Shah and the West. This thesis will be developed through exploring the Shi’ite history and especially its appearance in Iran. Furthermore it will continually explore the religion’s revolutionary and supposedly fanatical characteristics and its contribution to the 1979 revolution, which, as its leader Khomeini, Western mainstream media often denounce as fundamentalist and radical.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Concept of Ahl al-bayt and Imamah
3. Historical Development of Shi'ism
4. The Emergence of the Iranian State
5. Independence of the Ulama
6. Analysis of Recent Iranian History
7. The Islamic Revolution and Social Groups
8. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This work aims to challenge Western misconceptions that categorize the 1979 Islamic Revolution as a movement driven by religious fundamentalism and fanaticism, arguing instead that it was a quest for national self-determination.
- Historical evolution of Shi'ism and its development in Iran
- The role of charismatic authority in the concept of Imamah
- Political evolution and the growing independence of the Ulama
- Societal dynamics during the 1979 revolution and the influence of diverse interest groups
- Re-evaluating the definition of populism in the context of the Islamic Republic
Excerpt from the Book
The Islamic Revolution and Social Groups
The social groups that participated in and supported the Islamic Revolution fails to suggest that the 1979 Revolution is the outcome of a “religious fundamentalist” movement. First of all, the rural masses that promoted the revolt “are not known for their orthodox piety or particular attachment to the clergy,” contrary to the urban dwellers whose attachment to the ulama was more developed. Likewise not famous for their religious commitment, however decisive for the success of the Revolution were “the oil workers, the bank employees and the government workers,” whose combined strike eventually paralyzed the Shah’s regime. Oil workers were known for their traditionally leftist tendencies, and a large part of the administrative operatives were modern-educated, and generally held secular attitudes.
Acknowledging this, it seems that Khomeini’s campaign for emancipation from the West and the Shah, together with his appeal for self-determination and -consciousness of the Iranian culture and history, prevailed over the effectiveness of religious values and these were the former concepts which secured and stimulated support for the Revolution of Iranian’s vast masses. Beyond any doubt, religion played a crucial role in the success of the Revolution, since it represents an essential part in Iranian culture, history and identity. However, the vast and overall popular participation and enthusiasm showed that Iranians perceived the Revolution as a medium that would lead to the establishment of a political order and government that finally responds to Iranian identity. Due to religious and historical developments, at the time of the Revolution, religious structures and personnel were the only ones disposing resources and power to enable a revolution. Also due to the ulama’s emancipation under the Safavids, religion in Iran remained essentially the only major domain which the government—especially the regime of the Shah—could not entirely absorb and dominate. Thus, exclusively the clergy retained the possibility of autonomous action and organisation.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the core thesis that the Islamic Revolution should be understood through the lens of populism and emancipation rather than mere religious fundamentalism.
2. The Concept of Ahl al-bayt and Imamah: This section explores the foundational Shi'ite beliefs regarding leadership and charismatic authority as defined by the descent from the Prophet.
3. Historical Development of Shi'ism: This chapter outlines the early development of Shi'ism as an oppositional movement, including the significance of practices like taqiyyah and the historical duality of quietism versus rebellion.
4. The Emergence of the Iranian State: This section details the historical transition when the Safavids adopted Shi'ism as the official state religion, initiating a new era for religious identity in Iran.
5. Independence of the Ulama: This chapter traces how the clergy gradually liberated itself from monarchical control, positioning itself as a power structure with direct influence over the people.
6. Analysis of Recent Iranian History: This part examines the role of ijtihad and the ideological shift towards political activism in modern Iranian history.
7. The Islamic Revolution and Social Groups: This chapter analyzes the diverse societal composition of the revolution, arguing that secular and leftist groups played as crucial a role as the religious population.
8. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the main arguments, reaffirming that the revolution was a multifaceted movement for national liberation and self-determination.
Keywords
Shi'ism, Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, Populism, Fundamentalism, Ahl al-bayt, Ulama, Safavids, Imamah, Ijtihad, Taqiyyah, Iranian History, Emancipation, Political Islam, National Self-determination
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on challenging Western narratives that label the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the Iranian religious tradition as inherently radical or fundamentalist.
What are the core thematic areas discussed?
The core themes include the historical development of Shi'ism, the political role of the clergy, the influence of Khomeini, and the social dynamics that fueled the 1979 revolution.
What is the central research question?
The research asks whether the Islamic Revolution is best described as a product of religious fundamentalism or as a movement for national emancipation and self-determination against domestic and foreign domination.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author employs a historical-analytical approach, examining the evolution of religious, social, and political structures over centuries to contextualize the events of 1979.
What topics are covered in the main section of the book?
The main sections cover the theological foundations of Shi'ism, the historical interaction between the state and the clergy, and the socioeconomic factors that led to the revolution.
How would you characterize the keywords of this work?
The keywords are centered on political and historical terminology related to Iran, such as Shi'ism, the Islamic Revolution, political populism, and the role of the Ulama.
How does the concept of 'taqiyyah' fit into the author's argument?
The author uses 'taqiyyah' (the practice of hiding one's religious identity in danger) as evidence for the flexible and pragmatic nature of Shi'ism, arguing it contradicts the Western claim of rigid fundamentalism.
What role did oil workers and secular groups play in the revolution according to this document?
The author argues that these groups were essential to the revolution's success, noting that their secular attitudes and strike actions suggest the revolution was driven by broader social motivations than just religious extremism.
- Citar trabajo
- Sophie Duhnkrack (Autor), 2009, The History of Shi'ism and Iranian Shi'ism, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/141508
