Religious authority and political thought in Twelver Shi'ism :
General Material Designation
[Book]
Other Title Information
from Ali to post-Khomeini /
First Statement of Responsibility
Hamid Mavani.
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Place of Publication, Distribution, etc.
New York :
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Routledge,
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2013.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
1 online resource (xiv, 271 pages)
SERIES
Series Title
Routledge studies in political Islam ;
Volume Designation
9
INTERNAL BIBLIOGRAPHIES/INDEXES NOTE
Text of Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
CONTENTS NOTE
Text of Note
The ethos of Shi'ism -- Approaches to the imamate: traditional, theological, philosophical, and mystical -- Mode of succession and imam's policy vis-à-vis the rulers -- Shi'i state models during the major occultation -- Khomeini's concept of governance and its critique -- The case for secularity in Islam: traditional and foundational ijtihad.
0
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Ranging from the time of the infallible Imams, to the contemporary era, this book provides a comprehensive overview of Shi'i religious and political authority, focusing on Iran and Lebanon, without limiting the discourse to Khomeini's version of an Islamic State. Utilising untapped Arabic and Persian sources, Hamid Mavani provides a detailed, nuanced, and diverse theoretical discussion on the doctrine of leadership (Imamate) in Shi'ism from traditional, theological, philosophical, and mystical perspectives. This theoretical discussion becomes the foundation for an analysis of the transmission of the Twelfth Imam's religious and political authority vis-a-vis the jurists during his Greater Occultation. Bringing the often overlooked diversity within the Shi'i tradition into sharp focus, Religious Authority and Political Thought in Twelver Shi'ism discusses what constitutes an Islamic state, if there is such a notion as an Islamic state. Hamid Mavani further explores the possibility of creating a space for secularity, facilitating a separation between religion and state, and ensuring equal rights for all. This book argues that such a development is only possible if there is a rehabilitation of ijtihad. If this were to materialise modern religious, social, economic, political, and cultural challenges could be addressed more successfully. This book will be of use to scholars and students with interests ranging from Politics, to Religion, to Middle East Studies.
OTHER EDITION IN ANOTHER MEDIUM
Title
Religious authority and political thought in Twelver Shi'ism.