The Transnational Shia Ulama: Genealogy, Historical Evolution, and Contemporary Implications

Authors

Ali Namatpour, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Political Science

First Advisor's Name

Dr. Mohiaddin Mesbahi

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Dr. Thomas Breslin

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Dr. Eric Lob

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Dr. Iqbal Akhtar

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

Shia Ulama, Clerical institution, Non-state actor

Date of Defense

3-31-2022

Abstract

The research analyzes the institution of Shia Maraaj’e (highest authorities on religious laws in Twelver Shia Islam) as a transnational framework to diffuse the authority of the Maraaj’e in the global Shia community. As an evolving transnational actor, this clerical institution pursues to expand its authority on the national and transnational levels. This research addresses the social, political, and economic aspects of the transnational institution of the Shia Maraaj’e in Iran and explains the implication of transnational linkages since the inception of the institute to the contemporary era.

The institution of Shia clergy organizes the main transnational framework to expand the authority of the ulama in the Shia community. This institution is in relationship with other clerical organizations, the Maraaj’e, and Shia groups across the nation-state boundaries. This research addresses the social, political, and economic aspects of the transnational institution of Shia clergy in Iran and explains the implication of transnational linkages beyond the concept of the nation-state. It attempts to provide a novel framework in elevating the institutional influence and reach of Shia Islam’s highest clerical authority beyond Westphalian national boundaries and its policy implications during the modern nation-state era.

In this research, I will explain the transnational activities of ulama in the Shia community (ummah) and their relations with other states and non-state actors. I address the evolution of the clerical institution from the beginning of Islam to contemporary history. This research studies the actors, processes, and tools that the Maraaj’e institution utilized to build its authority.

Identifier

FIDC010509

Recommended Citation

Namatpour, Ali, "The Transnational Shia Ulama: Genealogy, Historical Evolution, and Contemporary Implications" (2022). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4938.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4938