Fidaiyan-i Islam
Definition
Fidaiyan-i Islam - A religio-political organization established in Tehran in 1945 by Sayyid Mujtaba Navvab Safavi, aimed at forming an Islamic government based on Sharia law and governed by religious clerics.
Etymology
- Fidaiyan-i Islam: Often translated as “Commandos of Islam,” the term combines Arabic and Persian elements:
- “Fidaiyan” (فِدایان): Derived from Arabic “fidāʾī”, meaning “sacrificing” or “one who sacrifices.”
- “Islam” (اسلام): The religious and ideological foundation of the organization.
Translations
- Arabic: فِدایان إسلام (Fidāyān Islām)
- Turkish: İslam Fedaileri
Historical Context
Foundation and Origins
The Fidaiyan-i Islam was founded in 1945 in Tehran by Sayyid Mujtaba Navvab Safavi. The organization emerged in response to socio-political turmoil in Iran, aiming to oppose what they viewed as secular and Western influences undermining Islamic values.
Objectives
- Islamic Governance: The establishment of an Islamic state ruled by Sharia law.
- Moral and Social Welfare: Introducing a societal structure emphasizing business ethics combined with social welfare and charity.
Activities
The group gained notoriety for its direct actions, which included:
- Assassinations: Targeting politicians and intellectuals seen as threats to their vision of an Islamic order.
- Communication and Propaganda: Garnering support from financially stable bazaars and influential clerics.
Decline and Legacy
The death of leader Navvab Safavi in 1956 significantly weakened the organization. Although it briefly re-emerged during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Fidaiyan-i Islam did not sustain long-term influence. However, its legacy persists in Tehran, where a street is named after Safavi, and his image appears on stamps.
Further Reading
- “The Mantle of the Prophet: Religion and Politics in Iran” by Roy Mottahedeh.
- “Iran’s Islamic Revolution: Popular Liberation or Religious Dictatorship?” by Asghar Schirazi.
- “Navvab Safavi: A Study in the Evolution of Shiite Political Activism in Iran” by Farhad Kazemi.
Takeaways
- The Fidaiyan-i Islam played a significant role in Iran’s 20th-century history, advocating an Islamic governance model.
- Despite their eventual decline, their impact on Iranian socio-political discourse has left enduring marks.
- The organization’s interplay of assassination, commerce, and philanthropy highlights a complex strategy for socio-political change.
Conclusion
The Fidaiyan-i Islam signifies a key episode in Iranian religious and political history, advocating for a vision of an Islamic state that continues to resonate in different forms within the region’s political landscape. Their blend of militant action, socio-economic ethics, and religious fervor offers unique insights into the dynamics of Islamic revolutionary movements.
