Hojatiyyah
Description
Hojatiyyah refers to a conservative Shii religio-political school of thought that was established in the 1950s by Shaykh Mahmud Halabi in Iran. The group’s primary mission was to eradicate the Bahai faith, which they perceived as heretical. After Iran’s Islamic Revolution of 1979, Hojatiyyah proponents were accused by fundamentalist clerics of opposing the doctrine of vilayat-i faqih (rule of the jurist) and neglecting to foster the conditions for the return of the Hidden Imam. Over time, the term Hojatiyyah has taken on a negative connotation, generally applied to those advocating for less clerical involvement in government and reduced government taxation on businesses.
Etymology
The term Hojatiyyah derives from the Arabic word حُجَّتِيَّہ (Ḥujjatiyyah), which pertains to the concept of being a “proof” or “justification.”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: حُجَّتِيَّہ (Ḥujjatiyyah)
- Turkish: Hujjatiye
Historical Context and Development
Shaykh Mahmud Halabi formed the Hojatiyyah society amid the socio-political tensions between the Bahai community and mainstream Shii Muslims in mid-20th century Iran. The society’s initial activities centered on proselytization and eradication campaigns against the Bahai faith. The organization’s ideological stance came under scrutiny after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, particularly due to their opposition to the vilayat-i faqih framework envisioned by Ayatollah Khomeini.
In 1983, the Islamic regime launched a concerted public campaign against Hojatiyyah sympathizers. The society was subsequently suspended by the government, and the regime has largely ignored its existence since that time. The whereabouts of Shaykh Mahmud Halabi and the extent of support for the movement in contemporary times remain unclear.
Legacy and Impact
The societal influence of the Hojatiyyah group and its ideas about the interplay between clergy and government continue to be a point of debate in Iran. The movement’s criticism of state theocracy, as encapsulated in vilayat-i faqih, alongside their economic views have sparked both ideological and practical conversations.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future” by Vali Nasr - Provides insights into intra-Shii ideological movements.
- “Shī’īsm: Doctrines, Thought, and Spirituality” edited by by Askari Iranfar, Seyyed Hossein Nasr - Explores the diversity within Shii thought.
- “Facing One Qiblah: Legal and Doctrinal Aspects of Sunni and Shi’ah Muslims” by Izutsu Toyo - Examines legal and doctrinal aspects of divergence and consensus within Islam.
Takeaways
- Hojatiyyah emphasizes a conservative Shii perspective aimed initially at counteracting the Bahai faith.
- Post-revolutionary Iran saw the group marginalized for its perceived opposition to vilayat-i faqih.
- The movement’s current status and support are largely unknown, adding to its enigmatic presence in socio-religious discussions.
Conclusion
Hojatiyyah remains a significant yet often misunderstood part of modern Iranian religious-political history. It represents a complex intersection of ideology, history, and sociopolitical challenge. Understanding its origins, objectives, and legacy provides valuable insights into the intricate tapestry of Shii political movements and their continuing influence on contemporary Islamic thought.
