Etymology
The term Intizar (Arabic: انتظار, Turkish: İnzâr) is derived from the Arabic root “n-z-r,” which signifies waiting or anticipating. The word “Intizar” means “waiting,” often carrying deeply embedded religious and philosophical connotations, especially in the context of Shii eschatology.
Concept Explanation
General Definition
Intizar refers to the concept of ‘waiting,’ particularly in the eschatological context within Shia Islam. It relates to the anticipation of the appearance of the Mahdi, the awaited Imam, who is believed to bring justice and equity to the world.
Ali Shariati’s Interpretation
The term gained widespread significance through Ali Shariati (d. 1977), an influential Iranian reformer and sociologist, through his 1971 lecture titled “Waiting: The Religion of Refusal” (Intizar: Mazhabe E’terarʹ). Shariati’s interpretation of Intizar redefined it as an active, transformative process rather than passive waiting.
According to Shariati, waiting should symbolize a dynamic refusal to accept the oppressive status quo and a call to action against societal injustices. For him, Intizar involves ethical and social responsibility, pushing believers to strive for a just society in alignment with Islamic principles.
Intizar and al-Muntazar
Shariati’s reinterpretation is also a linguistic play on the term al-Muntazar (Arabic: المنتظر), referring to the awaited Imam (Mahdi) in Shii Islam. This makes Intizar not just a personal anticipation but a collective, community-oriented state aiming for transformative change.
References in Islamic Context
Shii Islam
In Shii Islamic thought, particularly within Twelver Shia tradition, Intizar holds profound eschatological implications. The awaited Mahdi, the twelfth Imam, is believed to be in occultation and will one day return to restore justice. Thus, Intizar embodies both a spiritual and sociopolitical anticipation, urging believers to resist injustice actively.
Books for Further Studies
- Shariati, Ali. “Hajj” - A seminal work exploring the pilgrimage in the context of Shariati’s sociopolitical philosophy.
- Dabashi, Hamid. “Theology of Discontent” - A critical analysis of Shariati’s contributions and the broader intellectual tradition he helped shape.
- Cole, Juan R.I. “Roots of North Indian Shī͡ism in Iran and Iraq” - This book delves into the development and transformations in Shia thought, inclusive of concepts like Intizar.
- Momen, Moojan. “An Introduction to Shi’i Islam” - A foundational text for understanding the beliefs and practices, including eschatological expectations, within Shi’i Islam.
Takeaways
- Intizar signifies ‘waiting’ in both broad and specifically Shii Islamic eschatological contexts.
- Ali Shariati redefined Intizar as an active, ideological stance advocating for resistance against oppression and the pursuit of justice.
- The concept intertwines with the notion of al-Muntazar, the awaited Mahdi, pushing for a transformative societal vision.
Conclusion
Intizar, as explored in Islamic philosophy and elucidated by figures like Ali Shariati, is far more than passive anticipation. It is a call to active ethical resistance, rooted deeply in the spiritual and sociopolitical fabric of Shii Islam. Embracing Intizar involves both individual reflection and collective action, striving towards justice and implementing reform, embodying the lived reality of faith in the wait for the Mahdi.
