Islam in Iran

Introduction

Islam’s profound influence on Iran has shaped the country’s history, culture, and social structure. This entry provides an overview of the advent, development, and current status of Islam in Iran, focusing on significant historical periods and key sociopolitical changes.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الإسلام في إيران (al-Islam fi Iran)
• Turkish: İran’da İslam

Historical Context

Arrival of Islam

Islam reached Iran in 637 CE as Arab Muslim conquests extended into the Persian Empire. Prior to Islam, Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion, characterized by a dualistic cosmology. Islamic monotheism gradually supplanted Zoroastrian doctrines.

Sunni Dominance

For the first millennium after Islam’s arrival, Sunni Islam was the prevalent tradition in Iran, coexisting with remnants of Zoroastrian practices, especially among communities who later migrated to India.

Safavid Dynasty and Shiism

The Safavid dynasty began in 1501, marking a monumental shift towards Twelver Shiism (Ithnā’ashariyyah). This change established Shiism as the state religion, significantly influencing religious, cultural, and political institutions. Religious scholars or ulamā evolved as prominent social figures.

The Qajar Era and Rise of Clergy Power

During the Qajar era (1785–1925), Shia clerics cemented their power, steering social movements and asserting significant institutional influence. By the late 19th century, they were integral to reformist efforts, including the 1905–11 Constitutional Revolution, which demanded ceded tobacco concessions, a constitution, and governmental accountability.

Pahlavi Dynasty and Revolution

The Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979) endeavored to minimize religious influence to accelerate modernization and Westernization. Policies promoting secularism and nationalism catalyzed dissent, culminated in the dynasty’s overthrow. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s rise advanced the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), advocating comprehensive application of Islamic law.

Post-Revolutionary Iran

Post-1979 revolution, clerics have maintained united fronts on cultural matters but show division on economic policies, including property, nationalization, land reforms, and Western trade. Mohammad Khatami’s election as president in 1997 indicated burgeoning interest in engaging with the West on cultural, economic, and academic fronts.

Progressive Trends in Women’s Rights

Iran stands out in the Muslim world for its relatively progressive stance on women’s roles. Women partake as professionals, elected representatives, government officials, and judges.

Suggested Readings

• “The History of Modern Iran” by Ervand Abrahamian
• “Shia Islam in Iranian History” by Said Amir Arjomand
• “Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution” by Nikki R. Keddie

Takeaways and Conclusion

Islam’s introduction in 637 CE with Arab conquests marked a transformative period for Iran, transitioning through phases of Sunni dominance, the pivotal shift to Shiism under the Safavids, and the modern era of religious consolidation post-1979 revolution. The interplay between clerical authority and sociopolitical dynamics remains a defining feature, with progressive strides in women’s rights showcasing societal evolution.

Iran’s unique historical journey underscores the profound and enduring influence of Islam on its national narrative.

By documenting the significant eras and key movements within Iranian-Islamic history, one gains comprehensive insights into the religio-political fabric defining contemporary Iran.