Ali Shariati (1933-1977)
Introduction
Ali Shariati, a prominent Iranian Shii thinker and political activist, remains influential for his revolutionary ideas on Islamic modernization and social justice. An advocate of interpreting Islamic scripture in a socio-political context, Shariati sought to transform religion from a private practice into a dynamic, revolutionary force.
Etymology
The name “Ali Shariati” (علی شریعتی in Arabic, Ali Şeriati in Turkish) is derived from his given name, “Ali,” a common name in Islamic cultures honoring the first Imam of Shia Islam. “Shariati,” his surname, is derived from “Shariat” or “Sharia,” which means Islamic law.
Historical Context
Ali Shariati lived during a tumultuous period in Iranian history that included significant socio-political changes. Born in 1933, he witnessed colonialism’s backlash, Iran’s Westernization under the Pahlavi regime, and the build-up to the Iranian Islamic Revolution.
Philosophical Influences
Shariati was heavily influenced by both Islamic and Western thought, notably the works of Marxist theory. He sought to reconcile Islamic theology with the material and social conditions of the time, advocating for a reading of Islam as a tool for social justice.
Major Contributions
Reinterpretation of Islamic Scripture
Shariati proposed that scriptures needed to adapt to historical changes. He saw the role of interpretation (“ijtihad”) not as a static legalism but as a living tradition responsive to contemporary issues.
Islam as a Revolutionary Movement
He argued that Islam was inherently a revolutionary tradition that should aim to liberate the oppressed (“mustaz’afin”). Drawing from the example of Husayn ibn Ali, Shariati exhorted Muslims to engage actively in socio-political struggles.
Key Works
- “Islamology”: Analyses Islam from both sociological and existential perspectives.
- “Marxism and Other Western Fallacies: An Islamic Critique”: Challenges Western ideologies through an Islamic lens.
- “A Man from Another World” (A Prefabricated Guide for Muslims): A critique followed by an exploration of an ideal Muslim society.
Legacy
Shariati’s work significantly influenced the ideology of the Iranian Revolution and the formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His ideas continue to inspire movements advocating for religious interpretation geared towards socio-political activism.
Suggested Readings
- “Ali Shariati and the Future of Social Theory: Religion, Revolution, and the Role of the Intellectual” by Dustin J. Byrd.
- “Islamic Revivalism in the Modern World” by W. Montgomery Watt.
- “Ali Shariati: An Iranian Intellectual and a Leader” by Ali Rahnema.
Takeaways
- Ali Shariati emphasized the importance of adapting religious interpretation to contemporary societal problems.
- He viewed Islam as a potential revolutionary force and encouraged activism inspired by early Islamic figures.
- Shariati’s thoughts remain pivotal in modern Islamic intellectual discourse, especially in the context of socio-political movements.
Conclusion
Ali Shariati’s vision of Islam redefined its role from mere individual piety to a comprehensive social doctrine aimed at mobilizing and uplifting the masses. His fusion of Islamic and Marxist elements has left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern Islamic thought and political action.
