Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Master student of history, Trend of Iran in the Islamic period, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities , Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor of History, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities , Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
3
Assistant Professor of History, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities , Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Reflection of Shiite Thought in Khwandamir’s Habib al-Siyar: True Belief or Pragmatic Historiography?
Abstract:
Khwandamir lived during a transitional period, a time when the religious beliefs of society were undergoing fundamental changes while also adapting to new conditions. On one hand, the Safavid state was established on the foundations of Sufi and Shiite ideologies. On the other, traditional Sunni Islam remained deeply rooted within society. Moreover, respect for the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt) and Shiite elements had become common through Sufi orders. Naturally, Khwandamir's historical writing was influenced by this historical environment. Therefore, understanding the ideas and historiographical methods of this author, as well as the reflection of Shiite thought in Habib al-Siyar, will aid in better understanding the intellectual and historical context of the time, the formalization of Shiism, and the establishment of the Safavid state. The present article employs a "summarized interpretation" approach to grasp the nature of Shiite thought in *Habib al-Siyar*. Accordingly, Khwandamir’s Shiite views were influenced by three intellectual currents: syncretic beliefs of Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi (or popular Islam); juristic Shiism; and utilitarian Shiism, which was aimed at legitimizing the Safavid state. It appears that the second and third aspects of Khwandamir's thought were shaped by his political and administrative roles in legitimizing the state. The genuine roots of his religious beliefs, however, can be traced back to his social upbringing, although the influence of the other two aspects on the true nature of his Shiite thought should not be overlooked.
Keywords: Shiite thoughts, Khwandamir, Habib al-Siyar, Safavids, popular Islam, utilitarian legitimization.
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