Iran and the Muslim world

Book Description

Understanding the spiritual and political transformation of a nation offers profound insights into how religious traditions evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. Nikki R. Keddie's scholarly exploration examines Iran's remarkable journey from religious quietism to revolutionary fervor, revealing how spiritual movements can reshape entire societies.

This comprehensive analysis challenges common assumptions about Islamic militancy by tracing the historical development of Twelver Shiism in Iran. Keddie demonstrates how a religious tradition that once peacefully coexisted with political authorities gradually transformed into a powerful oppositional force. The author illuminates the complex interplay between spiritual leadership, economic interests, and political circumstances that gave rise to modern Iran's revolutionary character.

Rather than accepting simplistic explanations, Keddie investigates the deeper structural changes that occurred over centuries. She explores how clerical autonomy emerged alongside new economic alliances, particularly with merchant classes, creating a unique form of religious-political consciousness. The book also examines Iran's semi-colonial experience and urban geography as contributing factors to this transformation.

Beyond Iran's specific case, this work provides valuable perspective on contemporary Islamic political movements across the Muslim world. Keddie addresses the broader phenomenon of religious identity in political contexts, including anti-Western sentiments and their spiritual dimensions.

For readers seeking to understand how spiritual traditions intersect with social change, this book offers essential insights into the dynamic relationship between faith, power, and revolutionary consciousness in the modern world.