Visualizing belief and piety in Iranian Shiism

By Ingvild Flaskerud

Book Description

Many people assume that visual imagery plays no role in Islamic spiritual practice, yet this assumption overlooks a rich tradition of devotional art that continues to flourish in contemporary Iran. This scholarly exploration reveals how Shia Muslims engage with sacred images as powerful tools for spiritual connection and personal transformation.

Drawing from extensive fieldwork and interviews with Iranian believers, the author examines how tile-paintings, posters, and wall-hangings depicting prophets and saints function within devotional life. Rather than mere decoration, these visual representations serve as catalysts for deep spiritual experiences, helping devotees mentally connect with revered figures and cultivate heightened states of piety.

The book demonstrates how seeing and visualization operate as fundamental modes of religious knowledge transmission in Shia communities. Through careful analysis of both the artworks themselves and the responses of male and female viewers, readers discover how sacred imagery stimulates memory, transforms emotions, and inspires devotional behavior.

For those interested in understanding how visual elements can enhance spiritual practice across different traditions, this work offers valuable insights into the intersection of art, faith, and personal devotion. The research challenges common misconceptions while revealing how contemporary believers use imagery to deepen their relationship with the divine and cultivate meaningful spiritual experiences in their daily lives.