Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World

The Governance Model of Religious Scholars from the Naderi to the Naseri Eras

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Nayareh Dalir
Associate Professor, Institute of History, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/iscw.2025.2058898.1162
Abstract
This study examines the governance model of Shi‘i religious scholars during the historical transformations from the era of Nader Shah Afshar to Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The central question is: On what components did Shi‘i scholars base their governance model in response to new historical circumstances from the Naderi to the Naseri era? Employing a historical explanatory approach, the article analyzes the behavior of Shi‘i scholars across several periods, including the Afsharid, Zand, and early Qajar dynasties. The research posits that the survival of religious scholars after the adversities of the Afsharid era and their establishment of a form of social governance were instrumental in preserving and achieving their independence. The findings indicate that the governance model of Shi‘i scholars, shaped by diverse historical contexts, was grounded in the reconstruction of their societal position and the maintenance of social order.
Keywords
Shiite scholars
Safavid
Qajar
socio-political situation
Subjects
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Islamic Studies and Quranic Research in the Contemporary World
Volume 4, Issue 1 - Serial Number 7
August 2025
Pages 109-136

  • Receive Date 25 April 2025
  • Revise Date 21 September 2025
  • Accept Date 05 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 23 August 2025
  • Publish Date 23 August 2025