Historical Infrastructures Influencing the Inclination toward Deviant Mahdism Sects in Iranian Society

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Researcher, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy; Ph.D. in Islamic Revolution Studies, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor and Faculty Member, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Faith in and belief in the Promised Savior (Imam Mahdi) has always been one of the fundamental tenets of Shi‘ism throughout history, serving as a source of vitality and resilience, particularly in the realm of social movements. Islamic thinkers, inspired by this belief, have continuously worked to keep society prepared for uprisings against tyrannical and deviant powers. In contrast to this authentic current, other movements have sought, by exploiting various social conditions, to construct alternative discourses and divert this belief for their own purposes.
It is evident that the history and geography of false Mahdism claims are vast and far-reaching, making a comprehensive review unnecessary and impractical. The present study focuses on examining the social factors behind the emergence of false claimants to Mahdism in contemporary Iran. It examines the social and political conditions of Iran during three historical periods — the Qajar, Pahlavi, and Islamic Republic eras — in which the circumstances were conducive to the formation, growth, and strengthening of pseudo-Mahdist movements. The chaotic social conditions of modern Iran and certain structural issues within society have provided the context for the intensification of eschatological hopes and the emergence of false claimants to Mahdism.
 

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 14 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 01 May 2024

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