Publication: The Phenomena Of Paternalism: The Contestation Between Democracy And Traditionalism Within Shiite Communities In Iraq
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-02
Authors
Abbas, Alabyadh Muhtadi Ridha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research delves into the evolution of paternalism in iraqi shiite history, focusing on the ayatollah as a paternalistic figure for the shia community and exploring paternal social thought within shiite culture. By investigating key changes across different periods, identifying the generative mechanisms operative in each era, and analyzing the manifested processes associated with these mechanisms. Utilizing a retroductive research strategy and historical sociology with a qualitative approach, the study identifies generative mechanisms, including tribal culture, islamic religion, shiite theology, and the ayatollah system. Within shia iraq, the mechanisms for paternal social thought involve shiite theology and the usul al-faqih approach for deriving religious law, as well as aspects like an independent economy and educational institutions. In the 19th century, the shiite uṣūlism school asserted control over iran and iraq, establishing the taqlid system. This system emphasized laypeople's emulation of the most knowledgeable ayatollah, where the ayatollah, based on ijtihad, interferes or restricts others' freedom, engaging in discussions on their behalf. Taqlid emerged to counter political modernity entering iraq and iran, linking the shia community with ayatollahs to oversee modernity and limit liberalism. Moving to the 20th century, ayatollah naini supported iran's constitutional movement, while ayatollah al-nouri rejected it. In 1921,
Description
Keywords
Islam and politics—Iraq