The Role of religion and the ulama in the Iranian revolution

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ayatullah Khomeini's leadership in the uprisings of 1977-1979 and the subsequent establishment of an Islamic Republic in Iran after the -fall of the Shah allowed and contributed to an over est i mat i on of the role of baths religion and the ulama in the Iranian Revolution. Certain circles went so far as to claim the revolution as a brainchild and product created solely by the mullahs and Shi' i Islam. This study questions this approach and understanding' and sets out to clarify and contextual ise- the role and importance of both the Iranian clergy and religion and in so doing put them in- their rightful historical places among the other and various factors that together brought about the revolution. To this end there follow a brief study, of recent Iranian history? the development of events between 1977-1979; and religion and the ulama, which clarifies that the resolution stemmed from a combination' of historical, social, economic, cultural and political causes. A more detailed analysis of the role of Shi * a Islam and the mullahs then contrives to demonstrate that, while these forces contributed significantly to the success of the revolution, they were neither the unique nor the main factor in it, as is often argued.