Document Type : Scientific-Research

Authors

• Mohammad Mehdi Moradi Khalaj ¹
• Mahdi Barzanouni ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

² PhD student in Islamic History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Sheikh Ja’far Kashif al-Ghitta (1156-1228 AH), a prominent scholar during Fath Ali Shah Qajar’s reign (1212-1250 AH), significantly impacted the socio-political history of that period. Through his writings and interactions with the Iranian government, he aimed to establish a theological framework that linked the authority of the Imam’s representative to the reigning king while actively addressing contemporary crises. His perspectives provide valuable insights into the changes during the early Qajar period.This research utilizes a descriptive-analytical methodology and relies on library resources to analyze Kashif al-Ghitta’s theological thought and political actions in response to the social, cultural, and political conditions of his time. It seeks to answer key questions: What were the social and political crises of his era? How did he perceive these crises, and what solutions did he propose? Findings indicate that Kashif al-Ghitta was a politically astute jurist who utilized Shiite ijtihad principles to bridge ideals and reality. The social and political dynamics of his time motivated his intellectual pursuits. His theoretical and practical approaches not only influenced transformations in his era but also strengthened Shiite political and theological discourse amidst the challenges of that period.

Keywords

• Kashif al-Ghitta
• Fath Ali Shah
• Iran-Russia Wars
• Legitimacy
• Dissenters

Main Subjects

• History of developments in the Islamic world