Guardians of Shi'ism: sacred authority and transnational family networks

What is the significance of transnationalism to Shi`i Islam? And how is clerical authority shaped across borders? Based on a political sociology of two families of religious scholars, al-Hakim and al-Khu'i, Elvire Corboz explains the internal workings of transnational leadership patterns in Shi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Corboz, Elvire (Author)
Format: Electronic Book
Language:English
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Published: Edinburgh Edinburgh University Press 2015.
In:Year: 2015
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Iraq / Iran / Shi'ah / Extended family / Transnational policy
Further subjects:B Shīʻah ; Sociological aspects
B Shīʻah Sociological aspects
B Shiites
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
Print version: 9780748691449
Description
Summary:What is the significance of transnationalism to Shi`i Islam? And how is clerical authority shaped across borders? Based on a political sociology of two families of religious scholars, al-Hakim and al-Khu'i, Elvire Corboz explains the internal workings of transnational leadership patterns in Shi`ism for the first time. Corboz compares the multifaceted roles played by Shi`i clerics in contemporary affairs with selective narratives about the traditional system of religious authority (the marja`iyya), political organisations, and international charities. Whether informal or institutionalised, their authority networks are in constant negotiation between communities and states in Iraq, Iran, other Middle Eastern countries, the Indian sub-continent South-East Asia, and the West. This multi-sited approach clarifies the local and transnational dynamics that underpin clerical authority. Key Features * Analyses the networking, philanthropic and political practices of Shi'i clerical figures across borders from a sociological perspective to enhance our understanding of Muslim authority *Includes case studies of two prominent families of religious scholars, which explain the continued relevance of Shi'i clerics to Muslim politics and society *Engages in the topical debate on transnational Shi`ism by exploring the cross-border religious networks in and beyond the Middle East
Introduction. The social facets of clerical authority ; Transnational authority between communities and states ; Two families of religious scholars -- Family, students and friends : from dyadic to transnational networks. An Iraqi family of religious scholars : local and transnational networking strategies ; An Iranian Marjaʻ in Najaf and a foundation in London : reproducing interpersonal ties across place and over time -- Charitable politics : benevolent patrons, beneficiaries and the state. Leadership in patronage : the benefits of serving and educating ; The priority of charity : a global brand of philanthropy in its local making -- The affairs of the state : clerical participation in politics. From Najaf to Najaf : a family at the forefront of Iraqi politics ; Quietist activism : calculated responses to political turmoil -- Conclusion. Reaching out to the community ; The significance of the state ; Four features of transnational clerical authority
Item Description:Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 08 Aug 2016)
ISBN:0748691456