A Critical Review of Orientalists’ Views on the Uprising of Ashura Emphasizing the Perspectives of the Supreme Leader (May Allah Prolong His Life)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate of Quran and Orientalists Studies, Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran (Corresponding Author):

2 Assistant Professor and Faculty Member of the Quran Tafsir Department, Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran

10.22034/jqopv.2024.9109

Abstract

The uprising of Imam Hossein (AS) and the events of Ashura are topics that Western Orientalists have paid particular attention to, providing various analyses. The purpose of studying and examining the views of Orientalists on the events of Ashura and Imam Hossein (AS) is to understand their motives and perspectives sufficiently to respond to possible doubts. This article attempts to discuss the perspectives of some Orientalists on the Ashura incident using a descriptive-analytical method. Upon reviewing Orientalist studies, it becomes apparent that their external viewpoint, prejudice, and their level of access to reliable Islamic sources have influenced their analyses and examinations in this field. Research findings indicate that the results of Orientalists’ and Islamic scholars’ studies differ in some cases from the reality of the matter. Examining the viewpoints of these Orientalists reveals reasons such as negligence of the Quranic aspect of Imam Hossein’s uprising, superficial and incorrect analysis of resources in interpretation, disregard for the spiritual aspect of Ashura, and unfamiliarity with Islamic and Shiite sources, leading to their inability to present an accurate depiction of Imam Hossein (AS) and Ashura in the Shiite religion. Ayatollah Khamenei considers the Ashura uprising a symbol of fighting against oppression and tyranny, marking a turning point in Islamic history and serving as a model for standing against injustice and inequality.

Keywords

References

  1. Quran –e – Karim (Th Holy Quran), Rezaei Esfahani, Mohammad Ali and A Group of Professors from Al-Mustafa University, Quran-e Karim (The Noble Qur’an), Al-Mustafa Publications, Qom: 2nd Edition, 1388 SH (2009 CE).
  2. A Group of Orientalists, Tamaddon-e Irani (Iranian Civilization), Translated by Eisa Behnam, Nashr-e Ketab, Tehran: 1347 SH (1968 CE).
  3. Abi Mikhnaf, Maqtal al-Hussain, Edited and Translated by Hojjatollah Jodaki, Khaimeh Publications, Qom: 1393 SH (2014 CE)
  4. Amin, Mohsen; Amin, Hassan, A’yan al-Shi’a (Notable Figures of the Shiites), Dar al-Ta’aruf Lil-Matbuat, Beirut: 1403 AH (1983 CE).
  5. Ayoub, Mahmood, Asura, Encyclopaedia Of Iranica, Volume 2, New York, 2008.
  6. Baharani Isfahani, Awalim al-’Ulum wa al-Ma’arif (Universes of Sciences and Knowledge), Research by Mowahhid Abtahi, Imam Mahdi (AJ) Institute, Qom: 1413 AH (1992 CE).
  7. Bayernas, John, Tarikh Jame’ Adyan (A Comprehensive History of Religions), Translated by Ali Asghar Hekmat, Elmi va Farhangi, Tehran: 1380 SH (2001 CE).
  8. Benjamin, Samuel Green Wheeler, Iran va Iranian “Asr-e Naser al-Din Shah (Iran and Iranians During the Era of Nasir al-Din Shha), Hossein Kurdbocheh, Tehran: 1363 SH (1984 CE).
  9. Borlu, Joseph, Tamaddon-e Eslami (Islamic Civilization), Translated by Asadollah Alvai, Astan-e Qods Razavi Foundation for Islamic Research, Mashhad: 1386 AH (2007 CE).
  10. Braun, Edward Granville, Yek Sal dar Miyan-e Iraniyan (“A Year Among the Iranians”), Translated by Mani Salehi Allameh, Akhtaran, 4th Edition, Tehran: 1387 SH (2008 CE).
  11. Brockelmann, Carl, Tarikh Mellal va Dowal-e Eslami (History of the Islamic Nations and States), Translated by Hadi Jazayeri, Nashr-e Ketab, Tehran: 1346 SH (1967 CE).
  12. Chelkowski, Peter, Ta’ziyeh Honar-e Bomi Pishro-e Iran (Ta’ziyeh: A Pioneering Indigenous Art in Iran), Davood Hatami, Ilmi Farhangi, Tehran: 1367 SH (1988 CE).
  13. Daftari, Farhad; Qasir, Saif al-Din, Tarikh al-Islam al-Shi’i (History of Shiite Islam), Dar al-Saqi, Beirut: 2017 CE.
  14. Davoudi, Saeed; Rostamnejad, Mehdi, Ashura, Risheha, Angizeha, Ruyadha, Payamdeha (Ashura, Roots, Motivations, Events, Consequences), Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib (AS) Publications, Qom: 1388 AH (2009 CE).
  15. Donaldson, Dwight, Madhhab Shia Tarikh Islam dar Iran va Iraq (Shiite Sect in the History of Islam in Iran and Iraq), Abbas Ahmadvand, Islamic Sciences and Culture Research Institute, Qom: 1395 AH (2016 CE).
  16. Esfandiari, Mohammad, Ashura Shenasi Pazhoheshi darbareye Hadaf-e Imam Hossein (AS) (Ashura Stdies: The Purpose of the Uprising of Imam Hossein), Ney, Tehran: 1387 AH (2008 CE).
  17. European Iranologists Group, Tarikh-e Tamaddon-e Iran (History of Iranian Civilization), Translated by Javad Mohyi, Gothenburg, Tehran: 1381 SH (2002 CE).
  18. Hakim, Mohammad Baqir; Fasangari Hojatollah; Ghazalsflou, Omm al-Banin, Barresi va Tahlil-e Qiyam-e Imam Hossein (PBUH) (Analysis of the Uprising of Imam Hossin), Organization of Islamic Propaganda, Chap va Nashr Bayn al-Milal, Tehran: 1393 SH (2014 CE).
  19. Hollister, John Norman, Tarikh-e Tashayyo dar Hind (History of Shi’ism in India), Translated by Azarmidokht Moshayekh Faridouni, Nashr-e Markaz-e Daneshgahi, Tehran: 1373 SH (1994 CE).
  20. Hosseini Tabatabaei, Mostafa, Negah-e Asar-e Khavreshenassan (Critique of Orientalists’ Works), Chapekhsh, Tehran: 1375 SH (1996 CE).
  21. Hosseini, Gholam Yahya, Shi’ite Studies and English-Speaking Shi’ite Scholars, Shia Studies, Qom: 1387 AH (2008 CE).
  22. Howard، K.A, Husain Ibn Ali, The Encyclopaedia Of Religion, Volume5, United States of America, 1986.
  23. Ibn Athir, Mubarak bin Mohammad, Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh (The Complete History), Dar al-Fikr, Beirut: 1398 AH (1977 CE).
  24. Ibn Shahr Ashub Mazandarani, Mohammad, Manaqib Aal Abi Talib (The Virtues of the Family of Abu Talib), Allameh Publications, Qom: 1379 AH (2000 CE).
  25. Jafarian, Rasoul, Hayat Fikri va Siyasi Imamane Shia (Intellectual and Political Life of the Shiite Imams), Ansarian Publications, Qom: 1384 SH (2005 CE).
  26. Khamenei, Ali, Ensan 250 Saleh (A 250-Year-Old Man), Sahba Publications, Tehran: 1394 SH (2015 CE).
  27. Lalani, Arzina, Nokhostin Andishaha-ye Shia (First Shiite Ideas), Translated by Fereidoon Badrei, Farzan, Tehran: 1381 SH (2002 CE).
  28. Lapidus, Ira Marvin, Tarikh Javanan Islam az Aghaz ta Qarn-e Hijri-ye 18 (A History of Islamic Societies from the Beginning to the 18th Century), Translated by Mahmoud Ramadanzadeh, Islamic Research Foundation, Mashhad: 1376 SH (1997 CE).
  29. Madelung, Wilferd, Husayn Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib، Encyclopaedia of Iranica, Volume12, NewYork, 2018.
  30. Madelung, Wilferd, Janchini Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) Peiramiyan Khilafat Nakhasteen (The Succession to Muhammad: Research on the First Caliphate), Ahmad Nemayi and a Group of Translators, Astan Quds Razavi, Mashhad: 1377 SH (1998 CE).
  31. Majlisi, Mohammad Baqir, Bihar al-Anwar (Seas of Lights: The Collection for Pearls of Traditions of the Pure Imams), Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut: 2nd Edition, 1403 AH (1983 CE).
  32. Makarem Shirazi, Naser; Aliannezhadi, Abolqasem, Ahdaf Qiyam Husayni (The Purposes of Imam Hossein Uprising), Imam Ali’s Bin Abi Talib Seminary (AS) Publications, Qom: 1385 SH (2006 CE).
  33. Mas’udi, Ali Bin Hossein; Daghir, Youssef Asad, Maruj al-Dhahab wa Ma’adin al-Jawhar (The Meadows of Gold and Mines of Gems), Dar al-Hijra, Qom: 1409 AH (1989 CE).
  34. Mazloumi, Rajab Ali, Rahbar-e Azadegan (Leader of the Liberators), Islamic Research Campus, Bonyad-e Be’that, Tehran: 4th Edition, 1362 SH (1983 CE).
  35. Motahhari, Morteza, Hamasah Husayni (The Husaynian Epic), Sadra Publications, Tehran: 41st Edition, 1386 SH (2007 CE).
  36. Mousavi Zavareq, Davood, Vaqe’e-ye Ashura az Didgah-e Moustasharaghin (The Event of Ashura from the Perspective of Orientalists), Misbah al-Hoda, Tehran: 2nd Edition, 1392 SH (2013 CE).
  37. Mufid, Mohammad Bin Mohammad, Al-Irshad fi Ma’rifat Hujaj Allah Ala al-Ibad (A Guidance on the Knowledge of the Divine Authorities on Servants), Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt, Qom: 1413 AH (1992 CE).
  38. Najmi, Mohammad Sadegh, Sokhanan-e Husayn Bin Ali (PBUH) az Madinah ta Karbala (The Words of Husayn Bin Ali from Medina to Karbala), Bostan-e Ketab, Qom: 13th Edition, 1388 SH (2009 CE).
  39. Netton, Ian Richard, Husain Ibn Ali, Encyclopaedia of Islamic Civilisation and Religion, New York, 2010.
  40. Petrovsky, Ilya Pavlovich, Al-Islam fi Iran Munzu al-Hirah Hatta Nihayah al-Qarn al-Tase’ al-Hijri (Islam in Iran from Migration to the the End of 9th AH Centuray), Translated by Al-Sabai Mohammed Al-Sabai, Cairo: Montada Sor al-Azbekiya, 2005 CE.
  41. Qarashi, Baqir Sharif; Mahfouzi-Mousavi, Hossein, Zendegani Hazrat Imam Husayn Bin Ali (PBUH) (Study and Analysis of Imam Hossein), Bonyad-e Ma’arif-e Eslami, Qom: 1380 SH (2001 CE).
  42. Rawandi, Qutb al-Din, Al-Kharaj wa al-Jara’ih (Taxes and Fines), Qutb al-Din Rawandi, Imam Mahdi (AJ) Institute, Qom: 1st Edition, 1409 AH (1988 CE), Volume 2, Hadith 63.
  43. Reischer, Jan; Jamali, Hafez, Al-Islam al-Shi’i: Aqaid wa Edologjiyat (Shia Islam: Beliefs and Ideologies), Dar Atiya Publications, Beirut: 1996 CE.
  44. Saeed, Edward, Sharqshenasi Sharqi ke Afarideh Gharb Ast (Orientalism that Created the West), Translated by Asghar Askari Khanqa - Hamed Fouladvand, Ata’i Publications, Tehran: 1361 SH (1982 CE).
  45. Sayyex, Sir Percy, Tarikh Iran (History of Iran), Translated by Seyyed Mohammad Taqi Fakhreddai Gilani, Scientific Printing House, Tehran: 1368 SH (1989 CE).
  46. Sayyid Bin Tawus, Al-Luhuf ala Qatli al-Tufuf (The Glittering Stars on the Killing of Husayn), Jahan Publications, Tehran: 1348 SH (1969 CE).
  47. Sharifi, Mahmoud, Mawsu’at Kalimat al-Imam al-Husayn (AS) (Encyclopedia of Imam Husayn’s Words), Ma’had Taḥqiqat Baqir al-’Ulum (AS), Dar al-Ma’arif, Qom: 1415 AH (1994 CE).
  48. Sheikh al-Islami, Sayyid Mohsen; Rafiei, Amir Timur; Qureshi Corban, Sayyid Hassan, Barresi Siyasi Nahzat Ashura az Didgah-e Moustashrghin-e Alman va Engliz (Political Study of the Ashura Movement from the Perspective of German and English Orientalists), Majallah-e Motala’at-e Tarikhi-ye Jahane Islam, Volume 8, Number 16, Fall and Winter 1399 SH (2020 CE).
  49. Statements of the Supreme Leader at the Graduation Ceremony of Students from Imam Hossein University (PBUH), 21/7/1398 SH (2019 CE).
  50. Statements of the Supreme Leader in a Meeting with a Group of Iraqi Mowkib Daran (Servants in Religious Processions), 27/06/1398 SH (2019 CE).
  51. Statements of the Supreme Leader in a Meeting with Clerics and Preachers on the Eve of Muharram, 1384/11/05 SH (2006 CE).
  52. Tabari, Mohammad Bin Jarir, Tarikh Tabari (Tabari’s History), Dar al-Ma’arif, Cairo: 1976 CE.
  53. Taqizadeh Davari, Mahmoud, Tasvir-e Imamane Shia dar Daireye al-Ma’arif-e Eslami (The Image of the Shiite Imams in Islamic Encyclopedias), Institute of Shi’ite Studies, Qom: 1393 SH (2014 CE).
The Qur’an from Orientalists Point of View
Volume 18, Issue 35 - Serial Number 35
(Registration No. 124/ 5086 Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance)
March 2024
Pages 305-336

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 10 February 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 June 2023
  • Accept Date: 19 October 2023

Share

How to cite

Statistics