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Islamic studies is an academic field dedicated to the study of Islam, including its theology, law, history, culture, and contemporary developments. The discipline encompasses the examination of religious texts, social structures, political movements, and cultural practices among Muslim communities worldwide (Esposito, 2002).[1]

Scope and Areas of Study

Islamic studies covers a wide range of topics, often divided into the following areas:

Theology and Doctrine

This area examines Islamic beliefs (ʿAqīdah) and doctrines, including the study of the Qur'an, Hadith, Tawhid, prophethood, and eschatology. Scholars analyze interpretations from different schools of thought, including Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, and other sects (Haddad & Esposito, 1998).[2]

Islamic Law (Sharia)

The study of Sharia involves both classical legal texts and contemporary interpretations. It includes the analysis of the Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Madhhab schools, and issues such as family law, finance, and human rights (Hallaq, 2009).[3]

History and Civilization

Scholars investigate the historical development of Muslim societies, including the Rashidun Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, Ottoman Empire, and contemporary nation-states. This area also studies cultural achievements in science, philosophy, literature, and art (Lapidus, 2014).[4]

Politics and Society

This branch examines political Islam, modern social movements, governance, and issues such as Islamism, extremism, and relations with other societies. It also considers contemporary challenges, including globalization and interfaith dialogue (Esposito, 2002).[5]

Language and Literature

Islamic studies often includes the study of Arabic and other languages, as well as classical and modern literature, poetry, and philosophical works produced in Muslim societies (Makdisi, 1981).[6]

Methodology

The discipline combines historical, textual, and social-scientific methods. Researchers may examine primary texts, conduct fieldwork, and use comparative and interdisciplinary approaches to understand both classical Islam and contemporary Muslim societies (Esposito, 2002).[7]

Islamic studies in Iran

Islamic studies in Iran refers to the academic and religious study of Islam within the Iranian context, encompassing theology, jurisprudence, history, philosophy, and contemporary social and political issues. Iran, as a predominantly Shia country, has a long tradition of Islamic scholarship that integrates religious seminaries (hawzas) with modern universities (Cole, 2008).[8]

Historical Background

The tradition of Islamic studies in Iran dates back to the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736), which established Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion. During this period, major religious centers emerged in cities such as Qom and Mashhad, fostering the development of theology, jurisprudence (fiqh), and philosophy (Halm, 2004).[9]

The Qajar era (1789–1925) and the Pahlavi period (1925–1979) witnessed both the consolidation of traditional Shia seminaries and the introduction of modern educational institutions, leading to a coexistence of classical and contemporary Islamic studies.

Major Centers and Institutions

Religious Seminaries (Hawzas)

Qom and Mashhad remain the most prominent centers for traditional Shia Islamic studies. The Qom Seminary (Hawza 'Ilmiyya) trains clerics and scholars in areas including:

  • Theology (ʿAqīdah)
  • Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Usul al-Fiqh
  • Philosophy and Ethics
  • Qur'anic Studies and Hadith

These seminaries produce many of Iran's leading scholars and have international influence, attracting students from across the Middle East and South Asia (Momen, 1985).[10]

Modern Universities

In addition to traditional seminaries, Iran hosts Islamic studies programs at secular universities, including:

These institutions integrate classical Islamic scholarship with modern academic disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, and political science.

Key Areas of Study

Islamic studies in Iran typically encompasses:

  • Theology and Doctrine: Study of Shia beliefs, the concept of Imamate, and the interpretation of the Qur'an and Hadith (Esposito, 2002).[14]
  • Jurisprudence and Law: Classical and modern applications of Shia law (Fiqh) and legal theory (Usul al-Fiqh).
  • Philosophy and Ethics: Engagement with Islamic philosophy, logic, ethics, and mysticism.
  • History and Society: Study of Islamic history, political movements, and social issues within Iranian society.
  • Contemporary Islamic Thought: Analysis of modern reformist and revivalist movements, political Islam, and interfaith dialogue.

Contemporary Relevance

Islamic studies contributes to understanding global issues, including religious pluralism, interfaith relations, political dynamics in Muslim-majority countries, and responses to extremism. Scholars aim to provide balanced and historically grounded perspectives to counter stereotypes and misinformation (Esposito, 2011).[15]

Islamic studies in Iran is both religious and academic, influencing government, education, and society. Scholars contribute to policymaking, religious guidance, and international dialogue on Shia Islam and Islamic law. Programs increasingly address global Islamic issues, comparative religion, and the relationship between Islam and modernity (Cole, 2008).[16]

References

  1. ↑ Esposito, J. L. (2002). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-islam-9780195148391
  2. ↑ Haddad, Y. Y., & Esposito, J. L. (1998). Islamic Law: Theory and Practice. Syracuse University Press. https://press.syr.edu/9780815629007/islamic-law/
  3. ↑ Hallaq, W. B. (2009). Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations. Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/sharia/
  4. ↑ Lapidus, I. M. (2014). A History of Islamic Societies. Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/history-of-islamic-societies/
  5. ↑ Esposito, J. L. (2002). Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/unholy-war-9780195148391
  6. ↑ Makdisi, G. (1981). The Rise of Colleges: Institutions of Learning in Islam and the West. Edinburgh University Press. https://www.euppublishing.com/book/9780748600101
  7. ↑ Esposito, J. L. (2002). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-islam-9780195148391
  8. ↑ Cole, J. R. I. (2008). Sacred Space and Holy War: The Politics, Culture, and History of Shi'ism in Iran. Harvard University Press. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674039734
  9. ↑ Halm, H. (2004). Shi'ism. Edinburgh University Press. https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/book/10.3366/edinburgh/9780748613507.001.0001
  10. ↑ Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi'i Islam. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300035006/introduction-shii-islam
  11. ↑ University of Tehran
  12. ↑ Allameh Tabataba'i University
  13. ↑ Qom University of Religious Studies
  14. ↑ Esposito, J. L. (2002). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-islam-9780195148391
  15. ↑ Esposito, J. L. (2011). Islam and Politics. Syracuse University Press. https://press.syr.edu/9780815630636/islam-and-politics/
  16. ↑ Cole, J. R. I. (2008). Sacred Space and Holy War: The Politics, Culture, and History of Shi'ism in Iran. Harvard University Press. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674039734
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