RT Book
T1 Guardians of Shi'ism: sacred authority and transnational family networks
A1 Corboz, Elvire
LA English
PP Edinburgh
PB Edinburgh University Press
YR 2015
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/883280566
AB 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
AB 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
CN BP193.5
SN 9780748691456
K1 Shiites
K1 Shīʻah : Sociological aspects
K1 Shīʻah ; Sociological aspects