Interaction and conflict between Sufism and Shi`ism during Safavid era

• Main Authors: E Naghibi, A.A Tashakori
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: University of Isfahan 2017-10-01
• Series: پژوهش های تاریخی
• Subjects: Safavid; Sufism; religion; Imami Shi`ism; Karki; Majlesi
• Online Access: http://jhr.ui.ac.ir/article_16631_d015e6d2e1a6b5cf4a9816f0f83ef571.pdf

14th century was considered as the conciliation of Imami Shi`ism and Sufism. But, the relation at the beginning of Safavid dynasty developed to the extent that concepts such as guardianship in a mixture of Shiâite and Sufi themes made the situation prone to political functions. Imami Shi`ism became official for the first time by Safavids however, their reliance on the support of Turkmen to acquire power urged them to make Sufism superior to Shi`ism. Thus, Ghezelbash people representing Sufism depicted a great kinglike image of the Absent Imam which did not comply with religion and was against the claim of jurists. The perspective did not remain stable after Safavid dynasty was completely established. The idea was in conflict with the interests of the ruling authority, so Safavid rulers turned to Shi`ism from Sufism. The issue not only made Shi`ism and jurists superior to Sufism but also caused Shi`ites confront Sufism for several centuries. The aim of the present article is to investigate the process of peace and conflict between Sufism and Shi`ism during Safavid dynasty.