book chapter

Discourse and mimesis: Shi'ism in everyday life

Iran : from religious dispute to revolution • Cambridge, Mass. • Published In 1980 • Pages: 136-180

By: Fischer, Michael M. J..

Abstract
This is a chapter from Fischer's book, 'Iran: From Religious Dispute to Revolution.' In this chapter, Fischer discusses how Shi'ite idioms are expressed in everyday life. The material for this chapter comes from group discussions and papers produced by members of a group of Western and Iranian intellectuals living in Tehran. One paper, entitled 'Inner Purity,' examines Persian conceptions of self and other, and the search for friendship. The true Sufi or DARVISH is the ideal character type in this regard, a person who is always open, trustworthy, hospitable and humble. The LUTI, or village strongman, is another popular character, one who protects the weak and the moral order of the community. Another paper Fischer discusses is on the Iranian intellectual S. Hossein Nasr and his contribution to modernist Shi'ite thought. Nasr argued for Sufism's role in bridging the gap between Islam and modernity. Fischer also examines changes in personal morality in Iranian culture and the vitality of popular religion as expressed in the Shi'ite passion drama.
Subjects
Form and rules of government
Theological systems
Priesthood
Organized ceremonial
Philosophy
Humanistic studies
culture
Iran
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Middle East
Sub Region
Middle East
Document Type
book chapter
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2005
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Iran
Notes
Michael M. J. Fischer
for bibliographical references see document 90: Fischer
LCCN
79024330
LCSH
Iranians