The doctrine of imamate---that is, the rule of a particular individual over the community---is a central and pivotal concept in Islam generally, and in Shi`ism specifically. Scholars who have studied this concept have tended to emphasize one aspect of the doctrine of imamate to the exclusion of all others. At one end of the spectrum, scholars ascribe to the imamate a strictly esoteric dimension, and at the other end, they view it primarily as a political institution. Dr. Mohammad Amir-Moezzi is a proponent of the former, while the late Ayatullah Khumayni is a proponent of the latter. Both polarized views prevent us from appreciating the coherence and integrity of the Shi`ite tradition and the richness of the doctrine of imamate, whose central and primary function is to provide guidance such that humanity can attain success and prosperity in this life, and salvation in the afterlife. The diverse approaches adopted in the study of this doctrine---from the perspectives of the Qur'an and ḥadith, theology, philosophy and mysticism---along with the linkages and commonalities established between them on the basis of the revelatory sources, are indicative of the foundational role played by this doctrine in the development of these various disciplines. It has informed all aspects of the Shi`ite religious sciences and world view. This is best reflected in the works of Maytham al-Baḥrani (d. 699/1299), who is perhaps the first Imamite scholar to embrace these traditionally mutually exclusive approaches in his treatment of the doctrine of imamate, and who is the subject of study of the last chapter of this thesis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.85188 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Mavani, Hamid |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Doctor of Philosophy (Institute of Islamic Studies.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 002226961, proquestno: AAINR12905, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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