Mirza-ye Qumi and the Qajar kings

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Seminary School Professor

Abstract

The Shiite ulama behaved with sultans and kings based on religious motivations, not material or worldly motivations. Ulama, including Mirza-ye Qumi, supported sultans in order not to replace a Shiite ruler with an oppressive one, to prevent anarchy, to prevent deviant thoughts to occupy sultans minds, and finally, to prevent Shiism to decline. Despite their relationship with kings, the Shiite ulama maintained their independence, and this relationship did not make them it issue any religious decree rooted in their own and the king's wishes. The paper is a sample of the political behavior of Shiite ulama with sultans and rulers.

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