About
Ali Shariati (1933-1977) was a major Iranian intellectual and a key figure in the modern Islamic revival. Born in Khorasan, he studied sociology and the history of religions at the Sorbonne, where he was influenced by thinkers such as Sartre and Fanon. Returning to Iran, he taught and lectured at the Hosseiniyeh Ershad Institute in Tehran, attracting large audiences with his synthesis of Islam and sociology. He developed an influential distinction between Red Shi'ism (revolutionary) and Black Shi'ism (clerical). Imprisoned several times by the Shah's regime, he died in England under controversial circumstances. His work, collected in 35 volumes, profoundly influenced the actors of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
* 1933-11-23 — † 1977-06-19
Major works
- On the Sociology of Islam (1979)essay
- Fatima is Fatimaessay
- Hajjessay
- Martyrdom: Arise and Bear Witnessessay
- Marxism and Other Western Fallaciesessay
Key milestones
- 1964Received a doctorate in sociology and history of religions from the Sorbonne.
- 1967Began lecturing at the Hosseiniyeh Ershad Institute in Tehran.
- 1977Died in Southampton, England, under controversial circumstances.
Themes
Revolutionary Shi'ismIslam and modernitySocial justicePolitical commitmentCritique of the clergy
Sources: britannica.com · id.loc.gov · oxfordbibliographies.com