In this paper, I start by discussing a controversy that has erupted recently over the issue of th... more In this paper, I start by discussing a controversy that has erupted recently over the issue of the exact point in time that Baha'u'llah became aware of his mission. The controversy revolves around the translation of a phrase in the writings of Baha'u'llah which appear to state that he does not have any "amr". One side to the controversy claims that the translation of this phrase indicates that Baha'u'llah had no thought of advancing any claim as late as 1857, while the opposing party contends that this is a mistranslation of the phrase and that Baha'u'llah was fully aware of his mission from at least the time of his imprisonment in the Siyah-Chal. I intend to show in this paper that the whole controversy is an illusory one caused by the specific nature of the meaning of the word "amr" and that the phrase that is the subject of dispute proves neither side's case, however it is translated. Evolving out of my discussion of this issue, is a theological schematic of the stages of the evolution of the mission of those persons that Baha'is call Manifestations of God. I then putatively impose this schematic upon the dispensation of the Bab creating a new interpretation of his ministry.
Encounters with the Hidden Imam in Early and Pre-Modern Twelver Shīʿī Islam, 2020
The history of Twelver Shīʿī Islam is a history of attempts to deal with the abrupt loss of the I... more The history of Twelver Shīʿī Islam is a history of attempts to deal with the abrupt loss of the Imam. In Encounters with the Hidden Imam in Early and Pre-Modern Twelver Shīʿī Islam, Omid Ghaemmaghami demonstrates that in the early years of what came to be known as the Greater Occultation, Shīʿī authorities maintained that all contact with the Imam had been sundered, forcing him to remain incommunicado until his (re)appearance. This position, however, proved untenable to maintain. Almost a century after the start of the Greater Occultation, prominent scholars began to concede the possibility that some Shīʿa can meet the Hidden Imam. Accounts of encounters with the Imam from the Greater Occultation soon began to appear, adumbrating their exponential growth in later centuries. Readership All interested in early Islamic intellectual history, Shīʿī Islam (especially in its formative period), messianism, authority, and the history of ideas. For more information see brill.com
Page 1. riamid al-Din * tal-Kirmam Ismaili Thought in the Age of al-Hakim PAUL E. WALKER Page ... more Page 1. riamid al-Din * tal-Kirmam Ismaili Thought in the Age of al-Hakim PAUL E. WALKER Page 2. Page 3. Paul E. Walker is an historian of ideas, cur-rently affiliated with the University of Chicago. He has published numerous ...
... For instance, we are confidently told that the word Sufism derives from the Arabic word for w... more ... For instance, we are confidently told that the word Sufism derives from the Arabic word for wool; that Zaid was the last imam of the Zaidiyya; and that Mukhtar proclaimed the mahdiship of Ibn al-Hanafiyya after ... By MOHAMMAD ALI AMIR-MOEZZI, translated by DAVID STREIGHT. ...
71 iWv-<£*££?:./. raJ, v-ffip Jr j&WS: ^/(* f . &. U,.* C_''<-.--«*">... more 71 iWv-<£*££?:./. raJ, v-ffip Jr j&WS: ^/(* f . &. U,.* C_''<-.--«*">> i" fe'3% W£ * 5. iC. fe. c.\^ ^^^>^ ^>^;, 1 ^ fe^ ^ 2» W" 5Ps.^ i*--st^ f % ^ Csi TABLET IN THE FORM OF A STAR in the hand of the Bab. ... STUDIES IN THE BABI AND BAHA1 RELIGIONS (formerly Studies in ...
T h is paper is a tran s l ati on and comm e n tary up on a work of ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá in which he gi... more T h is paper is a tran s l ati on and comm e n tary up on a work of ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá in which he give a mys tical comm e n tary up on the first few words of the thir tieth Sú rah of the Qur’án, the Sú rah of Rúm. These words refer to the ove r t hrow of the By z an tin e s. ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá gives the stand ard Mu s l im comm e n tary up on these ve rs e s. Despi te the fact that these ve rses have an ob v i ous outward mean in g, ‘Abdu’ lB ahá goes on to give nine esoteric or mys ti cal in te r pre tati ons of the word “al-R ú m” and of the phra s e “The By z an tines have been ove r t hrow n .” In the last of these in te r pre tati ons, ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá de l in eates the d i ffe rent types of soul: min e ral, vege table, an im al, hum an and the Soul of Láhút, the realm of the Pr im al Man i fe s tati on. With regard to the hum an soul, ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá also lis ts the nine stages in its a s ce n t. These con sist of the comm and ing soul, the bl am ing soul, the in s pired soul, the a s s...
In this paper, I start by discussing a controversy that has erupted recently over the issue of th... more In this paper, I start by discussing a controversy that has erupted recently over the issue of the exact point in time that Baha'u'llah became aware of his mission. The controversy revolves around the translation of a phrase in the writings of Baha'u'llah which appear to state that he does not have any "amr". One side to the controversy claims that the translation of this phrase indicates that Baha'u'llah had no thought of advancing any claim as late as 1857, while the opposing party contends that this is a mistranslation of the phrase and that Baha'u'llah was fully aware of his mission from at least the time of his imprisonment in the Siyah-Chal. I intend to show in this paper that the whole controversy is an illusory one caused by the specific nature of the meaning of the word "amr" and that the phrase that is the subject of dispute proves neither side's case, however it is translated. Evolving out of my discussion of this issue, is a theological schematic of the stages of the evolution of the mission of those persons that Baha'is call Manifestations of God. I then putatively impose this schematic upon the dispensation of the Bab creating a new interpretation of his ministry.
Encounters with the Hidden Imam in Early and Pre-Modern Twelver Shīʿī Islam, 2020
The history of Twelver Shīʿī Islam is a history of attempts to deal with the abrupt loss of the I... more The history of Twelver Shīʿī Islam is a history of attempts to deal with the abrupt loss of the Imam. In Encounters with the Hidden Imam in Early and Pre-Modern Twelver Shīʿī Islam, Omid Ghaemmaghami demonstrates that in the early years of what came to be known as the Greater Occultation, Shīʿī authorities maintained that all contact with the Imam had been sundered, forcing him to remain incommunicado until his (re)appearance. This position, however, proved untenable to maintain. Almost a century after the start of the Greater Occultation, prominent scholars began to concede the possibility that some Shīʿa can meet the Hidden Imam. Accounts of encounters with the Imam from the Greater Occultation soon began to appear, adumbrating their exponential growth in later centuries. Readership All interested in early Islamic intellectual history, Shīʿī Islam (especially in its formative period), messianism, authority, and the history of ideas. For more information see brill.com
Page 1. riamid al-Din * tal-Kirmam Ismaili Thought in the Age of al-Hakim PAUL E. WALKER Page ... more Page 1. riamid al-Din * tal-Kirmam Ismaili Thought in the Age of al-Hakim PAUL E. WALKER Page 2. Page 3. Paul E. Walker is an historian of ideas, cur-rently affiliated with the University of Chicago. He has published numerous ...
... For instance, we are confidently told that the word Sufism derives from the Arabic word for w... more ... For instance, we are confidently told that the word Sufism derives from the Arabic word for wool; that Zaid was the last imam of the Zaidiyya; and that Mukhtar proclaimed the mahdiship of Ibn al-Hanafiyya after ... By MOHAMMAD ALI AMIR-MOEZZI, translated by DAVID STREIGHT. ...
71 iWv-<£*££?:./. raJ, v-ffip Jr j&WS: ^/(* f . &. U,.* C_''<-.--«*">... more 71 iWv-<£*££?:./. raJ, v-ffip Jr j&WS: ^/(* f . &. U,.* C_''<-.--«*">> i" fe'3% W£ * 5. iC. fe. c.\^ ^^^>^ ^>^;, 1 ^ fe^ ^ 2» W" 5Ps.^ i*--st^ f % ^ Csi TABLET IN THE FORM OF A STAR in the hand of the Bab. ... STUDIES IN THE BABI AND BAHA1 RELIGIONS (formerly Studies in ...
T h is paper is a tran s l ati on and comm e n tary up on a work of ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá in which he gi... more T h is paper is a tran s l ati on and comm e n tary up on a work of ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá in which he give a mys tical comm e n tary up on the first few words of the thir tieth Sú rah of the Qur’án, the Sú rah of Rúm. These words refer to the ove r t hrow of the By z an tin e s. ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá gives the stand ard Mu s l im comm e n tary up on these ve rs e s. Despi te the fact that these ve rses have an ob v i ous outward mean in g, ‘Abdu’ lB ahá goes on to give nine esoteric or mys ti cal in te r pre tati ons of the word “al-R ú m” and of the phra s e “The By z an tines have been ove r t hrow n .” In the last of these in te r pre tati ons, ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá de l in eates the d i ffe rent types of soul: min e ral, vege table, an im al, hum an and the Soul of Láhút, the realm of the Pr im al Man i fe s tati on. With regard to the hum an soul, ‘Abdu’ l-B ahá also lis ts the nine stages in its a s ce n t. These con sist of the comm and ing soul, the bl am ing soul, the in s pired soul, the a s s...
From infallible Imams to Ayatollahs in Iran, Shi‘i Islam has long
been a prominent, if misunderst... more From infallible Imams to Ayatollahs in Iran, Shi‘i Islam has long been a prominent, if misunderstood, branch of Islam. It regards Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, as the Prophet’s legitimate successor. But the differences between Sunni and Shi‘i Muslims have led to sectarian violence, massacres and the desecration of holy sites, especially in recent times. In this Beginner’s Guide, Dr Moojan Momen offers an accessible and comprehensive overview of Shi‘i Islam, tracing the history of the community, its leadership and doctrines, from its inception to modern times. Packed with useful tables, family trees and text boxes, this engaging and up-to-date guide is a perfect introduction to the historical and geopolitical causes of religious tensions still troubling the Middle East today.
Drawing on original sources including manuscript histories, letters, family records and material ... more Drawing on original sources including manuscript histories, letters, family records and material previously published only in Persian, Dr Moojan Momen provides a panoramic yet detailed account of the largest and the smallest Baha’i communities during the period 1851 to 1921. During this time they acquired characteristics that differentiated them from the rest of the population – their ethos and outlook, their system of administration and social institutions – and the persecution they faced as a result. The study of the religious minorities in Iran is still at an early stage. In particular, the Baha’i community has received relatively little attention, despite being the largest non-Muslim minority in Iran. Moojan Momen sets out to remedy this situation. Using a narrative style, he presents an account of the Baha’i communities in the northern half of Iran, province by province, during the early years of their formation and development. The starting point is the execution of the Bab in 1850 and the holocaust of 1852 when the shah gave orders for the extermination of the Babi community and thousands of Babis were killed. Set against the background of the turmoil in the social and economic conditions in Iran, the book stretches across the period of the leadership of the Baha’i community by Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. The book traces the developments in the Iranian Baha’i community as it emerged from the Babi community and, under the guidance of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, became less parochial and more global in its outlook, seeking education and raising the position of women in its local communities. By the period of the leadership of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, these communities were making a notable difference, with the establishment of modern schools, the promotion of the education and social role of women, the development of health facilities and the building of modern public baths. In all these areas the Baha’is were at the forefront of modernity and development in Iran. However, each upsurge in the activities of the Baha’i community resulted in an upsurge of persecution.
originally published as The Phenomenon of Religion, Nov 6, 2008
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An innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in human society, from traditiona... more "
An innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in human society, from traditional cultures to the modern world, this comprehensive account will prove invaluable for students, experts or the interested general readers seeking an understanding of the nature and significance of diverse religious experience. Drawing from all major religious traditions in the world, as well as a variety of non-religious disciplines such as psychology, philosophy and sociology, Momen's informative study covers everything from art and history to theology and the World Wide Web.
"This is a powerful new tool to introduce the many-sided phenomenon of religion. It is clearly written, comprehensive, and packed with information… A very useful volume."
John Hick, University of Birmingham, author of Philosophy of Religion
"The text is fluently and clearly written; it reads engagingly and is easy to follow."
Ursula King, Professor Emerita, Senior Research Fellow, and Associate Member of the Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Bristol
"This book is a general introduction to Shi’i Islam—specifically to Twelver Shi’ism, to which the... more "This book is a general introduction to Shi’i Islam—specifically to Twelver Shi’ism, to which the majority of Shi’is belong today. It deals with the history and development of this important religion, giving an account of Shi’i doctrines and focusing in particular on those areas in which it differs from Sunni Islam.
“Momen’s book fills an important gap in the general literature in English on Twelver Shi’ism, and should be carefully studied by anyone who wants to know more about what is happening in the Middle East today….This is a fine work which deserves the widest possible readership.”—Malise Ruthven, The Middle East
“An extremely useful reference source on the establishment and evolution of the Shi’ite branch of the Islamic religion.”—Cecil V. Crabb, Jr., Perspective
“An unpretentious style, interpretive clarity and . . . sound judgment characterize Momen’s writings. The various aspects of Twelver Shi’ism are carefully distinguished to satisfy both the general reader and the aspiring student.”—Norman Calder, Times Literary Supplement
“Specialist and nonspecialist alike will benefit from its lucid exposition of both elite and popular Shi’ism. Especially valuable is the way the work presents modern critical scholarship on Shi’i history alongside the orthodox history, which still has great influence on the religion’s self-understanding.”—Mel Piehl, Library Journal
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The Bahá’í Faith is a religion which, with its precursor, the Bábí movement, arose in the mid-nin... more The Bahá’í Faith is a religion which, with its precursor, the Bábí movement, arose in the mid-nineteenth-century Iran and has since spread to all parts of the world, with adherents from most races and nations.
This book examines the extensive writings and documents about the history of the Bahá’í Faith by Western authors not themselves Bahá’ís. The first part of the book is a 60-page survey of these Western accounts, in which the editor describes how news of the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths reached the West, considers the contributions of various scholars and authors, and examines some of the misconceptions that abound in the early reports.
The second part of the book consists of reports, mainly by European diplomatic and consular staff, missionaries, and travellers, concerning episodes in Bábí and Bahá’í history of which the writers were eyewitnesses or had been given firsthand accounts. Their reports shed a fascinating light on these episodes, and have particular relevance to recent and present events affecting the Bahá’í community in Iran.
Edward Granville Browne is widely regarded as the greatest European scholar in the field of moder... more Edward Granville Browne is widely regarded as the greatest European scholar in the field of modern Iranian studies. His extraordinary sympathy and understanding in describing Iranian culture ensures that his books are still read almost a century later. His research into the Bábí and Bahá'í Faiths, although not free from errors of fact and judgement, remains to this day one of the most important contributions in the field.
The first three sections of this book result from Browne's travels in Iran in 1887-8, where he met some of the most prominent Bahá'ís. In his famous work 'A Year Amongst the Persians', he took care to protect their identity.
However, he also kept a diary, written partly in a private code, in which almost all of them are identified, including such men as Mírzá Haydar-'Alí. Thanks to Dr Momen's careful work on the original diary, and on other sources, the most important extracts from this book can be presented here with the individuals identified and the background to many of the events in the book explained.
Browne's paper 'The Bábís of Persia', long out of print, makes up the second section. This was the first comprehensive account in English of Bábí and Bahá'í history and teachings, and is of major historical importance in its own right.
The third section is a previously unpublished abstract of the Persian Bayán, the major work of the Báb written in about 1848. Browne had succeeded in obtaining a manuscript copy of this work in Iran and on his return immediately set about preparing this lengthy abstract for publication. It was, however, never published, and appears now for the first time, with annotations by the editor, providing a detailed guide to the contents of the Persian Bayán.
There are also several valuable short sections from different publications no longer in print. They represent various aspects of Browne's wide-ranging studies on the Bábí and Bahá'í Faiths.
Finally, a list of Browne's papers and manuscripts on the subject, compiled by the editor, is published here for the first time.
The Baha'i Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions and the second most widespr... more The Baha'i Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions and the second most widespread after Christianity. Dating from its Iranian origins in 1844, it has rapidly spread to every country of the world and counts more than five million adherents. The central teaching of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, is that it is imperative for humanity to recognize that is a single race so that it can act in unity as one global community to meet the challenges of the present day. The Baha'i scriptures provide a wide-ranging social programme designed for people living today coupled with spiritual principles that echo those found in the great faith traditions of the past. Understanding the Baha'i Faith focuses on the impact that the religion has, looking at what it has to say about personal life, the home, the community, social issues, global concerns, as well as the spiritual life The book provides a factual and straightforward account of the history, organisation, development and sacred texts of the religion, as well as a time-line of important events and a glossary. It is suitable for general audiences, students of comparative religion and teachers.
The youngest of the world religions and the second most widespread after Christianity, the Ba... more The youngest of the world religions and the second most widespread after Christianity, the Baha'i Faith is well known for its belief in the oneness of all religions. In this clear, readable, and informative guide, Momen provides a vibrant introduction to all aspects of this fast-expanding faith, which now has over 5.5 million adherents.
From its teachings on the spiritual development of the individual to the belief in the need for world peace, Momen's comprehensive study gives anyone interested in the contemporary religious landscape an authoritative insight into this 150-year old tradition, whose spiritual and social teachings are so much in tune with the concerns of today.
The second most widespread religion after Christianity, the Baha’i Faith is enjoying rapid ex... more The second most widespread religion after Christianity, the Baha’i Faith is enjoying rapid expansion. In this authoritative guide, Moojan Momen offers a concise yet comprehensive biography of its founder and prophet, Baha'u'llah.
From his early life in Iran as son of a senior civil servant to his death in exile near Akka, in what is now Israel, this is a carefully constructed account of the eventful life of this influential nineteenth-century religious figure. Drawing on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, some of which have never been used before, Momen offers a comprehensive survey of Baha’u’llah’s life, works, and teachings, and examines:
His emergence as a leading figure in the much persecuted Babi movement.
His successive forced exiles and the vitriolic opposition he faced throughout his life.
His pioneering teachings on the equality of men and women, the protection of human rights, and the necessity and means for uniting our planet.
His many profound books and letters.
Complete with a helpful guide to sources and references, this is a perfect book for anyone interested in knowing more about the founder of the youngest world religion.
Papers comparing the Bahá’í Faith with other religions.
Includes:
Moojan Momen, The God of Bahá... more Papers comparing the Bahá’í Faith with other religions.
Includes:
Moojan Momen, The God of Bahá’u’lláh
Moojan Momen, The Bahá’í Approach to Other Religions: The Example of Buddhism
This third volume in the George Ronald Bahá'í Studies Series brings together the work of a number... more This third volume in the George Ronald Bahá'í Studies Series brings together the work of a number of outstanding international scholars of the Bábí and Bahá'í religions.
A selection from papers presented at the first two Irfán Colloquia, the volume focuses on the theme of 'scripture and revelation'
This is the first collection of scholarly essays on the history of the Bahá'í Faith ever to be pu... more This is the first collection of scholarly essays on the history of the Bahá'í Faith ever to be published as a book. Included are the works of five scholars who have conducted original research on specific aspects of the Bábí and Bahá'í religions.
Two essays are concerned with Bahá'í history in Iran. Denis MacEoin's provocative paper traces the first years of interaction and conflict between the Shaykhí School and the emerging Bábí Movement. Moojan Momen provides a fascinating account of the relations of Christian missionaries in Iran with Bábís and Bahá'ís. The three remaining essays discuss American Bahá'í history. Peter Smith's comprehensive survey of the American community from 1894 to 1917 adds substantially to our knowledge of that period. William Collins offers an in-depth study of the Bahá'ís of Kenosha, Wisconsin, where one of the first Bahá'í communities was established. Finally, Loni Bramson-Lerche examines the development of Bahá'í administrative procedures from 1922 to 1936.
This is the first volume in the STUDIES series and remains a classic work of Bahá'í history. It is a basic text for any serious study of the history of the Bahá'í Faith.
This collection of scholarly essays is the fifth volume in the series on the Bábí and Bahá'í reli... more This collection of scholarly essays is the fifth volume in the series on the Bábí and Bahá'í religions. Five scholars address themselves here to aspects of Bahá'í history and thought that have never before been explored in print. Included are articles on history, theology, and scriptural analysis.
The book is dedicated to the late Hand of the Cause Hasan M. Balyuzi, who inspired a generation of Bahá'í scholars to rigorous and systematic research in Bahá'í Studies. The editor provides a bio-bibliographic sketch of his impressive career.
The first two essays explore Bábí and Bahá'í scripture. B. Todd Lawson focuses on the terms dhikr (Remembrance) and báb (Gate) as they are used by the Báb, in reference to himself, in his famous Commentary on the Sura of Joseph. Stephen N. Lambden analyzes the images of Moses's encounter with God on Mt. Sinai found in both the Bábí and Bahá'í sacred writings. His essay includes dozens of passages from these writings newly translated and approved by the Bahá'í World Center, and available nowhere else. In the third essay, Moojan Momen discusses the unique Bahá'í perspective that insists that religious truth is relative, not absolute, and its theological implications.
The last two essays turn to Bahá'í history. Phillip R. Smith uncovers the major beliefs and concerns of British Bahá'ís as found in their published literature between 1900 and 1920. Loni Bramson-Lerche writes on developments in the Bahá'í community in the early years of the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, who became the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith in 1921.
An indispensable addition to the library of anyone interested in the scholarly study of Bahá'í history or Bahá'í scripture.
An easy-to-read view of the Bahá'í Faith from a Muslim perspective, based on Islamic prophecies a... more An easy-to-read view of the Bahá'í Faith from a Muslim perspective, based on Islamic prophecies and Sunni traditions.
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The Bahá'í Faith has its roots in Islam yet many Muslims do not have accurate information about this fast-growing religion. Here Dr Moojan Momen, widely published author in the field of world religions, rectifies this. As well as the Qur'án, Dr Momen uses the authoritative Sunni collections of Traditions and draws on Islamic prophecies to explain the Bahá'í Faith from a Muslim perspective. He describes:
* The Bahá'í view of the Prophet Muhammad and of Islam
* The spiritual and ethical teachings of the Bahá'í Faith in comparison to Islam
* The claim of Bahá'u'lláh
* Bahá'í spirituality
* Bahá'í law, social teachings and community life and
* provides a brief history of the Bahá'í Faith.
Easy to read and full of useful information, this book will also be useful to Bahá'ís who want to see how their religion relates to Islam.
... A Short Introduction to the Bahá&#x27;í Faith / Moojan Momen. Post a Comment. CONTRIBUTOR... more ... A Short Introduction to the Bahá&#x27;í Faith / Moojan Momen. Post a Comment. CONTRIBUTORS: Author: Momen, Moojan. (b. 1950, d. ----. PUBLISHER: Oneworld (Oxford, England and Rockport, MA). SERIES TITLE: YEAR: 1997. PUB TYPE: Book (ISBN 1851681205 ). ...
Drawing from all major religious traditions in the world, as well as a variety of non-religious d... more Drawing from all major religious traditions in the world, as well as a variety of non-religious disciplines such as psychology, philosophy and sociology, Momen’s study is an innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in society, covering everything from art and history to theology and the World Wide Web.
Despite its presence in the United Kingdom for almost 120 years, the Baha’i Faith in Britain has ... more Despite its presence in the United Kingdom for almost 120 years, the Baha’i Faith in Britain has received almost no academic attention. Lil Osborn’s book is therefore important for making a start on this area of research. But it is also important for introducing a new framework to religious studies, that of Sperber and Wilson’s Theory of Relevance.
TheTàziyeh is an art form that was developed in Iran and portrays certain events in the history o... more TheTàziyeh is an art form that was developed in Iran and portrays certain events in the history of Shìi Islam. It is sometimes called a 'passion play' and is likened to the productions of Christ's passion at Oberammergau. It certainly has features that are similar to that: it is often performed by the ordinary people of a village or district of a town (although there are also professional troupes); it is a dramatic performance where the power of the narrative makes up for any defects in production and acting p. 348 skills; and it depicts the martyrdom of a religious gure. But there are also important differences. Christian passion plays are a celebration of the life of Christ overcoming the humiliation of the crucixion through the resurrection; theShìitàziyeh is a mourning rite for a martyred religious leader. There is no triumphant ending. The central event depicted intàziyeh is the martyrdom of the Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and,Shìis believe, the rightful ruler of Islam. Thetàziyeh depicting this martyrdom is usually performed on 10 Muharram, the rst month of the Islamic year, the anniversary of Husayn's death at Karbala in 680 CE. But for the nine days preceding this, there are numerous other plays taken from the story of Husayn, the events at Karbala, the lives and martyrdoms of the other Imams, and sometimes other religious stories (all of them are usually linked in some way to the Karbala story). Thetàziyeh is much less common than other forms of commemorating Imam Husayn's martyrdom: recital of the story by a professional storyteller and processions of men beating their chests, agellating themselves, and chanting. Performances of tàziyeh may be staged at other times of the year. Although there have been buildings specially built for these performances in the larger cities, elsewhere, the performance is usually in an open space with an improvised circular platform acting as the stage. The audience encircles the stage but much of the action, such as the scenes of battle, occur around the stage and usually with horses. All of the actors are men (even for the women's parts) and attendance at the performance is free (usually nanced by wealthy patrons but sometimes by ordinary people). The art form began in Iran during the Safavid period (16th–17th centuries) but came to its peak of development and popularity during the 19th century Qajar dynasty in Iran. It was discouraged and even suppressed by the Pahlavi dynasty during the 20th century and this suppression has continued in the Islamic Republic as the clerical ruling class disapprove of the emotion engendered by the performances. As an art form, thetàziyeh has attracted the attention of many Westerners, from the 19th-century literary critic, Matthew Arnold, to the contemporary theatre director, Peter Brook. This book is a collection of 24 articles on this subject, most of them having appeared previously in a special issue of The Drama Review devoted to this subject, which was itself the result of atàziyeh performance in New York in 2002 with an accompanying conference on the subject. The articles in the book can be said to fall into ve main categories. (The book would have been easier to access if it had been organized in this way). First, there are articles providing general background and historical information about thetàziyeh. Peter Chelkowski introduces the volume with an article setting out the story of Husayn and Karbala and introducing thetàziyeh. There is then a translation by Rebecca Ansary Pettys of a sampletàziyeh play, one on the martyrdom of Husayn. Since thetàziyeh plays
Review of Lafaraie, Revolutionary Ideology and Islamic Militancy: The Iranian Revolution and Int... more Review of Lafaraie, Revolutionary Ideology and Islamic Militancy: The Iranian Revolution and Interpretations of the Quran
Moojan Momen, Review of Baha’i Faith: The Basics (2021) by Christopher Buck, Nova Religio Vol. 25... more Moojan Momen, Review of Baha’i Faith: The Basics (2021) by Christopher Buck, Nova Religio Vol. 25, No. 3 (February 2022), pp. 137–138. Excerpts:
The activities, focus, and concepts in the Baha’i world are changing so rapidly at present, especially in the area of developing new approaches to community building, that any published introductory book soon becomes out-of-date. So it is good to see another introductory book on the Baha’i Faith published, in particular since it surveys recent developments well. For anyone wishing to find out about the Baha’i Faith and the current activities of the Baha’i community, this book can be recommended. Christopher Buck presents an insider view of the Baha’i Faith, but one that is descriptive rather than prescriptive. …
Buck presents all of this information in a clear and well-structured manner. He accompanies his own words with appropriate extracts from authoritative Baha’i texts to illustrate the points that he is making. He also draws on examples of the activities of the Baha’i community from different locations across the world. …
In summary, there are a good many introductory books on the market but this one can be recommended for two reasons. First, it is well-written and as reasonably comprehensive as such brief introductory books can hope to be. Second, it is up-to-date covering many of the recent changes in the Baha’i community that older similar books do not.
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been a prominent, if misunderstood, branch of Islam. It regards Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, as the Prophet’s legitimate successor.
But the differences between Sunni and Shi‘i Muslims have led to
sectarian violence, massacres and the desecration of holy sites,
especially in recent times.
In this Beginner’s Guide, Dr Moojan Momen offers an accessible
and comprehensive overview of Shi‘i Islam, tracing the history of the community, its leadership and doctrines, from its inception to modern times. Packed with useful tables, family trees and text boxes, this engaging and up-to-date guide is a perfect introduction to the historical and geopolitical causes of religious tensions still troubling the Middle East today.
in Persian, Dr Moojan Momen provides a panoramic yet detailed account of the largest and the smallest Baha’i communities during the period 1851 to 1921. During this time they acquired characteristics that differentiated them from the rest of the population – their ethos and outlook, their system of administration and social institutions – and the persecution they faced as a result.
The study of the religious minorities in Iran is still at an early stage. In particular, the Baha’i community has received
relatively little attention, despite being the largest non-Muslim minority in Iran. Moojan Momen sets out to remedy this
situation. Using a narrative style, he presents an account of the Baha’i communities in the northern half of Iran, province
by province, during the early years of their formation and development. The starting point is the execution of the Bab in
1850 and the holocaust of 1852 when the shah gave orders for the extermination of the Babi community and thousands
of Babis were killed. Set against the background of the turmoil in the social and economic conditions in Iran, the book
stretches across the period of the leadership of the Baha’i community by Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
The book traces the developments in the Iranian Baha’i community as it emerged from the Babi community and, under the guidance of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, became less parochial and more global in its outlook, seeking education and
raising the position of women in its local communities. By the period of the leadership of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, these communities
were making a notable difference, with the establishment of modern schools, the promotion of the education and
social role of women, the development of health facilities and the building of modern public baths. In all these areas the
Baha’is were at the forefront of modernity and development in Iran. However, each upsurge in the activities of the Baha’i
community resulted in an upsurge of persecution.
An innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in human society, from traditional cultures to the modern world, this comprehensive account will prove invaluable for students, experts or the interested general readers seeking an understanding of the nature and significance of diverse religious experience. Drawing from all major religious traditions in the world, as well as a variety of non-religious disciplines such as psychology, philosophy and sociology, Momen's informative study covers everything from art and history to theology and the World Wide Web.
"This is a powerful new tool to introduce the many-sided phenomenon of religion. It is clearly written, comprehensive, and packed with information… A very useful volume."
John Hick, University of Birmingham, author of Philosophy of Religion
"The text is fluently and clearly written; it reads engagingly and is easy to follow."
Ursula King, Professor Emerita, Senior Research Fellow, and Associate Member of the Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Bristol
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“Momen’s book fills an important gap in the general literature in English on Twelver Shi’ism, and should be carefully studied by anyone who wants to know more about what is happening in the Middle East today….This is a fine work which deserves the widest possible readership.”—Malise Ruthven, The Middle East
“An extremely useful reference source on the establishment and evolution of the Shi’ite branch of the Islamic religion.”—Cecil V. Crabb, Jr., Perspective
“An unpretentious style, interpretive clarity and . . . sound judgment characterize Momen’s writings. The various aspects of Twelver Shi’ism are carefully distinguished to satisfy both the general reader and the aspiring student.”—Norman Calder, Times Literary Supplement
“Specialist and nonspecialist alike will benefit from its lucid exposition of both elite and popular Shi’ism. Especially valuable is the way the work presents modern critical scholarship on Shi’i history alongside the orthodox history, which still has great influence on the religion’s self-understanding.”—Mel Piehl, Library Journal
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This book examines the extensive writings and documents about the history of the Bahá’í Faith by Western authors not themselves Bahá’ís. The first part of the book is a 60-page survey of these Western accounts, in which the editor describes how news of the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths reached the West, considers the contributions of various scholars and authors, and examines some of the misconceptions that abound in the early reports.
The second part of the book consists of reports, mainly by European diplomatic and consular staff, missionaries, and travellers, concerning episodes in Bábí and Bahá’í history of which the writers were eyewitnesses or had been given firsthand accounts. Their reports shed a fascinating light on these episodes, and have particular relevance to recent and present events affecting the Bahá’í community in Iran.
The first three sections of this book result from Browne's travels in Iran in 1887-8, where he met some of the most prominent Bahá'ís. In his famous work 'A Year Amongst the Persians', he took care to protect their identity.
However, he also kept a diary, written partly in a private code, in which almost all of them are identified, including such men as Mírzá Haydar-'Alí. Thanks to Dr Momen's careful work on the original diary, and on other sources, the most important extracts from this book can be presented here with the individuals identified and the background to many of the events in the book explained.
Browne's paper 'The Bábís of Persia', long out of print, makes up the second section. This was the first comprehensive account in English of Bábí and Bahá'í history and teachings, and is of major historical importance in its own right.
The third section is a previously unpublished abstract of the Persian Bayán, the major work of the Báb written in about 1848. Browne had succeeded in obtaining a manuscript copy of this work in Iran and on his return immediately set about preparing this lengthy abstract for publication. It was, however, never published, and appears now for the first time, with annotations by the editor, providing a detailed guide to the contents of the Persian Bayán.
There are also several valuable short sections from different publications no longer in print. They represent various aspects of Browne's wide-ranging studies on the Bábí and Bahá'í Faiths.
Finally, a list of Browne's papers and manuscripts on the subject, compiled by the editor, is published here for the first time.
From its teachings on the spiritual development of the individual to the belief in the need for world peace, Momen's comprehensive study gives anyone interested in the contemporary religious landscape an authoritative insight into this 150-year old tradition, whose spiritual and social teachings are so much in tune with the concerns of today.
From his early life in Iran as son of a senior civil servant to his death in exile near Akka, in what is now Israel, this is a carefully constructed account of the eventful life of this influential nineteenth-century religious figure. Drawing on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, some of which have never been used before, Momen offers a comprehensive survey of Baha’u’llah’s life, works, and teachings, and examines:
His emergence as a leading figure in the much persecuted Babi movement.
His successive forced exiles and the vitriolic opposition he faced throughout his life.
His pioneering teachings on the equality of men and women, the protection of human rights, and the necessity and means for uniting our planet.
His many profound books and letters.
Complete with a helpful guide to sources and references, this is a perfect book for anyone interested in knowing more about the founder of the youngest world religion.
Includes:
Moojan Momen, The God of Bahá’u’lláh
Moojan Momen, The Bahá’í Approach to Other Religions: The Example of Buddhism
A selection from papers presented at the first two Irfán Colloquia, the volume focuses on the theme of 'scripture and revelation'
Two essays are concerned with Bahá'í history in Iran. Denis MacEoin's provocative paper traces the first years of interaction and conflict between the Shaykhí School and the emerging Bábí Movement. Moojan Momen provides a fascinating account of the relations of Christian missionaries in Iran with Bábís and Bahá'ís. The three remaining essays discuss American Bahá'í history. Peter Smith's comprehensive survey of the American community from 1894 to 1917 adds substantially to our knowledge of that period. William Collins offers an in-depth study of the Bahá'ís of Kenosha, Wisconsin, where one of the first Bahá'í communities was established. Finally, Loni Bramson-Lerche examines the development of Bahá'í administrative procedures from 1922 to 1936.
This is the first volume in the STUDIES series and remains a classic work of Bahá'í history. It is a basic text for any serious study of the history of the Bahá'í Faith.
The book is dedicated to the late Hand of the Cause Hasan M. Balyuzi, who inspired a generation of Bahá'í scholars to rigorous and systematic research in Bahá'í Studies. The editor provides a bio-bibliographic sketch of his impressive career.
The first two essays explore Bábí and Bahá'í scripture. B. Todd Lawson focuses on the terms dhikr (Remembrance) and báb (Gate) as they are used by the Báb, in reference to himself, in his famous Commentary on the Sura of Joseph. Stephen N. Lambden analyzes the images of Moses's encounter with God on Mt. Sinai found in both the Bábí and Bahá'í sacred writings. His essay includes dozens of passages from these writings newly translated and approved by the Bahá'í World Center, and available nowhere else. In the third essay, Moojan Momen discusses the unique Bahá'í perspective that insists that religious truth is relative, not absolute, and its theological implications.
The last two essays turn to Bahá'í history. Phillip R. Smith uncovers the major beliefs and concerns of British Bahá'ís as found in their published literature between 1900 and 1920. Loni Bramson-Lerche writes on developments in the Bahá'í community in the early years of the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, who became the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith in 1921.
An indispensable addition to the library of anyone interested in the scholarly study of Bahá'í history or Bahá'í scripture.
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The Bahá'í Faith has its roots in Islam yet many Muslims do not have accurate information about this fast-growing religion. Here Dr Moojan Momen, widely published author in the field of world religions, rectifies this. As well as the Qur'án, Dr Momen uses the authoritative Sunni collections of Traditions and draws on Islamic prophecies to explain the Bahá'í Faith from a Muslim perspective. He describes:
* The Bahá'í view of the Prophet Muhammad and of Islam
* The spiritual and ethical teachings of the Bahá'í Faith in comparison to Islam
* The claim of Bahá'u'lláh
* Bahá'í spirituality
* Bahá'í law, social teachings and community life and
* provides a brief history of the Bahá'í Faith.
Easy to read and full of useful information, this book will also be useful to Bahá'ís who want to see how their religion relates to Islam.
The activities, focus, and concepts in the Baha’i world are changing so rapidly at present, especially in the area of developing new approaches to community building, that any published introductory book soon becomes out-of-date. So it is good to see another introductory book on the Baha’i Faith published, in particular since it surveys recent developments well. For anyone wishing to find out about the Baha’i Faith and the current activities of the Baha’i community, this book can be recommended. Christopher Buck presents an insider view of the Baha’i Faith, but one that is descriptive rather than prescriptive. …
Buck presents all of this information in a clear and well-structured manner. He accompanies his own words with appropriate extracts from authoritative Baha’i texts to illustrate the points that he is making. He also draws on examples of the activities of the Baha’i community from different locations across the world. …
In summary, there are a good many introductory books on the market but this one can be recommended for two reasons. First, it is well-written and as reasonably comprehensive as such brief introductory books can hope to be. Second, it is up-to-date covering many of the recent changes in the Baha’i community that older similar books do not.
Moojan Momen, Wilmette Institute, Illinois