Living Shi'ism

This book provides a vivid portrait of Iranian Islamism. Based on interviews with grass-roots activists it gives a unique picture of pro-regime movement in Iran. It is of interest to anyone who seeks to understand Shi’ite Islamism today.

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This book is about Iranian Islamism on grass-roots level. It provides a vivid, near-life portrait of young activist men who uphold this movement through their zealous support of revolutionary ideals and the present regime. It is based on interviews with a group of volunteers in the Iranian home guard movement known as basij during a period of four years. By focusing on beliefs and rituals of individual persons, it gives a unique picture of the shifting motifs behind Islamist engagement in today’s Iran.
The book contextualises the interviewed individuals within the wider framework of Iranian society and relates their stories to a discussion on ritual, emotion, embodiment and authority. It is of interest to anyone who seeks to understand the multifaceted driving forces behind Shi’ite Islamism today.