Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• fariba shayegan

Abstract

One of the most important discussions in political sociology and in the current Iranian society is the type of relations between religion and state. Review of sociolgical literature shows that there are two groups of theories: The first group argues that religion dominates and controls the state, and the second suggests the reverse. Ali Shari'ati - a contemporary Iranian sociologist - argued that in view of Alavid Shi'a state serves religion and in Safavid Shi'a the case is the reverse. Shari'ati suggested that in Alavid Shi'a, Imam is the ruler of society and in his absense (gheibat of the 12th Imam), religious clerics (ulama) should govern. He, also, identified the "Committed Democracy" as the best islamic govermment

Keywords

• Religion
• State
• alavid shiah
• safavid shia
• commilled democracy