Najaf and Iranian Politics: Analysing the Way the Hawzah of Najaf Influenced Iranian Politics between Two Revolutions

Najaf, as the most important centre of Shi'a religious authority, has been very influential in Iranian politics since the Iranian Constitutional Revolution. In this study a historical analysis of Najaf's political role is made during three periods: from the Constitutional Revolution to the end of the Qajar reign, under Reza Shah, and finally under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The political contributions of the 'ulama during these three periods are critically examined, as well as some of the consequences of their decisions. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the 'ulama of Najaf taking on political roles are considered. It is concluded that although the institution of Shi'a leadership has been, and in the foreseeable future will be, among the most influential social and political networks in Iran, in order to improve its political contribution and to avoid its disadvantages, it needs to widen its political vision to include even non-fiqhi dimensions of polity.