Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Typology of Orientalists' Views on the Objectives of Imam Hussain (AS) in the Ashura Movement with an Analytical-Critical Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Qur'anic Sciences and Hadith, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.22034/jis.2025.453630.1949
Abstract
Orientalists have expressed various and sometimes contradictory perspectives on the objectives of Imam Hussain in the Ashura movement. Some Orientalists, willingly or unwillingly, with an unscientific and unrealistic perspective, have interpreted the objectives of Imam Hussain (AS) differently from what they were. The views of these Orientalists can be categorized under three headings: 1- An ambitious approach to attain power. 2- Seeking revenge for the killing of Muslim ibn ʿAqeel. 3- An unwise uprising. The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method, examines the views of Orientalists by relying on valid evidence and, while criticizing these views, presents a correct image of the objectives of the Hussaini movement by relying on valid historical and narrative propositions.  The conclusion is that, contrary to the views of Orientalists, what is inferred from valid narrative and historical propositions is that the ultimate goal of Imam Hussain (AS) was to gain divine pleasure by reviving the divine law and the Prophet's Sunnah and fighting innovation in religion. This ultimate goal was achieved through his movement, which was a prime example of enjoining good and forbidding evil.
Keywords
Subjects

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