On the Sociology of Islam

Dr Ali Shari’ati (1933-1977) was a teacher, scholar and writer, who had a dynamic influence on the young people of Iran with his classes, discussions, free lectures and articles during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Shari’ati was a sociologist, educated in Mashhad and Paris, as well as a student of history and philosophy. He subjected contemporary society to careful examination, using the terms, experiences and concepts found in Islamic philosophy and culture for his analysis. He formulated and presented to his students and readers a coherent Islamic world-view and an ideology of social, political and economic change. His views contributed much to the Iranian Islamic revolution.

Shari’ati’s works are constantly reprinted and eagerly studied throughout Iran. This anthology presents in English some of his major ideas. In it the reader is introduced to several of his favorite themes: the unity of the universe, the confusion of terms in Marxism, the man of faith as rebel.

Translated from Persian by Hamid Algar