The Role of Ulama in Legitimizing Naser al-Din Shah's Rule and Its Impact on the Religious Position of Society

Abstract

The era of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar (1848–1896) was one of the most significant periods in Iranian history in terms of the interaction between religion and state. The ulama played a crucial role in legitimizing the government during this time, while also resisting certain state policies. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of the ulama on the political legitimacy of Naser al-Din Shah and their interaction with the government. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method, based on historical documents, library sources, and scholarly analyses. The findings of the study indicate that the ulama, on the one hand, contributed to the stabilization of the Qajar government, but on the other hand, they opposed the shah during critical moments such as the Tobacco Protest and certain state reforms. Naser al-Din Shah’s policies aimed at limiting the influence of the ulama, such as controlling religious endowments (waqf) and reducing the authority of religious courts, led to tensions in the relationship between religion and state. Ultimately, the findings show that the government's dependence on the support of the ulama enabled this group to have a significant influence on political and social developments and to maintain their status as an independent power in society. This trend gradually paved the way for the broader role of the ulama during the Constitutional Revolution.