The Origins of Twelver Shīʿism in Iran

The issue of the entry Imāmite/Twelver Shīʿism into Iran is one most controversial issues in History Islamic Sects. According to established general opinion, it after Safavids that Shī’ite groups question became dominant thought Iran. Before, they were only a minority. However, this study reveals Imāmite was not minority be underestimated even before Safavids.
 introduction Imāmism/Twelve runs parallel formation Shīʿite ḥadīth literature produced Qum second phase its configuration. first inaugurated by some extremist doctrines Kufa Iraq and then discussion them such theologians as Hishām bin al-Ḥakam ʿAlī Mītham al-Tammār centers Baghdad. Arabs Yemenite origin who immigrated from carried lore formed former latter. This Qum-centered made progress areas contact with Baghdad.
 To speak very terms, Qum’s becoming center starts late third/ninth century. In period, followers seemed exist region Nishabur (Sabzevar Tus), well Ahwaz coasts Fars. Towards end fourth century, Imāmism Tabaristan, Daylam, Jurjan, Hamadan, Ray, Azerbaijan, and, though lesser degree, parts Transoxiana. By fifth/eleventh towns Kashan Abeh (Aveh) near had become Imāmism, their population having possibly increased Ray. sixth/twelfth grown more acquire majority gaining considerable number Qazvin, Mazandaran, Tabaristan (Sari Uram) north Astarabad Jurjan northeast. seventh/thirteenth when Ilkhanates came power, Shīʿites began appear Isfahan, too, maintaining control Ray which, being largest cities time, reached century earlier; further east, Herat Balkh, which are located territory present-day Afghanistan. fact, held ground place neighboring area, Nishabur, never shrinking over there. answer whether retreated any regions, Azerbaijan Hamadan possible mentioned; however, clearly so. Although names may given response “whether there regions could considered regression periods process?”, entirely clear what extent reflects truth.