The Sufi Saint of Jam
History, Religion, and Politics of a Sunni Shrine in Shi'i Iran

Explores the emergence, florescence, decay, and rejuvenation of the Sunni saint cult and shrine-complex of Shaykh al-Islam Ahmad-i Jam over nine-hundred years.

Shivan Mahendrarajah (Author)

9781108839693, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 April 2021

294 pages
23.4 x 15.7 x 1.9 cm, 0.58 kg

'This rich and enlightening book presents a multi-faceted portrait of a Sufi order, a family, and a shrine over ten centuries, up to the present. Mahendrarajah has mastered social and political history, architectural analysis and doctrinal developments; his work should interest all scholars of Iran and its culture.' Beatrice F. Manz, Tufts University

The Sunni saint cult and shrine of Ahmad-i Jam has endured for 900 years. The shrine and its Sufi shaykhs secured patronage from Mongols, Kartids, Tamerlane, and Timurids. The cult and shrine-complex started sliding into decline when Iran's shahs took the Shi?i path in 1501, but are today enjoying a renaissance under the (Shi?i) Islamic Republic of Iran. The shrine's eclectic architectural ensemble has been renovated with private and public funds, and expertise from Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. Two seminaries (madrasa) that teach Sunni curricula to males and females were added. Sunni and Shi?i pilgrims visit to venerate their saint. Jami mystics still practice ?irfan ('gnosticism'). Analyzed are Ahmad-i Jam's biography and hagiography; marketing to sultans of Ahmad as the 'Guardian of Kings'; history and politics of the shrine's catchment area; acquisition of patronage by shrine and shaykhs; Sufi doctrines and practices of Jami mystics, including its Timurid-era Naqshbandi Sufis.

Introduction
Part I. The Saint: 1. Biography and Hagiography
2 Saintdom and Patronage
Part II. The Successors: 3: Ilkhanid/Kartid Eras to the Timurid Age
4: Safavid/Mughal Eras to the Islamic Republic
Part III. The Shrine: 5. Setting, Architecture and Administration
6. Agro- and Hydro-Management
7. Public Service in the Catchment Area
8. Sacred Topography and Islamic Learning
Part IV. The Sufis: 9. Doctrines and Practices
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Sufism & Islamic mysticism [HRHX], Islam [HRH], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]