The Babi concept of holy war

Abstract

This chapter clarifies the background to the Bābī-state clashes in the form of a discussion of the theory of holy war as presented in early Bābī writings and analyses these conflicts themselves within the context of that theory. A careful consideration of the doctrine of holy war is a vital factor in the study of the Bābī-Bahāʾī movement, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides us with an important focus for the consideration of the Bāb's attitude and the attitudes of his followers to Islam and to the Qajar state. Secondly, it enables us to carry out a reappraisal of the political and ethical issues involved in the struggles of Shaykh Tabarsi, Nayrīz and Zanjān, as well as in other outbreaks of violence on a smaller scale between Bābīs and Muslim civilians or military forces.Keywords: Bābī; holy war