A Functional Analysis of Imam Riḍā’s A.S. Debates in Responding  to al-Maʾmūn’s Identity-Related Challenges

Fekrifallah, Mohsen; Erfan, Amirmohsen; Parhishkari, Seyyed Ruhollah

doi:10.22034/farzv.2025.476588.2035

A Functional Analysis of Imam Riḍā’s A.S. Debates in Responding to al-Maʾmūn’s Identity-Related Challenges

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

mohsen fekrifallah ¹

Amirmohsen erfan ²

Seyyed Ruhollah Parhishkari ²

¹ PhD student in the history of Islamic culture and civilization University of Islamic Science

² Assistant Professor of History and Civilization University of Islamic Science

https://doi.org/10.22034/farzv.2025.476588.2035

Abstract

The correct debate and the good debate, as a place for the meeting of ideas, have a direct and deep connection with the structure of identity formation for the individual, group and society and can play an important role in defining the boundaries of religious identity. On the other hand, it is necessary to move away from reductionist approaches to examining the life of the Ahl al-Bayt A.S. and to review and rewrite it with the aim of consciously understanding their identity-building life as a model for the present and the future in Islamic society. The mission of this study is to answer the question with a descriptive and analytical approach as to what effect the debates of the Prophet had against the identity threats created by the false front, whose prominent symbol was Ma’mun al-Abbas, and what its functions were. The achievements of identity formation in the life of the Prophet are divided into three areas: determining, distinguishing and protective functions.

Keywords

Imam Reza A.S., Razavi Debates, Identity, Religious Identity, Identity Threat. Cite this The Author (s): Fekri Fallah, M

Erfan, A

Parhizkari, R (2026). A Functional Analysis of Imam Riḍā&rsquo

s A.S. Debates in Responding to al-Maʾmūn&rsquo

s Identity-Related Challenges: Quarterly Scientific Journal of Farhang Razavi. Year 14, Issue 2, Summer 2026, Serial Number 54 &ndash

(179- 216)- DOI:10.22034/farzv.2025.476588.2035 Publisheder: Unversity of Tehran Press

Subjects

Promotion and deepening of Razavi culture and education

The Holy Qur’an.

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