A Documentary Investigation about Nader Shah and the Religious Scholars of Astan Quds Razavi

Afsharid and Zand periods as short and transitional period (1135-1210 AH) was between the Safavid and Qajar periods. Although the interaction between religion and government was at the highest level in the last two periods, in Afsharid there was no interaction and in Zand period it was limited. After the fall of Safavid dynasty, Afsharid government did not support religious scholars officially, and the scholars were not active in politics domain. Migration to Atabat Aliat and India and secluding in cities and villages indicate their absence in political issues. Historical studies show that due to Nader Shah’s approach to religious issues and breaking away from the religious activities of Safavids, religious scholars could continue their education and propagation activities. A good instance is the scholars who stayed in the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza and engaged safely in their educational activities. Other examples are the religious activities of such outstanding scholars as Khatounabadi, Khansari, Majlesi, and Tabatabai. Such examples show that though Afsharids did not politically support Safavid Shi’ism and pertaining religious activities of society due to external reasons and internal legitimacy, religious scholars and those of responsible of religious affairs performed their social activities in the society.