The Role of "Tawalli" and "Tabarri" in the Spread of Shiite Culture in Kashan during the Qajar Period

Among Islamic teachings, two theological principles are interpreted as Tawalli (love for the sake of Allah) and Tabarri (hatred for the sake of Allah). They mean friendship with God's friends and enmity with God's enemies, respectively. This concept and its meaning originate from the Quran and have been confirmed by various sects of Islam, from Shiites to Sunnis, although they differ in details and examples. In Shiism, Tawalli and Tabarri are the most important principles for accepting the Imamate. In different periods and eras of the history of Islam, Shiite scholars, according to these two principles, have sought to introduce the household of the Prophet (S) and the position of Imamate to members of society. During the Qajar period, with the presence of Western colonial countries and the emergence of heretical sects, the necessity of the issue was felt more than ever. Hence, the scholars began to introduce the religion of Islam more and better to the people of the Islamic society. The scholars of Kashan were among those who used Tawalli and Tabarri in spreading Islam. The important efforts of Kashan scholars in advancing Islam through these two principles are as follows: preventing further decline of religious beliefs, confronting the Russians' belligerence against Iran, opposing corrupt orders and decisions, etc.