The Function of Bequeathment in the Development of Shiism at the Age of Ilkhanids

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abstract

Waqf has been etymologically defined as more stop or delay, and in religious term as the retention of original property and the submission of profit. It has traditionally existed in the history of Islam, before Islam and even in the other religions along with numerous functions stated for it. Bequeathment and bequeathed properties has been of considerable function in the history of Islam as well as the prosperity of Islamic civilization particularly the development of Shiite culture and scientific-civilized development of Shiites.
Since the forth century and especially along with the advent of Buyids’ government, we are encountering with the prosperity of Shiite bequeathed properties and the support of Buyids from the religious, educational, and welfare center of Shiites.
This trend preserved its importance and efficiency until the invasion of Mongol.
During the chaotic invasion of Mongol until the establishment of Ilkhanids’ government, bequeathment and bequeathed properties like the other institutions and civilized representations was deeply damaged.
The main question of this article has to do with the extent of the function of bequeathment in the development of Shiism in Ilkhanid time and the presented hypothesis would be related to the main role of bequeathment in the historical periods particularly at the age of Ilkhanids.
As the entry of discussion, the meaning and concept of bequeathment has been stated and then, it has been investigated the trend of reconstruction of Shiite bequeathed properties by khajeh Nasireddin Toosi and its effect on the renovation and development of Shiite culture and religion and its inclusiveness at the age of Ilkhanids.

Keywords