Emancipation, empowerment and transition : historical, religious and political narratives among Iraqi Shi'a in dialogue with Catholic pastoral theology

Abstract

This thesis reflects the concerns of Shi'i Muslims communities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, in dialolgue with a Western Christian and Catholic voice. It introduces the specific communities who have been my dialogue partners, examines their social context and voices their particular concerns in order to provide a foundation for understanding and dialogue. The thesis explores the main narratives of Iraqi Shi'i doctrine, history and politics. These narratives are identified as emancipation, empowerment and transition. I introduce Shi'i religious teaching in relation to the Imamate and the Ashura Narrative which are central to Shi'i religious ritual, theology and self-understanding.