Strategies of the Seminary of Samarra towards Politics

The purpose of this research is to analyze the political strategies employed by the Seminary of Samarra. We will examine the scholastic attributes of the school, such as its principles of jurisprudence, teaching methods, and approach to newly arising issues. Additionally, we will explore the Seminary's role in social and political contexts. Drawing on a descriptive-analytic methodology, our findings reveal that the Seminary of Samarra surpasses other Shiite seminaries in many of these aspects, explaining its prominent presence in contemporary political thought. The political teachings of the Seminary of Samarra played a crucial role in disseminating Islamic social and political ideologies, with teaching and preaching sessions becoming an integral part of seminary activities. The scholarly and educational framework of the Seminary of Samarra, along with its political strategies, served as a guiding model for the seminaries of Najaf and Qom. The prominence of the Seminary of Samarra's political strategies can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, the strategic utilization of fatwas and careful planning for future political actions played a crucial role in its success. Secondly, the impact of this school of thought extended beyond Samarra and the lifetime of Mirza Shirazi. The graduates of the Seminary continued to propagate and implement Mirza's political ideologies in other seminaries even after his demise.