Mirza of Qom and Qājār Government

dynasty, that is, during the rule of Aghā Muhammad Khān and the rule of Fath Ali Shāh in particular, many religious scholars had close relations with the Qajār government. But the relations which Mirzā Abu al-Qāsim of Qom – a most eminent religious scholar of the day – had with that government was of special importance and influence.Taking into account the fact that throughout recorded history Shii scholars did not have relations with or opposition to the kings and their governments, if they were inclined to establish on certain occasions or in some periods close relations with the governments of the day, what are the factors involved in establishing such relations? How does thisposition of scholars accord with their view that the government of the day was illegitimate?The author points out that the religious attitude of the government of the day along with the domestic and foreign problems which threatened the foundations of Islam, people's faith and Shiism, pushed some religious scholars including Mirzā of Qom to make use of thier authority by cultivating close relations with the government of the day in attempt to safeguard Islamic law and the edifice of Islam and contribute to theprevalence of Islam and Shiism.