The Role of Shi ah Religious Elements and Symbols in the Movement of Nationalization of Oil Industry

With regard to the importance of the movement of nationalization of oil industry in Iran and the special attention given by the authors of the books of modern history to the role played by nationalists in this movement, the present paper tries to expound the role of the religious elements and groups in this great anti-colonial movement. Therefore, the role of Shi’ah religious elements and symbols has been studied by referring to works concerning this issue. The study of these works indicates that the factor of guardianship represented in the guardianship of jurist" and “dissociation from the enemies of and loyalty to the Prophet and his Household”, and such religious symbols as religious rites and ceremonies, jihad and martyrdom-seeking, religious places, reference to the Quranic verses and Imam's traditions cited in religious declarations, meetings and mottos had influential role in this movement.