CHARISMATIC APPEAL OR COMMUNITAS? VISITATION TO THE SHRINES OF THE IMAMS

This paper examines the Shi'i practice of visiting the shrines of the imams (ziyara) and other rituals associated with the pilgrimage. It argues that Shi'i rituals at the shrines of the imams differ markedly from those practiced by the Sufis when they visit the shrines of their holy men. The paper also argues that the shrine complex in Shi'ism is an amalgamation of hereditary authority, baraka, extraordinary powers, prayers, communitas, and a place for expressing socio-political grievances. The various rituals in the shrine complex allow for an emotional encounter with the sacred characters in Shi'ism. They also recreate and reenact events in Shi'i sacred history and encourage a public affirmation of solidarity with Shi'is from other ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, the pilgrimage helps to draw and establish sectarian boundaries, delineating between those who share in the love and grief for the family of the Prophet and those who do not.