Shariati, Ali (1933–1977)

Ali Shariati (aka Ali Shari'ati), a Paris-educated Iranian sociologist, was—along with the Ayatullah Khomeini—perhaps the most important ideologue and theorist behind the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. Born into a religious family, he graduated from Mashhad University and moved to Paris to undertake graduate studies, where he involved himself in many political movements. In Paris, Shariati came into contact with Jean-Paul Sartre and Frantz Fanon, who soon became key political and intellectual influences in his life. Authorities arrested Shariati and briefly imprisoned him on his return to Iran for involvement in antigovernment activities while abroad. On his release, he earned his living by teaching at various schools, colleges, and universities, though his radical and popular message put him at odds with most of the administrations. ...