Shia

History · State, politics and society · International relations · Interreligious relations

The Mantle of Roger II and the Fatimid Festival of Sacrifice

During the Festival of Sacrifice, Fatimid rulers publicly sacrificed a camel. Maribel Fierro discusses the political and religious significance of this ritual, and traces later versions under other dynasties. She argues a visual re-imagination even appears on the mantle of the Norman king of Sicily.

Religious practices, ideas and experiences

Twelver Shi‘a Pilgrimage – Ziyara

Similar to the rising interest in pilgrimage worldwide, ziyara is becoming increasingly popular among Twelver Shi‘ites. These devotional journeys intersect with travel in the pursuit of religious knowledge, political symbolism, and leisure.

The 'other' Shiite jihad

Discussions in Western media about jihadism mainly focus on the threat posed by returning Sunni fighters. Daan Weggemans and Lisa Heintzbergen call attention to the 'other' jihad, the underexposed Shiite jihad and its possible effects on Europe’s security.