Used Religion to Legitimize Their Rule - Research Paper Example

The rulers recognized that their success would be based on their ability to convince their followers that they are descendants of Muhammad. According to the letter from Selim and Isma’il, Sha Isma’il made his followers believe that he was the descendant of Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali. For this reason, it made him the legitimate successor to the Prophet. This implied that all other rulers were not legitimate.The Ottomans and Safavid rulers also used religion to legitimize their rule through the use of propaganda.

From the Safavid reading, the semi-secret Shi’ite had propaganda that taught that all rulers of Islam were illegitimate and that the head of the Muslim community who is the Imam would one day appear and over through the mighty to set things right. This meant that the person who will over through the mighty rulers would be the one chosen by God. The rulers legitimized their rule by indicating that whoever God has given power or authority, no person can be able to resist. This prevented any person to go against or challenge a ruler who has been put into power by God.

How religion is put on display for followers and enemiesAccording to the report of the Carmelite mission, religion was put on display by building large mosques where people went to pray. Religion was also seen through the rituals that people performed. A good example was the use of prayers where people went to mosques for prayers thrice a day. This was in the morning, noon, and evening. Before prayers, people wash and call the name of God and “Ali in their prayers. Religion is also put on display through their daily activities.

The Persians were allowed to have one wife who was placed in special places called the seraglios. These women were closely protected and hidden. How rulers use of religion changed it, formalized it, personalized it, and poked fun of it