The Ḥusaynābādī Scholiasts

Abstract

The excellence of the teaching that Strachan received while with Feyyād was due to the presence of distinguished exiled Iranian Sunni scholars to whom the emir had given refuge. This chapter outlines the Islamic heritage of Iran and the political and Sunni/Shia sectarian tensions that had led to the scholars’ exile by Shah Abbas. Their renown within the Sunni Islamic world is noted. The chapter also explains how, while gaining intimate knowledge of Islamic doctrine and tradition, Strachan’s discussions with these scholars led them to believe that he fully accepted their arguments and assured Emir Feyyād of his conversion. Strachan had not converted and, despite his comfortable life-style, he saw no option but to flee the emir’s camp and seek refuge in Baghdad.