He particularly critiqued the Tudeh Party for mechanically applying Marxism without considering Iran’s unique historical context and for offending religious sensibilities with atheistic titles. Consistent with his earlier discussions with Fanon, Shariati opposed classical Marxist views of nationalism as a ruling-class tool. He insisted that Third World peoples needed to rediscover their national heritage and popular culture, particularly Shi’ism, to effectively combat imperialism and overcome social alienation.
He asserted that true Islam demanded fighting for justice, equality, and eradication of poverty, not mere “concern”. He accused the ‘ulama’ of becoming part of the ruling class, and betraying the goals of Islam. He also criticized their opposition to progressive Western ideas, their demand for “blind obedience,” their monopoly over religious texts, and their failure to embrace a dynamic, revolutionary world outlook from the scriptures.
