The Oppressed Sunni Muslims of Iran
Before the Safavid Takeover Before the Safavid takeover of Iran, the country was a flourishing Sunni Muslim state. It produced a large number of the greatest scholars and luminaries in Islamic history. Shah Ismail Safavi In 1501 CE, Shah Ismail Safavi declared Shiasm (Twelver) as the state religion. Some of his courtiers told him that the large Sunni Muslim population that lived around them could rebel against him. Shah Ismail Safavi replied, "I have been deputed by Allah for this task. If anyone raises a voice against my decision, I will not leave him alive." Shah Ismail Safavi announced that the Khulafa' Ar-Rashidin, i.e., Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, Sayyiduna 'Umar, Sayyiduna 'Uthman radiyallahu 'anhum, should be sworn at openly. Whoever heard the swearing was to say in reply, "swear more and more." Moreover, he said, "Whoever opposes this instruction will be beheaded." He changed the Adhan and gave prominence to self-flagellation, and mourni...