Iran's religious landscape has drastically changed over the centuries, evolving from a Sunni stronghold to the center of Shia Islam. This transformation was driven by key historical events, including the rapid spread of Islam after Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon Him) death, the fall of the Persian Empire, and the rise of the Safavid Dynasty. These shifts not only redefined Iran's religious identity but also made Persia a crucial contributor to the Islamic Golden Age.

The Rise of Islam and the Conquest of Persia

After the passing of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) in 632, the Muslims began expanding rapidly from the Arabian Peninsula. They simultaneously launched attacks on the Roman and Persian Empires, the two greatest powers of the time. While the Roman Empire managed to hold on for another 800 years, the Persian Empire fell much quicker. A plague had recently devastated Persia, weakening the empire. After just two major battles, the Persian kingdom collapsed, and over the next 50 years, the remaining Persian lands were absorbed into the Muslim Caliphate.

The Slow Conversion to Islam

Despite being under Muslim control, Persian society remained largely unchanged initially. The government structure was maintained, and Persian culture and language continued to thrive. The majority of Persians retained their Zoroastrian beliefs for several centuries, even as Muslim missionaries began to slowly convert the population. The first converts were artisans and laborers who felt ostracized by their Zoroastrian society. Over time, many Persians found parallels between their beliefs and Islam, leading to a gradual conversion. It took approximately 300 years for Persia to become a Muslim-majority nation.

Persia’s Contribution to the Islamic Golden Age

As Persia embraced Islam, it contributed significantly to the Islamic world. The Persians, with their rich heritage in science, philosophy, mathematics, and medicine, became key figures in the Islamic Golden Age. Many of the most renowned scholars in Islamic history, such as Abu Hanifa, Imam Bukhari, and Imam Muslim, were of Persian descent. Persia became a center of knowledge, with significant resources devoted to translating ancient texts and building vast libraries, particularly in the capital city of Baghdad. This period saw a fusion of Arab, Persian, Kurdish, and Turkish influences, leading to a remarkable era of scientific and cultural development.

The Decline and Transformation of the Persian Empire

In the mid-1200s, the Mongol Empire swept through Central Asia, leaving devastation in its wake. The Mongols conquered Baghdad in 1258, bringing the Islamic Golden Age to an end. However, by the 1300s, new Muslim empires emerged: the Ilkhanate in the East, descended from the Mongols, and the Ottoman Empire in the West, descended from the Turks. These two empires competed for control of the Middle East, eventually leading to the division of territories between Anatolia and Persia.

The Safavid Dynasty and the Conversion to Shia Islam

The Safavid Dynasty, which rose to power in the early 1500s, marked a turning point in Persian history. Shah Ismail, the founder of the Safavid Empire, initiated a campaign to convert Persia from Sunni to Shia Islam. Sunni scholars were forced to convert, flee, or face execution, while Shia scholars were brought in to establish the new religious order. Sunni mosques were destroyed, and Shia shrines and institutions were established. This campaign was partly motivated by Shah Ismail’s personal animosity towards Sunnism and partly by his desire to counter the influence of the Sunni Ottoman Empire.

The Legacy of Shia Islam in Iran

By the end of the Safavid era in 1722, the vast majority of people in modern-day Iran and Azerbaijan had adopted Twelver Shia Islam. However, some Sunni communities managed to survive in remote or border regions. Today, around 5% of Iran’s population remains Sunni, along with 40% of Azerbaijan’s population. This legacy reflects the complex history of a region that was once a stronghold of Sunni Islam.