Enlightenment and Islam in Iran: The Case of Mirza Fath Ali Akhundzadeh

Mirza Fath Ali Akhundzadeh is considered one of the most important and influential personalities in the religious-social life of contemporary Iran. He began his cultural activities writing dramas and criticizing the religious-social situation of the society he lived in. He said that this resembled Protestantism. In addition to this, he also dealt theoretically with the criticism of religion and issues related to it. This article is an attempt to survey the basic features of his intellectual system and his main objections to religion-in particular the religion of Islam-as they are reflected in his major works. Hence, a comprehensive view of his life as well the events that influenced his ideas have been presented herein.