Exploring the impact of Frantz Fanon’s ‘Wretched of the Earth’ on Ali Shariati’s anti-authoritarian stance and its role in shaping the Iranian Revolution

The Quran uses the term “Mustazafin” to describe the oppressed or colonized. Dr Ali Shariati was inspired by this Quranic concept, using the term to provoke resistance against the tyrannical regime of Iran, and tyranny globally. He translated Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth” into Persian, introducing the concept of the “wretched” as the apt translation of the Quranic word, Mustazafin. This anti-colonial book became the foundation for Shariati’s anti-authority stance.
Shariati considered Reza Shah Pahlavi as the antithesis of the wretched and spoke out against him. His speeches about Frantz Fanon motivated people to struggle against the Pahlavi regime. Scholars believe that the book significantly influenced Imam Khomeini, shaping the ideological foundations of the Iranian Revolution. Shariati Islamized the concept of the “other” as Mustazafin, connecting it to the suffering under the tyrannical regime, and motivating people to fight for political change.
Ali Shariati, Shaheed Mutahhari, Imam Khomeini, and others acquainted the masses with the secular and liberal ideology of Reza Shah Pahlavi, preparing them for armed struggle against his regime. Shariati sought political emancipation using religion as a basis. Fanon admired Shariati for making Islam a centre for his anti-colonial struggle, similar to what Fanon did in France through his book “Wretched of the Earth.”
Shariati’s use of Fanon’s ideas within the framework of Islamic terminology resulted in his arrest for polemical speeches and articles. Similarly, post-Fanon’s death, the book was banned in France. Shariati’s speeches, inviting large crowds, were also banned. The book called for action against institutional injustice, challenging empires and kingdoms. Shariati utilized its ideas to overthrow the despotic government of Iran.
Ali Shariati discovered a voice in Fanon’s book that became the voice of the entire Iranian nation. It generated a new approach against imperialism and colonialism, contributing significantly to the emancipation of the Iranian nation. Shariati revitalized the Shia religion using Fanon’s ideas, referring to historical events like the tragedy of Karbala. He deconstructed traditional Shia mourning, turning it into a language of resistance.
Shariati’s language became the language of resistance, and his emotions resonated with the emotions of revolution. He revitalized the events of Karbala to sensitize people about the resistance ideology of Imam Hussain (AS), provoking them to achieve emancipation. His dream was of an Islamic classless society based on liberty, justice, and fraternity.
After the Iranian Revolution, Shaheed Mutahhari wrote to Imam Khomeini, asking to ban Shariati’s books due to fears of their impact on people rising against the clergy class. Shariati’s books were banned in Iran, but there is a growing interest in his thoughts and ideas. They are now being read, researched, and written about.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Fida Hussain Bhat