About the Author

Sabrina Mervin: Dr Sabrina Mervin is a specialist of contemporary Shiism and a researcher at the Centre d etudes interdisciplinaires des faits religieux (CEIFR), Paris. She is also the editor of The Shia Worlds and Iran and Shii Trends and Dynamics in Modern Times. Robert Gleave: Prof. Robert Gleave is a specialist of Islamic thought and religious authority in Shii Islam, and a professor of Arabic Studies at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at Exeter University. He is the author of several monographs and research articles on Islamic jurisprudence, religion and social issues. Geraldine Chatelard: Dr Geraldine Chatelard is a specialist of contemporary Iraq and Jordan and Associate Researcher at the Institut francais du Proche-Orient (Ifpo). She is also the coordinator of the UNESCO project Preserving Najaf s Cultural Heritage and Enhancing Its International Visibility . "