Shaykhíshay-keeSchool founded by Shaykh-Aḥmad-i-Aḥsá’í. Among his doctrines, in addition to the imminent dual Advent, were that the Prophet Muḥammad’s material body did not ascend on the night of the Mi‘ráj; that the Imáms were creative forces (a belief based on Qur’án 23:14: “God, the Best of Creators”); that ‘Alí should be particularly venerated.
Shaykhu’l-Islámshake-ol-ess-lahmMuḥammadan high-priest; title of highest degree in Muslim religion. Head of religious court, and appointed to every large city by the Sháh.
Shí‘ih (also Shi’ite)r.w. she-ehParty (of ‘Alí). Partisan of ‘Alí and of his descendants as the sole lawful “Vicars of the Prophet.” The Shí‘ahs reject the first three Caliphs, believing that the successorship in Islám belonged rightfully to ‘Alí (first Imám and fourth Caliph) and to his descendants by divine, right. Originally, the successorship was the vital point of difference, and Islám was divided because Muḥammad’s (albeit verbal) appointment of ‘Alí was disregarded.
Shíbavayh (also Síbavayh)sheba-vayIllustrious Persian grammarian of the Baṣrah school, died A.D. 793. His grammar is titled “The Book of Síbavayh.”
Shikastihsheh-cass-teh“Broken” or cursive script said to have been invented by the Ṣafaví governor of Herat, Murtaḍá Qulí-Khán Shamlú. Derived from Nasta‘líq script, invented by Mír ‘Alí Tabrízí, scribe of the 7th century A.H.
Shimíránshem-ee-rahnHill villages 6 miles or more north of Ṭihrán, serving as summer resorts. (Usually pronounced Shem-rahn).
ShimrshemrYazíd’s General, who slew the Imám Ḥusayn. Shimr is a prototype of cruelty and brutality.
ShínsheenThis letter “sh”) stands for Shíráz.
Shír-Gáhsheer-gawPersian village connected with the Mázindarán upheaval. (DB 362).
Shírázsheer-OzCity in South Persia where the Báb declared His Mission, May 22, 1844.
Shoghi Effendi RabbaniGuardian of the Bahá’í Faith; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s eldest grandson, the Chosen Branch appointed in His Will and Testament as “Guardian of the Cause of God,” authorized interpreter of the Teachings and permanent Head of the Universal House of Justice. “He is the expounder of the words of God and after him will succeed the first born of his lineal descendants.” The word shawq signifies “yearning;” effendi is a Turkish honorific signifying “sir, master,” and applied to officials and scholars, etc. in some parts of the Middle East. The Guardian resides at the World Center of the Faith, Haifa, Israel.
Shuhadáy-i-Khamsihsho-had-aw-yeh-cam-sehA group of five believers who were among those martyred during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry.
Ṣíghihseeg-ehLegalized concubinage or temporary marriage which may be contracted in Shí‘ah Islám for varying lengths of time.
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