From ‘Alī to Dante’s «Alì»: A Western Medieval Understanding of «Shī'a»
Michelina Di Cesare
This paper focuses on the figure of Ali, found along with Maometto and sowers scandal schism in Dante’s Divina Commedia (Inferno 28). While early commentators poem variously identify Ali as a companion or disciple Maometto’s, his heretical teacher, modern him ‘Alī b. Abī Ṭālib, Muḥammad’s cousin son-in-law. Both explain condemnation due to religious he caused: according former, inspired pursued division Christianity provoked by Maometto; latter, was responsible for Muslim community into Sunnites Shi‘ites. Nevertheless, these interpretations do not clarify why is condemned Dante heresiarchs but rather alongside characters violent divisions within social political contexts. An analysis sources Shī‘a available Europe up beginning 14th century shows that Dante, unlike commentators, relied pseudo-historical biographies Muḥammad which between Shi‘ites, ascribed ‘Alī, interpreted phenomenon concerning dispute over authority territorial control Sunni Caliphs East Shi‘i imams West. By reading Inferno 28 from this perspective, through view expressed Monarchia, it possible infer considered subversion universal empire, further fragmentation imperial authority.
Medievalia|Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)