Evolutions of Endowment in Iranian Villages and Their Social Aspects (Study of Endowment in Rural Areas of Chenaran County, Razavi Khorasan Province)

Authors

1 Department of Social Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Sociology. Faculty of Social Sciences. University of Tehran. Tehran. Iran.

10.22059/jrd.2025.388546.668897

Abstract

Throughout history, endowments, as a religious tradition in most Islamic societies, have been a significant factor in alleviating poverty and deprivation. Based on 464 pertinent endowment documents, the objective of this study is to examine the social aspects and evolution of endowments in the rural areas of Chenaran County prior to and following the Islamic Revolutionand land reforms.
This study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology and implements thematic analysis, which is suitable for the data’s characteristics.
The findings indicate that the evolution of endowments has occurred in several critical areas, including the extent and number of endowments, the types of endowed properties, the intentions of endowers, the gender of endowers, and their social class. The majority of endowments were dedicated to religious purposes, with a primary focus on “establishing mosques and religious centers”, “mourning the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and “promoting religious ceremonies”, and “spreading and propagating Islam”. Additionally, some endowments were allocated to public welfare, including “addressing the village’s developmental needs”, “healthcare and medical services”, “establishing and expanding educational centers”, and “supporting orphans and the poor”. In the past, endowments were primarily concerned with “the permanence of property”, “preventing the usurpation of property”, and “maintaining family heritage”. However, after the reforms, “property permanence” was given less emphasis, while “preventing property usurpation” and “limiting property seizure” became more significant. Subsequent to the Islamic Revolution, there was a significant increase in the establishment of mosques and religious centers, as well as the promotion of religious rituals.
The results suggest that these transformations have been significantly influenced by socio-political changes. Moreover, this study underscores the enduring role of endowments in shaping rural development, religious practices, and community welfare in Chenaran County.

Keywords

References

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