The present article is an endeavor to shed light on the intellectual foundations of the Islamist political groups in Iran between 1941 and 1979. In fact the elucidation of the intellectual stances and theoretical differences between these groups will prepare the grounds for understanding a number of intellectual challenges in the post-revolution Iran.
Although most of the said groups had some common goals such as struggle against the tyranny and colonialism and establishment of the Islamic government, at a deeper level of analysis, they had certain intellectual differences. With the victory of the Islamic revolution and emergence of a new environment, the grounds were prepared for unfolding of these differences.
The present study will be presented in two parts. Part I deals with the intellectual stances of such Islamist groups as Fadaiyan Islam (Devotees of Islam), Hizb-e Mellal-e Islami (Islamic Nations Party), Hei'at Mo'talefeh (Islamic Coalition Society), and Rohaniyat Mobarez (Combatant Clerics). Part II will deal with the intellectual stances of Nehzat Azadi (Freedom Movement of Iran) and Islamist-Socialist groups, particularly Sazeman-e Mujahedin-e Khalq (People's Mujahedin Organization).