A relevant topic with significance that goes beyond Middle East. There is an urgency to examine the images of Self and Other that animate identities. Nationalism in this sense is a secure identity defined and limited by the state. The central argument of this study questions the political thought that constitutes the nation-state. It involves critical readings of Hobbes, Locke, the utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham and Hegel. Despite presumptions of universality the focus on individual, the nation or the ‘way of life’ eventually becomes ‘my life’, my freedom, my security versus the rest of the human race. This study is divided into three parts. First part is introduction which defines the theoretical framework, methodology and key concepts. Part two provides concrete historical and episodic substance to challenge the notion of Shia revival. This study provides the oppositional view that Shia Islam is quietist, defensive, and nonviolent. Moreover there does not exist a conflict between national and religious identity in Islam. Iran indeed represents a unique case study where in Khomeini himself stated if a conflict arises between interests of umm al qura (homeland) and those of principles of Islamic universalist then interests of umm al qura will take precedence. Part three is conclusion. Underlying assumption is that dominant conceptual framework within which we understand Nationalism and religion are in adequate and dangerous. Categories that shape our understanding of Shisim, politics, power and violence are questioned in this study. The conceptual understanding of what constitutes a ‘Shia’ and the meaning of powerful political concepts can not be easily universalized.