The Prominent Shia Ulama and theologians
The Prominent Shia Ulama and theologians
The Prominent Shia Ulama and theologians: On September 7, 1984 AD, the Iranian Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Baqer Ashtiani, passed away. He was a product of the famous seminary of Najaf in Iraq, and after attaining Ijtehad he returned to Tehran and groomed several students. Among his valuable books, mention can be made of “Guidance in View of Islam” in Persian and “Ownership in Islam” in Arabic.
On 10th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 1030 AH, the famous jurisprudent, Shaikh Fakhr od-Din Mohammad Ibn Shaikh Hassan Ibn Shaikh Zayn od-Din Shaheed Thani (the Second Martyr), passed away in holy Mecca and was laid to rest in the now destroyed Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery near the tomb of Omm al-Momineen, Hazrat Khadija (SA), the loyal wife of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He lived most of his life in Mecca and was a prolific writer. Among his works are commentaries on Shaikh at-Ta’efa Tusi’s “al-Istibsaar” and “at-Tahzeeb” – two of the four main books of hadith and jurisprudence. This talented grandson of the Second Martyr was also an excellent poet in Arabic and has written a moving elegy on the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Husain (AS) – which Shaikh Hurr al-Ameli has included in his book “Amal al-Amel”.
On 11th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 336 AH, the renowned theologian, Mohammad Ibn Mohammad Ibn Nu’man al-Ukbari, famous as Shaikh Mufid, was born in the town of Ukbar, north of Baghdad. He has left behind numerous compilations in almost all branches of Islamic sciences, some of which are: “al-Irshad”, “Ahkam an-Nisa”, and “Tashih E`teqadat al-Imamiyah” – the last named is a critical and edited version of his one-time teacher, Ibn Babwaih Shaikh Sadouq\’s “al-E\’teqad”. He trained a great number of scholars, including the celebrated pair of brothers, Seyyed Murteza and Seyyed Radhi – the compiler of the famous book “Nahj al-Balagha” – and Shaikh at-Ta’efa Abu Ja’far Tousi.
On 12th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 776 AH, the eminent scholar, Abu Ja\’far Mohammad ibn Mohammad Buwayhi, popularly known as Qotb od-Din Razi, passed away in Damascus, Syria. Born in Varamin near Rayy in Iran, he was a student of the famous Allamah Hilli, and in turn was among the teachers of Shaikh Jamal od-Din, the First Martyr (Shaheed Awwal). Among his works mention could be made of “al-Mohkamaat”, which is the author\’s judgment on a comparative study of the philosophical views of the Iranian religious philosophers, Khwaja Naseer od-Din Tousi and Fakhr od-Din Razi. His other works include, A Commentary (Sharh) on the “Shamsiyya” of Kateb Qazwini, “Sharh Matale’ al-Anwaar”, and an Annotation (Hashiyya) on the “Qawa\’ed al-Al-Ahkaam” of the famous Allamah Hilli.
On September 29, 1981 AD, combatant religious scholar, Hojjat ol-Islam Seyyed Abdul-Karim Hasheminejad, was martyred by the MKO terrorists in the holy city of Mashhad at the age of 48. He was a student of such prominent scholars as Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Hussain Boroujerdi and the Father of Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA). Because of his public opposition to the Shah\’s despotic regime he was incarcerated and tortured by Pahlavi agents on several occasions. Following the victory of Islamic Revolution, he played an effective role in public affairs. Among the valuable works which he has left behind, mention can be made of the books: “Hazrat Zahra (SA)”, and “The School of Thought of Resistance”.
On 12th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 1344 AH, the prominent Iranian poet, Adib Naishapouri, passed away at the age of 63. He went blind in childhood due to smallpox, but continued to learn sciences enthusiastically and after honing his skills in Arabic literature and other sciences of his era, he started to lecture these subjects. Gradually, he turned into a skilled poet. Selection of appropriate terms and precise meanings are the strong points of his poetry. His Diwan of poems consists of beautiful verses in Persian and Arabic.
On 13th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 1028 AH, the prominent and pious Iranian scholar, Seyyed Meerza Mohammad Ibn Ali Astarabadi, passed away in Mecca, where he was settled, after residing for long in holy Najaf, Iraq. He was a prolific writer and among his books mention could be made of “Sharh Ayaat al-Ahkaam” on explanation of selected passages of the holy Qur\’an and a book on Rijal or the science of evaluation of hadith narrators.
On 14th of the Islamic month of Zil-Q\’adah in 1294 AH, Ayatollah Mirza Radhi od-Din Zon-Nouri, was born in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz. After completing preliminary Islamic studies he left for the famous seminary of holy Najaf in Iraq, where he attained the status of Ijtehad. He returned to Iran and taught at seminaries for many years. He also wrote several books and groomed numerous students, many of which achieved the status of Ijtehad. One of his books is titled “Qaza wa Shahadat”.
On 16th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa\’dah in 1309 AH, the prominent Iranian Islamic scholar, Ayatollah Shaikh Zain ol-Abedin Mazandarani, passed away. After preliminary studies in Iran, he left for the famous seminary in holy Najaf, Iraq, for higher studies under prominent ulema such as the celebrated Ayatollah Sheikh Morteza Ansari Dezfuli. He soon attained an elevated spiritual status. He always thought of the poor and the needy and strove to solve their problems. He was also very modest and was highly respected by the ulema and people. He was instrumental in enlightening a sizeable section of the Nizari Ismaili community of India with the rational beliefs of the Ithna Ash’ari or Twelver School during discussions in Najaf with a Khoja delegation that had come on pilgrimage. At his behest Mullah Qader Hussain returned to the Subcontinent espousing the Twelver Shi’ite creed. His preaching was instrumental in convincing several more Khoja families to leave Nizari Ismailism and become Twelvers.
On 17th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa\’dah in 1355 AH, the prominent theologian and reviver of the Qom Islamic Seminary, Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Abdul-Karim Ha\’eri Yazdi passed away and was laid to rest in the holy shrine of Hazrat Ma\’soumah (peace upon her). Born in the central Iranian city of Yazd, he left for Iraq following the completion of preliminary studies and attained the status of ijtehad under the prominent ulema of holy Najaf. On return to Iran, he sensed the vacuum resulting from the absence of a highly capable Islamic scientific centre, and thus established the Qom Seminary in 1340 AH, which soon developed and turned into one of the important scientific centers of the World of Islam. Grand Ayatollah Ha\’eri groomed prominent and distinguished students, such as the Founder of Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini (RA). He has left behind a large number of compilations, including “Kitab ar-Ridha”, and “Kitab al-Salaat”.
On 18th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa\’dah in 1373 AH, the renowned Islamic scholar and literary figure of Iraq, Ayatollah Mohammad Hussain Kashef al-Gheta, passed away. He was born in a virtuous academic family in the holy city of Najaf. He learned preliminary Islamic sciences at a young age and soon attained high scholarly status by attending the classes of prominent ulema, such as Akhound Khorasani. Ayatollah Kashef al-Gheta groomed many students and wrote several books. He also visited a number of Muslim states to promote Islamic teachings, delivering memorable speeches at the universities and scientific centers of Iran, Egypt, and Palestine. He considered presence of Muslims in political affairs as a must, and played a vital role in the Islamic movement of the Iraqi people against the British, who exiled him to Iran after crushing the 1920 revolution and martyring Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Taqi Shirazi. Among his books, mention can be made of a diwan of poems and the book “as-Siyasat al-Husainiyyah” on the philosophy behind the epoch-making uprising of the Martyr of Karbala, Imam Husain (AS), the younger grandson of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA).
On September 26, 1991 AD, Ayatollah Seyyed Mostafa Musavi Khwansari “Kashefi”, passed away. He was a prominent student of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Hussain Boroujerdi, and has left behind several books, including “Hajj Rituals”, and “Marriage in Islam”.
On 27th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 1276 AH, the Source of Emulation, Grand Ayatollah Allamah Mirza Mohammad Hussain Na\’ini, was born in the central Iranian city of Na\’in in a religious family. He completed his preliminary studies in his hometown before leaving for Iraq for higher studies at the famous seminary of holy Najaf. He studied under such prominent ulema as Mirza-e Shirazi, and besides theology was well versed in mathematics, philosophy, and mysticism. Among his most important compilations, mention can be made of “Tanbih al-Ummah va Tanziha al-Millah” which outlines the duties of ulema and people and the necessity of campaign against tyrannical regimes. This was an effective step by Grand Ayatollah Na’ini in awakening the Iranian people, whose struggles against local despotism and foreign hegemony were to triumph decades later under the guidance of the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA). Among his other books is “Wasilat an-Naja\’at”. He passed away at the age of 79.
On October 8, 1928 AD, troops stormed the house of prominent leader of Iran\’s Constitutional Movement, Ayatollah Seyyed Hassan Modarres, and arrested him along with his family and friends on the orders of the British-installed dictator, Reza Khan Pahlavi. The Ayatollah, who in 1925 had unsuccessfully opposed the dissolution of the Qajarid dynasty by the Pahlavi upstart, was exiled to Khaf and then to Kashmar, where in 1937 he was poisoned on the orders of Reza Khan and attained martyrdom.
On 5th of the Islamic month of Zil-Hijjah in 1361 AH, on this day in 1361 AH, the prominent Iranian religious scholar and Gnostic, Allamah Mohammad Hussein Kompani, passed away in the holy city of Najaf at the age of 65 years. He was born in the holy city of Kazemain near Baghdad and was well-versed in philosophy, Gnosticism, history, geography, poetry, and literature. His sharp mind and power of speech made him a prominent figure. He has left behind a large number of articles and journals. He has also left behind a collection of poems in praise of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) and the Infallible Ahl al-Bayt.
On October 11, 1984 AD, the exegete of Holy Qur\’an, and university lecturer, Ayatollah Mirza Khalil Kamarai, passed away. He was a product of the Qom Seminary, and due to his opposition to the irreligious and despotic policies of the ruling regime, was detained and incarcerated in 1962 by the British-installed and US-backed Shah. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he started theology lectures at Tehran University. He has left behind several compilations in Persian and Arabic, including a complete exegesis of Holy Qur\’an, and the book: “Onsor-e Shuja\’at” (Element of Valour) on the exemplary life of Imam Husain (AS) and the Immortal Martyrs of Karbala.
On 22nd of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa\’dah in 534 AH, the prominent Iranian scholar, Amin od-Din Abu Ali Fazl bin Hassan Tabarsi, completed his monumental exegesis of the holy Qur’an, titled “Majma\’ al-Bayan” at an advanced age in the city of Sabzevar. In the preface to this work, he gives the reasons for his writing it and for his choice of title. He also describes the methodology used in the commentaries on every ayah of the holy Qur’an. At the time of the work\’s preparation, there were already several exegesis of the Holy Book in circulation, written by both Sunni and Shi\’ite scholars. He divides his commentary on every passage into five sections: introductory discourse, reading guide, language discourse, revelation and circumstances surrounding it, and meaning. He employs ta\’wil in many cases to deduce the inner or implied meaning of an ayah. On passages related to theological, jurisprudential or philosophical issues, he gives the views of all sides and then gives his own judgement. The originality of Tabarsi\’s exegesis is that he gives his readers an opportunity to see the varying opinions on different issues mentioned in the Qur\’an. He then discusses these views and declares his own stand. “Majma’ al-Bayan” is unanimously accepted by both Sunni and Shi\’ite scholars because of the author’s independent stance that takes into consideration the views of the various schools of thought, and covers historical facts, as well as the opinions of philologists, traditionists, commentators and poets. Tabarsi’s exegesis covers many theological issues, including the divinely-decreed Imamate of Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS), the practice of “taqiyyah” (dissimulation of one\’s faith in times of danger), the infallibility of the Imams, God\’s Justice, etc. He also discusses the concept of the Saviour of mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS), his advent in the end times, the purpose of his coming and his global government of peace and justice.
On September 4, 1100 AH, the pious scholar Seyyed Mirza Ala od-Din Golestaneh passed away. He traced his lineage to Imam Hasan Mojtaba (AS),the elder grandson and 2nd Infallible Successor of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He authored the valuable book “al-Hada’eq” which is commentary on “Nahj al-Balaghah” (Highway of Eloquence), the collection of the eloquent sermons, letters, and maxims of the Commander of the Faithful, the Prophet’s 1st Infallible Heir, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (AS).
later summarized it under the title “Bahjat al-Hada’eq”. Among his works, mention could be made of “Manhaj al-Yaqeen” – a collection of letters and admonitions of the Prophet’s 6th Infallible Successor, Imam Ja’far Sadeq (AS). Golestaneh was the brother-in-law (wife’s brother) of the celebrated scholar, Allamah Mohammad Baqer Majlisi.
On 5th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah in 664 AH, the theologian, hadith scholar, historian, and literary figure, Ali Ibn Musa Razi od-Din, popularly known as “Seyyed Ibn Tawous” passed away at the age of 75. The House of Aal-e Tawous was originally from Medina tracing its descent from Imam Hasan Mojtaba (AS), the elder grandson of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He belonged to a most famous religious and scholarly family in the Iraqi city of Hillah.
He spent his childhood and teenage years in Hillah, studying under his grandfather and father, before leaving for Najaf, Karbala and Kazemayn. He stayed in Baghdad for 15 years, mastering different branches of science including theology and astronomy. He led an ascetic life and rejected posts offered by the caliphs of the usurper Abbasid regime. He was a prolific writer and has left behind a number of books in ethics, theology, philosophy, hadith, and astronomy, which have been translated and reprinted on several occasions.
Among his important compilations is titled “al-Luhouf”, on the heartrending events of the tragedy of Karbala, and is considered one of the authentic accounts of the martyrdom of the Prophet’s younger grandson, Imam Husain (AS). His other important book is: “al-Malahem wa’l-Fitan”, on the events to occur in the end times, prior to and concurrent with the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS), the 12th Infallible Successor of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). He is also the author of the famous Prayer Manual “Iqbal al-A\’maal”. His brothers and son were also famous scholars.
On August 16, 1993 AD, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Abdul-A\’la Musavi Sabzevari, passed away in holy Najaf, Iraq, at the age of 83. Born in the northeastern Iranian city of Sabzevar, Khorasan, he learned Islamic sciences in his hometown until the age of 14 before moving to holy Mashhad, the provincial capital, to continue his studies.
After completing his basic studies, he left for Iraq to pursue higher studies at the famous Islamic seminary of holy Iraqi Najaf, where he studied philosophy and jurisprudence under the prominent scholar, Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Hussain Nae\’ni of Iran. He soon attained the status of Ijtehad and for almost 50 years taught at the seminary.
He was a firm supporter of the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA), and in 1992 following the death of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Abu\’l-Qassim Khoyi, became Chief of the Najaf Seminary. He has left behind several compilations, including the two-volume book: “Tahzib al-Osoul”, and the 21-volume exegesis of the holy Qur\’an: “Mawaheb ar-Rahman fi Tafsir al-Qur\’an”.