Borujerdi, Mohammad Hosayn

Borujerdi, Mohammad Hosayn

Borujerdi, Mohammad Hosayn (b. 1875, d. 1962), was a highly influential Iranian cleric and Shi’i religious leader. Known for advocating a quietist attitude toward politics, he played a complex and often contradictory role in mid-20th century Iranian religious and political life.

Etymology and Translations

The name “Mohammad Hosayn Borujerdi” or “آیت‌الله بروجردی” in Persian can be broken down as follows:

• Mohammad: A common given name in Muslim cultures, derived from the Arabic “محمد” (praised).
• Hosayn: Another common name, particularly in Shi’i contexts, originating from Arabic “حسین” (handsome, good).
• Borujerdi: Denoting his geographical origin, Borujerd, a city in western Iran.

Arabic: محمد حسین بروجردی

Turkish: Muhammed Hüseyin Burucerdi

Biographical Highlights

Political Stance

Borujerdi was notable for his quietist stance toward politics, recommending minimal clerical interference in state matters. However, his political engagements reflected a pragmatic approach:

• In 1953, he supported the Shah’s return to power, aligning himself with the Pahlavi regime at a critical juncture.
• He later encouraged the Shah to purge Bahais from governmental positions and seize their assets, marking a more assertive political intervention.

Religious Contributions

1. Reinvestigation of Hadith: Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies was the reinvigoration of Ijtihad—the practice of independent investigation in interpreting Hadith. This re-examination supported a dynamic and progressive approach to Shi’i jurisprudence, allowing adaptations to contemporary issues.

2. Opposition to Land Reform: Borujerdi objected to the 1963 land reform bill, which aimed to appropriate religious endowments (Waqf). He feared it would undermine the economic base of the religious institutions.

3. Sunni-Shi’i Relations: Beyond his intranational impact, Borujerdi worked to foster deeper ties between Sunni and Shi’i-Muslim communities. His efforts in this regard underscored a commitment to Muslim unity.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Authority and Political Culture in Shi’ism by Said Amir Arjomand
2. Shaykh al-Mufid by Tamima Bayhom-Daou
3. The Mantle of the Prophet by Roy Mottahedeh
4. Shi’i Islam and Identity: Religion, Politics, and Change in the Global Muslim Community edited by Lloyd Ridgeon

Takeaways and Conclusion

• Quietist Political Stance: Although Borujerdi is often linked with a quietist approach to politics, key moments of his life reveal a readiness to engage politically when significant religious or communal interests were at stake.
• Religious Reforms: His contributions to the fields of hadith studies and Sunni-Shi’i relations highlight his dedication to scholarly rigor and intra-Muslim unity.
• Contradictory Role: His life underscores the often-contradictory nature of religious authority within political spheres, navigating between accommodation and opposition to governmental measures.

In conclusion, Borujerdi’s life and works represent a tension between religious quietism and political activism, revealing the nuanced roles clerics can play in shaping both religious thought and political realities.