Hairi Yazdi, Abd al-Karim

Hairi Yazdi, Abd al-Karim

Overview

Hairi Yazdi, Abd al-Karim (1878–1936) known in his full Persian name as ‘Abd al-Karim Hā’eri Yazdī (عبدالکریم حائری یزدی) was a significant and influential Shii cleric. He is renowned for his pivotal role in establishing Qom as a major center of Shii learning after 1921. Hairi Yazdi founded the Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah, a seminary that became an influential institution in Shii Islamic education.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1878 in Yazd, Iran, Abd al-Karim Hairi Yazdi pursued religious studies in Shii centers of learning such as Isfahan and Najaf. He studied under prominent scholars, which deeply influenced his theological and jurisprudential outlook.

Contributions to Shiism

Founding the Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah

In 1922, Hairi Yazdi moved to Qom and initiated the establishment of the Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah Seminary. This seminary rapidly gained prominence and attracted students from various regions, thereby revitalizing the city of Qom as a central hub for Shii scholarship and learning. The institution became central to the education and training of many significant Shii scholars who followed.

Jurisprudential Teachings

One of Hairi Yazdi’s key scholarly contributions was his nuanced approach to Taqlid (imitation) in Islamic law. He argued that Shiis were not compelled to follow a single Marja’ al-Taqlid (source of emulation) on all aspects of religious and legal matters. Instead, they could follow different Maraji’ for various aspects of law, citing the practical complexities and breadth of Islamic jurisprudence as reasons behind this stance.

Political Stance

Unlike some clerics who advocated for direct political involvement, Hairi Yazdi maintained a position of noninvolvement in political matters, adhering to a policy of non-opposition towards the government. His rationale was likely rooted in the belief that the primary duty of the clergy was religious guidance and spiritual leadership rather than political engagement.

Legacy

Abd al-Karim Hairi Yazdi was instrumental in the academic and spiritual education of many scholars, including the renowned Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who later became a pivotal figure in Iranian and Shii history.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: عبدالکریم حائری یزدی (pronounced ‘Abdul Kareem Hā’eri Yazdi)
• Turkish: Abdülkerim Hairi Yezdi

Recommended Readings

1. Shii Islam: Origins, Faith, and Practices by Najibullah Lafraie.
2. The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future by Vali Nasr.
3. Islamic Jurisprudence in the Classical Era by Norman Calder.
4. The Formative Period of Twelver Shia Islam by Andrew J. Newman.

Key Takeaways

• Abd al-Karim Hairi Yazdi’s pivotal contribution to Shii education through the establishment of the Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah in Qom.
• His unique jurisprudential perspective allowing followers to choose multiple Maraji’ for different aspects of law.
• His decisive stance on keeping religious leadership separate from political involvement.

Conclusion

Hairi Yazdi, Abd al-Karim’s impact on Shii Islam is deeply felt through his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, religious education, and community leadership. His founding of the Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah marked a significant transformation in Qom’s religious standing, forging a legacy that continues to inspire Shii scholars and believers around the globe.