Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad al-Taqi al-
Overview
Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad al-Taqi al- (ca. 1627–1699) was a preeminent Iranian Twelver Shii scholar during the late Safavid period. He is notable for his strong opposition to Sufism and his efforts to disseminate Shiite religious thought among the Iranian populace by authoring works in Persian, rather than the more scholarly language of Arabic. His scholarly activity represents a significant adultum of the Ithna Ashari (Twelver) revival that began with the emergence of the Safavid dynasty.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name Majlisi is derived from the Arabic word “مجلس” (majlis), which means “assembly” or “council,” indicative of his role in religious and academic assemblies.
- Arabic: محمّد باقر بن محمّد التقي المجلسي
- Turkish: Muhammed Bakir bin Muhammed el-Taki el-Meclisi
Influence and Contributions
Majlisi made several notable contributions to Shii thought:
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Anti-Sufism Stance: Majlisi’s work is characterized by his explicit opposition to Sufism, which he considered a deviation from true Islamic teachings.
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Persian Writings: Unlike many of his contemporaries, Majlisi chose to write extensively in Persian. This broadened the accessibility of Shii doctrines to the broader Iranian population and played a critical role in ingraining Shii ideals in the sociopolitical fabric of Iran.
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Theological Works: His most famous work, “Bihar al-Anwar” (The Seas of Light), is an extensive comprehensive collection of hadiths (traditions) in Twelver Shiism, which remains a foundational text for Shii scholars.
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Safavid Influence: Majlisi was instrumental in advocating for the establishment of Twelver Shi’ism as the state religion under the Safavid dynasty, contributing to its dominance in Iranian culture and politics.
Major Works
- Bihar al-Anwar (The Seas of Light)
- Ain al-Hayat (The Essence of Life)
- Haqqul-Yaqin (The Certainty of Truth)
Books for Further Studies
- “The Hidden Imam and the Early Followers” by S.H. Nasr.
- “Theology of Discontent: The Ideological Foundation of the Islamic Revolution in Iran” by Hamid Dabashi.
- “Islamic Messianism: The Idea of Mahdi in Twelver Shi’ism” by Abdulaziz Abdulhussein Sachedina.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad al-Taqi al- is a seminal figure in the history of Shiism. His strong opposition to Sufism and his decision to write religious texts in Persian marked a new era in Shii thought, making it more accessible to the Iranian lay population. He was also a pivotal contributor to the political and religious milieu of the Safavid dynasty, cementing Twelver Shiism in Iranian identity. His opus, “Bihar al-Anwar,” remains a pivotal text for Shii scholarship today.
In conclusion, Majlisi’s works and views played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural identity of Iran during and after the Safavid period. His scholarly legacy continues to influence modern Shii thought and practice.
