Murtaza Mutahhari
Murtaza Mutahhari (Persian: مرتضی مطهری; d. 1979) was a prominent Iranian religious scholar, writer, and one of the closest associates of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (d. 1989). His monumental contributions have significantly influenced Islamic philosophy, jurisprudence, and contemporary Shi’a thought.
Etymology
- Mutahhari: Derived from the Arabic term مطهر, meaning “purified.”
- Murtaza: Derived from the Arabic term مرتضی, meaning “chosen” or “contented.”
Turkish: Murtaza Mutahhari (مرتضی مطهری)
Early Life and Education
Born in 1920 in Fariman, Iran, Mutahhari pursued advanced studies in Islamic jurisprudence, Usul al-Fiqh, and philosophy in the esteemed seminary of Qom. It was there he became a disciple of Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai (d. 1981), renowned for his exegesis, and Ayatollah Khomeini, prominent in political and religious teachings.
Academic and Scholarly Contributions
Tehran University
In 1954, Mutahhari began teaching philosophy and Islamic studies at Tehran University, continuing his academic and intellectual endeavors while engaging with diverse circles of students and intellectuals.
Philosophical and Theological Works
Mutahhari wrote extensively against materialism and cultural decline, and carried out a methodical refutation of Western ideologies perceived incompatible with Islamic values. He is also known for his progressive stances on women’s rights within the framework of Shi’a Islam.
Role in the Islamic Revolution
Revolutionary Council
Ayatollah Khomeini appointed Mutahhari as a member of his Revolutionary Council, which served as an interim legislative body after the 1979 revolution. Mutahhari’s role was pivotal during this transformative period in Iranian history.
Assassination
In May 1979, Murtaza Mutahhari was assassinated by members of Furqan, a radical group that promoted an anti-clerical interpretation of Shi’a Islam. They viewed him as a formidable ideological adversary due to his scholarly defense of traditional Islamic values against their secular and materialist perspectives.
Legacy
Mutahhari’s legacy is preserved in his prolific writings and scholarly works. His books remain a substantial resource for understanding contemporary Islamic thought and the ideological underpinnings of the Iranian Revolution.
Notable Works:
- “Principles of Philosophy and the Method of Realism” (اصول فلسفه و روش رئالیسم)
- “Islamic Modest Dress” (مسئلە حجاب)
- “Man and Universe” (انسان و جهانبینی)
Further Reading
To delve deeper into the life and contributions of Murtaza Mutahhari, you may explore:
- “Islamic Revolution in Iran” by Murtaza Mutahhari
- “From Darkness Toward Light” by Ayatollah Murtaza Mutahhari
- “Understanding Islamic Philosophy: The Metaphysical Quest in Mulla Sadra and Classical Philosophers” by Oliver Leaman
Takeaways and Conclusion
Murtaza Mutahhari was a vital intellectual force in modern Shi’a Islam, and his works continue to influence contemporary Islamic thought and philosophy. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing both theological and socio-political issues mark him as a significant figure in the annals of Islamic scholarship.
