Shariat Madari, Ayatollah Muhammad Kazim
Introduction
Ayatollah Muhammad Kazim Shariat Madari (d. 1986) was a prominent Iranian legal scholar with substantial influence in Islamic jurisprudence and politics in 20th century Iran. Known for his intellectual rigor and political involvement, his life and legacy continue to echo in contemporary discussions of Shia Islamic thought.
Early Life and Education
Shariat Madari was born in Tabriz, Iran, and received early education locally before traveling to Qom for advanced studies in Islamic jurisprudence. In Qom, his principal mentor was `Abd al-Karim Haeri Yazdi (d. 1937), the founder of the modern seminary there. He furthered his education in Najaf, Iraq, where he studied under leading scholars like Muhammad Husayn Naini (d. 1936), Abu al-Hasan Isfahani (d. 1946), and Diya al-Din Iraqi (d. 1942).
Academic and Political Career
Upon returning to Tabriz, Shariat Madari began his teaching career, which he continued until 1949. He then relocated back to Qom to teach fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). His reputation grew, and he eventually assumed a pivotal role in academic and political circles.
In 1963, Shariat Madari notably interceded with the Shah to spare Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s life. By the 1970s, his prominence had increased to the point where the Shah sought to ensure Shariat Madari’s elevation to the position of marja al-taqlid (a source of emulation in Shia Islam).
Establishment of the Dar al-Tabligh-i Islami
In the early 1970s, Shariat Madari founded the Dar al-Tabligh-i Islami in Qom, an institution dedicated to tabligh (Islamic proselytizing and education). This establishment became a focal point for broadcasting Islamic teachings and countering ideological influences not aligned with Shariat Madari’s vision.
Political Views and Conflict
Shariat Madari advocated for a constitutional monarchy, a stance that set him at odds with Ayatollah Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic Republic. He sponsored the Muslim People’s Party to oppose the Khomeini-influenced Islamic Republican Party. Shariat Madari opposed Khomeini’s doctrine of vilayat-i faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), conflict that culminated in his accusation of treason in an assassination plot against Khomeini in 1982. Consequently, he was defrocked by the regime and spent his remaining years under house arrest in Qom and Tehran.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name “Shariat Madari” is derived from two words in Arabic and Persian:
- Shariat: Translates to “Islamic law” or “religious court”.
- Madari: It typically means pertaining to guardianship or authority.
- Arabic: شريعة مداري
- Turkish: Şeriat Madari
Suggested Books for Further Studies
To dive deeper into the life and influence of Ayatollah Muhammad Kazim Shariat Madari, consider these titles:
- “Shia Islam: Orthodoxy and Contemporaneity” by Heinrich Matthee
- “The Sharia State: Sunni and Shia Rival Theocracies” edited by Amidu Olalekan Sanni
- “A History of Modern Iran” by Ervand Abrahamian
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ayatollah Muhammad Kazim Shariat Madari’s legacy is marked by his steadfast commitment to Islamic education and political moderation. His life provides insights and lessons regarding the complexities of religious authority, political intersection with religious roles, and the intellectual debates that shaped modern Iran.
In conclusion, Shariat Madari’s work goes beyond academia by also painting a vivid picture of Iran’s socio-political landscape during a turbulent time—shedding light on the nuanced relationship between politics and religious jurisprudence.
