Āyatûllāḥ Mûrtazā Mûtaḥḥārī: The Intellectual Architect of Modern Islamic Thought in Iran

Authors

  • Khalid Hussain Mir Department of Islamic Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir,185234, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5379-2748
  • Mohammad Rafique Anjum Chair Professor in Tribal Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kash-mir,185234, India
  • Huseyin Caksen Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Genetics and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, Koney, 42090, Turkey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69971/sl.1.1.2024.3

Keywords:

Islamic revolution, Islamic philosophy , modernity, political ideologies, educational system, Iranian society

Abstract

This research explores the life and contributions of Āyatûllāḥ Mûrtazā Mûtaḥḥārī, a pivotal figure in Iran's history and Islamic thought. As a distinguished cleric and philosopher, Mûtaḥḥārī, a key associate of Āyatûllāḥ Rūhûllāḥ Kḥomeīnī, played a crucial role in the intellectual renaissance that paved the way for the Islamic Revolution of 1979. By adeptly blending traditional Islamic teachings with contemporary philosophy, he significantly shaped Iran's sociopolitical landscape during this transformative period. This research provides a comprehensive biographical sketch of Mûtaḥḥārī, detailing his early life, education, and critical influences. It emphasizes his dynamic teaching career at the University of Tehran and explores the intellectual currents that informed his philosophical and theological contributions. Mûtaḥḥārī's innovative approach to reconciling Islam with modernity, integrating faith and reason, and critiquing Marxism is thoroughly examined, showcasing his impact on the intersection of religious and contemporary thought. Additionally, the research delves into Mûtaḥḥārī's political and social ideologies, particularly his role in the Islamic revolution, perspectives on Islamic democracy, and critique of materialistic ideologies. It highlights his enduring influence on post-revolutionary Iran, especially in shaping educational and political systems. In conclusion, Mûtaḥḥārī's legacy emerges as a guiding light in contemporary Islamic philosophy and Iranian society, fostering ongoing discussions about the role of religion in the modern world and inspiring scholars globally in the evolving dialogue between Islam and the complexities of the modern era.

Author Biographies

  • Khalid Hussain Mir, Department of Islamic Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir,185234, India

    Dr. Khalid Hussain Mir currently Chairman of Insight Knowledge Education Mission IKEM, a Senior Researcher of Islamic Studies at BGSB University, Writer, Author, Translator, and Columnist in J&K. He got his Ph.D. from the Department of Islamic Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, J&K, India on the theme "Muslim Modernist Thought with Special Reference to Dr. Fazlur Rahman".

    Dr. Khalid has co-authored and authored several books like ISLAMIC STUDIES [A Reference Book of Arab Culture & Islamic Studies], Islam in The Modern World: Thinkers, Trends & Movements, ISLAMIC STUDIES [A Concise Book of Islamic History and Legacy], The Affection for the Kinship of Muhammad [Pbuh] [Translation of 'Kitab ul-Mawdah fil-Qurba' By Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (RA)], Major Sufi Orders of Kashmir, The Gift of Love [Translation of 'Tuhfa-I Mahboobi' by Khawajah Ghulam Muhin-ud-Din], Five Great Auliyyauallah of Kashmir [Translation of 'Paanch Dr. Khalid Hussain Mir is currently serving as the Chairman of Insight Knowledge Education Mission (IKEM) and is a Senior Researcher of Islamic Studies at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri, J&K. He completed his Bachelor of Arts from Degree College Bemina, Srinagar, in 2012, followed by a B.Ed. in 2013 and a Master's degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Kashmir in 2016. In 2019, Dr. Khalid earned a Master's degree in Public Administration via Indira Gandhi National Open University. He received his Doctorate (PhD) from the Department of Islamic Studies at BGSBU in 2022.
    Dr. Khalid has compiled and translated several significant works, including, (1) ISLAMIC STUDIES [A Reference Book of Arab Culture & Islamic Studies, (2) Islam in the Modern World: Thinkers, Trends & Movements, (3) ISLAMIC STUDIES [A Concise Book of Islamic History and Legacy], (4) The Affection for the Kinship of Muhammad (Pbuh) [Trans.], (5) Major Sufi Orders of Kashmir, The Gift of Love, [Trans.], (6) Five Great Auliyyauallah of Kashmir", [Trans.], (7) Islam in The Modern World: Thinkers, Trends & Movements (Ed. 2nd), (8) MYSTICAL INSIGHTS [The Poetic Legacy of Pir Shams] [Trans.], (9) Rethinking Islam [Dr. Fazlur Rahman's Modernist Paradigm], (10) Indiscovery of the Muhammadian Conspiracy [Trans.].
    More than one dozen of his research articles has been published in renowned international newspapers, magazines, and journals, and he has presented his research at numerous national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
    In recognition of his scholarly contributions, Dr. Khalid was honored with the SAS Young Research Fellow Membership (SYRFM) by the Scholars Academic and Scientific Society (SAS Society) in June 2021 and Science Publishing Group USA in 2022. He was further awarded the Best Researchers Award 2022 by FoxClues India Prime for his outstanding research achievements. He serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for several national and international journals, including, Journal of Islamic Thought & Civilization (JITC), Al-Afkar Journal of Islamic Studies, International Journal of Education, Culture, and Society (IJECS). Additionally, Dr. Khalid is the Associate Editor of the Middle East Journal of Islamic Studies and Culture. For correspondence, he can be reached at khalid6484@bgsbu.ac.in. Besides his expertise in Islamic Studies, Dr. Khalid conducts research in Public Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights, and Peace Education, with his current focus on advancing the Integration, Assimilation, and Islamization of Knowledge in Modern Context.
    Daday Awliya' by Syed Atiqullah Bukhari]. His upcoming books are Rethinking Islam: The Modernist Approach of Dr. Fazlur Rahman, Rediscovering Fazlur Rahman (02 Vols.). His research articles and papers have been published in internationally reputed newspapers, Magazines, and Journals. He has presented his research papers at many National and International Seminars and Conferences. Apart from this, he is working as a reviewer of several National and International Journals like the International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), the International Journal of Education, Culture and Society (IJECS), Islamic Thought and Civilization Journal, and a member of the editorial board of Middle East Journal of Islamic Studies and Culture (Middle East J Islam Stud Cult), Kuwait. He was granted the SAS Young Research Fellow Membership (SYRFM) by the Scholars Academic and Scientific Society (SAS Society) in June 2021. He was also awarded the Best Researchers Award 2022 by FoxClues India Prime.

    Apart from this, he researches Public Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights, and Peace Education. His current project is 'Insight Knowledge Education Mission'.

  • Mohammad Rafique Anjum, Chair Professor in Tribal Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kash-mir,185234, India

    Chair Professor in Tribal Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir,185234, India

  • Huseyin Caksen, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Genetics and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, Koney, 42090, Turkey

    Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Genetics and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, Koney, 42090, Turkey, 

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2024-10-11

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)

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Āyatûllāḥ Mûrtazā Mûtaḥḥārī: The Intellectual Architect of Modern Islamic Thought in Iran. (2024). Social Lens, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.69971/sl.1.1.2024.3