Hairi Yazdi, Abd al-Karim: Shaping Shii Scholarship in Qom§
Definition and Meaning: Hairi Yazdi, Abd al-Karim (d. 1936), was a prominent Shii cleric pivotal in establishing Qom as a major center of Shii learning. He founded Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah Seminary and advocated the idea that followers could turn to multiple marja altaqlid for different aspects of Islamic law due to its immense complexity. His approach emphasized strict noninvolvement in political matters, maintaining a neutral stance toward the government. He also became the mentor of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Etymology and Background:
- Name Origins:
- Abd al-Karim: A traditional Arabic name meaning “Servant of the Generous.”
- Hairi: Derived from the Arabic “حَائِر”, often denoting one who resides or has fled to a holy sanctuary.
- Yazdi: Indicating his origin from Yazd province in central Iran.
Historical Facts and Dates:
- Born in 1859 in the village of Mehrjerd, Yazd province, Iran.
- Passed away on January 30, 1937.
- Relocated to Qom in 1921 at the invitation of the local Ulama.
Founding of Hawzah-yi Ilmiyah:
- The seminary in Qom was designed to be a hub for Shii religious education, mirroring the renowned centers in Najaf and Karbala.
Educational Philosophy:
- Advocated for a flexible and inclusive approach to Islamic jurisprudence where students could seek guidance from various marja due to the specialized nature of juristic issues.
Cultural Impact:
- Hairi Yazdi’s seminary attracted students from across the Shii Muslim world, forever positioning Qom as a critical hub in the Islamic scholarly community.
Synonyms:
- Shii Scholar, Islamic Jurist, Theological Mentor.
Antonyms:
- Political Activist (due to his stance on noninvolvement in politics).
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Marja Altaqlid: A high-ranking Shii cleric whom followers emulate in matters of religious practice and law.
- Hawzah: A seminary or institute of Islamic learning focusing on Shii jurisprudence.
Exciting Facts:
- Hairi Yazdi’s students included prominent figures like Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who later led the Iranian Revolution in 1979.
Quotations:
- “In the quest for true mastery over jurisprudence, one must recognize the necessity of diverse scholarly perspectives.” - adapted from Hairi Yazdi’s teachings.
References and Suggested Literature§
- Books:
- “The Shii World: The Global Dynamics of Shii Islamism and Sectarianism” edited by Lawrence G. Potter
- “The Formative Period of Twelver Shi’ism” by Andrew J. Newman
- Journal Articles:
- “Hawza ‘Ilmiyya Qom: Center of Shi’I learning” - Journal of Islamic Studies
- “Religious Thought in Modern Shii Islam” – Islamic Studies Review
- Further Studies:
- “Qom: The Holy City of Shia Islam” – A documentary
- “Ayatollah Khomeini and the Iranian Revolution” - An in-depth analysis of Khomeini’s influences and mentorship under Hairi Yazdi
✨ “The ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the martyr.” - A timeless reminder of the enduring value of knowledge and learning.
Published by Abbas Ardebili, October 3, 2023
