๐ Mohammad Hosayn Borujerdi - Comprehensive Examination
Definition
Mohammad Hosayn Borujerdi (1875-1962), also spelled as Mohammad Hosayn Burujirdi, was a pivotal Iranian Twelver Shia cleric. Renowned for his quietist stance toward political entanglements, Borujerdi supported the Shah’s regime in the mid-20th century. He was actively involved in urging the Iranian monarchy to remove Bahais from governmental positions and seize their assets. Borujerdi was notably opposed to the 1963 Land Reform Bill which aimed to appropriate religious endowments. Additionally, he made significant scholarly contributions, particularly reinvigorating the independent investigation (ijtihad) of hadith and fostering stronger Sunni-Shia relations.
Etymology and Background
Etymology: “Borujerdi” is derived from the town of Borujerd in western Iran, indicating his place of origin.
Background: Born in 1875 in Borujerd, Lorestan, Iran, Borujerdi grew in a deeply religious environment, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the city of Qom, Iran’s theological heart. He became a marja-e taqlid (source of emulation) and held this esteemed position until his demise in 1962.
Historical Facts and Dates
- 1953: Emphasized a quietist approach when he supported the CIA-backed coup reinstating Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
- 1963: Opposed the White Revolution’s Land Reform, which sought to reduce clerical influence on landholdings.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Iranian Shiism: In the Iranian context, Borujerdi represented a conventional stance among some clerics who believed in religious activism without overt political engagement.
Sunni-Shia Relations: Unlike many of his peers, Borujerdi advocated for unity between Sunni and Shia Muslims, demonstrating a broader vision within the legacy of Shiism.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Iranian cleric, Marja-e Taqlid, Quietist Scholar
- Antonyms: Political Activist, Militant Cleric
- Related Terms:
- Ijtihad: Independent reasoning in the interpretation of Islamic Law.
- Marja-e Taqlid: A Grand Ayatollah regarded as a source of emulation in Shia Islam.
Exciting Facts
- Borujerdi played a crucial role in the establishment of Qom as a major center for Shia learning.
- He maintained correspondence with Sunni clerics to bridge gaps between the two Islamic sects.
Quotations from Notable Writers
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“Borujerdiโs political quietism was more a strategic stance given the tumultuous political landscape of mid-20th century Iran.” - Hakim Nasr
- “His approach to inclusive Islamic scholarship was revolutionary in bridging doctrinal gaps between Sunni and Shia traditions.” - Fatemeh Keshavarz
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- “Roots of the Islamic Revolution in Iran” by Hamid Algar
- “The Mantle of the Prophet” by Roy Mottahedeh
- “Contemporary Islamic Conversations” by SeYY Edison Kazemi
Inspirational Thought
“In the diversity of Islamic thought lies the strength of ummah; Borujerdi’s life encapsulates this harmonious principle beautifully.”
–Leila Shafaei
