Mutahhari, Murtaza
Comprehensive Definition
Murtaza Mutahhari (Persian: مرتضی مطهری), a distinguished Iranian religious scholar born in 1919, significantly shaped modern Islamic thought and the intellectual foundation of the Iranian Revolution. Working closely with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he made substantial contributions to Islamic philosophy and jurisprudence.
Etymology & Background
- Name Analysis: Murtaza (مرتضى) means “chosen” or “selected,” while Mutahhari (مطهری) is a family name derived from an Arabic root that means “pure” or “purified.”
- Birth and Education: Born on January 31, 1919, in Fariman, Iran, Mutahhari pursued Islamic studies in Qom, where he developed close ties with notable scholars, including Ayatollah Khomeini and Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai.
- Academic Contributions: He began teaching at Tehran University in 1954, contributing to the academic community’s understanding of Islamic philosophy and jurisprudence.
Historical Facts & Dates
- Revolutionary Council Appointment: Appointed by Khomeini to the Revolutionary Council, the interim governing body after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
- Assassination: Tragically assassinated on May 1, 1979, by the Furqan group, which opposed clericalism and saw Mutahhari as a primary intellectual adversary.
- Literary Legacy: His extensive writings argue against materialism, societal decline, and for progressive views on women’s rights within an Islamic framework.
Cultural Differences and Synonyms
- Cultural Influence: In Iran, Mutahhari is remembered as a national hero and an intellectual beacon, while his work has resonance across the broader Islamic world.
- Synonyms and Related Terms:
- Shia Intellectual
- Islamic Philosopher
- Revolutionary Scholar
- Ethical Theorist
Related Terms
- Ayatollah Khomeini: Leader of the Iranian Revolution and mentor to Mutahhari.
- Shia Islam: The branch of Islam that Mutahhari followed and extensively wrote about.
- Qom: A significant center of Islamic learning in Iran where Mutahhari studied and later influenced.
- Jurist: Mutahhari’s extensive work in Islamic jurisprudence ties into his broader socio-political impact.
Exciting Facts
- Philosophical Contributions: Mutahhari’s works provide profound insights into Islamic philosophy, emphasizing the harmony between reason and faith.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: His teachings at Tehran University bridged traditional Islamic studies with contemporary issues appealing to academic and religious communities alike.
- Literary Works: Notable publications include “Introduction to Islamic Philosophy,” and “Woman and Her Rights,” highlighting his progressive approach to gender issues.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ayatollah Khomeini on Mutahhari: “Mutahhari was my beloved student, a spark in the struggle against tyranny, and a torchbearer of Islamic enlightenment.”
Suggested Literature and References
- “Fundamentals of Islamic Thought” by Murtaza Mutahhari
- “The Martyr: A Study of Martyrdom in Islam and Human Societies” edited by Professor Abul-Fazl Ezzati
- “Women and Her Rights” by Murtaza Mutahhari
- “Islam and the Modern Age: A Study of Islamic Revivalism” by Dr. Ali Shariati
Farewell Note
Reflecting on the life and contributions of Murtaza Mutahhari reminds us of the profound impact committed scholars can have in shaping societal paradigms and leading revolutions. His legacy continues to inspire new generations to bridge tradition with modernity thoughtfully.
### Murtaza Mutahhari is most closely associated with which significant Islamic figure?
- [x] Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
- [ ] Sayyid Qutb
- [ ] Mawlana Mawdudi
- [ ] Hasan al-Banna
> **Explanation:** Mutahhari was a close associate of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution and a primary figure in shaping modern Iran’s religious and political landscape.
### Which event marked the significant turning point for Mutahhari’s political involvement?
- [ ] The assassination of Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai
- [x] The 1979 Iranian Revolution
- [ ] The formation of the Muslim Brotherhood
- [ ] His enrollment at Tehran University
> **Explanation:** Mutahhari's political involvement peaked during the 1979 Iranian Revolution when he was appointed to the Revolutionary Council by Khomeini.
### How did Murtaza Mutahhari primarily contribute to Eastern thought?
- [ ] Teaching Western philosophy at Tehran University
- [ ] Leading armed revolts
- [x] Through his writings and teachings on Islamic philosophy and theology
- [ ] Expanding trade relations between Iran and the West
> **Explanation:** Mutahhari's contribution is chiefly recognized in his extensive philosophical writings and teaching that bridged traditional Islamic thought with contemporary issues.
### Murtaza Mutahhari’s assassination was carried out by which group?
- [ ] The Iranian Royal Guard
- [ ] The Muslim Brotherhood
- [ ] SAVAK
- [x] Furqan Group
> **Explanation:** The Furqan group, which promoted an anticlerical interpretation of Shia Islam, saw Mutahhari as its intellectual opponent and was responsible for his assassination in 1979.
### Where did Murtaza Mutahhari receive his religious education?
- [ ] Tehran University
- [ ] Cairo University
- [x] Qom
- [ ] Al-Azhar University
> **Explanation:** Murtaza Mutahhari pursued his religious education in Qom, a city that is a significant center of Islamic learning, where he also formed significant intellectual relationships.
### What theme is predominantly addressed in Mutahhari’s works?
- [ ] Advances in modern technology
- [ ] Agricultural reforms
- [x] Critiques of materialism and cultural decline
- [ ] Engineering marvels
> **Explanation:** His works predominantly address the philosophical refutation of materialism and cultural decline, alongside insightful discussions on women’s rights within Islam.
### In the context of historical scholarship, Mutahhari’s arguments support the harmony between which two concepts?
- [ ] Tradition and innovation
- [x] Reason and faith
- [ ] Commerce and spirituality
- [ ] Secularity and piety
> **Explanation:** Mutahhari’s contributions supported the harmony and coexistence of reason and faith, aligning traditional Islamic theology with rational discourse.
### What notable societal issue did Mutahhari address from an Islamic perspective?
- [ ] Global warming
- [x] Women's rights
- [ ] Space exploration
- [ ] Medieval warfare
> **Explanation:** One of Mutahhari’s notable contributions was his progressive stance on women’s rights, presenting arguments within an Islamic framework.
Published by: Sara Publishing House
Date: October 5, 2023
May the legacy of Murtaza Mutahhari inspire you to seek knowledge with both heart and mind, and foster wisdom that bridges tradition with modernity. 🌿
