Martyr Murtadha Mutahhari: Philosopher and Ideologist of Iran's Islamic Revolution

 

Syahid Murtadha Mutahhari was a contemporary Shia philosopher, cleric and Sufi who was also one of the ideologues of Iran's Islamic revolution. Born on February 2, 1920 (1338 Hijriyah) in the village of Fariman near the holy city of Mashhad, Iran, he was raised in a religious environment. His father, Muhammad Husein Muthahhari, was a prominent cleric among Iran's Shia Muslims.

Mutahhari became a student of two great Shia figures, Allamah Tabaththba'i and Ayatullah Khomaeni, whose first teacher was his own father. At the age of 12, he began studying religious sciences at a scientific hawzah (Islamic boarding school) in Mashhad.

He showed great interest in philosophy, the treasures of the rational sciences, and irfan, and studied philosophy and other rational sciences from Mirza Mehdi Syahidi Razawi. After his teacher died, Mutahhari moved to the holy city of Qum to continue his studies in the scientific hawzah there.

At a relatively young age, Mutahhari was already teaching courses in logic, philosophy, jurisprudence and theology (kalam) at the theology faculty at Tehran University.

He even served as chairman of the philosophy department at the university. For Mutahhari, philosophy is a pattern of religiosity and a way to understand and formulate true Islam, not just a polemic or mere intellectual discipline.

Insan Kamil in the View of Murtadha Muthahhari

Mutahhari characterized the insan kamil or ideal human as an individual who has comprehensive knowledge of existence, which lies in reason. For the aqliyan, human body parts and spiritual or physical potentials are not part of the essential personality.

True human personality is the power of thinking and reasoning. Insan Kamil is a human whose reasoning ability has reached perfection, namely when he is able to uncover the secrets of existence and the universe.

Characteristics of Human Kamil according to Murtadha Muthahhari

Physically Healthy, Strong and Skilled:

Muslims need to have healthy and strong bodies to support the broadcasting, defense and enforcement of the Islamic religion. This is in accordance with Surah Al-Anfal: 60 which states that Muslims must prepare their strength to face the enemies of Allah. Skills are also needed in seeking sustenance for life.

Smart and Smart:

Intelligent is characterized by the ability to solve problems quickly and precisely, while intelligent is characterized by having a lot of knowledge. Surah Az-Zumar: 9 emphasizes the difference between people who know and those who don't, and only people with understanding can receive lessons.

 

High Quality Spiritual:

High quality spirituality is characterized by strong faith in God. A devout heart is a heart full of faith, which when prayer is performed fervently, the heart becomes calm when remembering Allah, and vibrates when Allah's name is mentioned.

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