Draft:Ahmad Moftizadeh

Ahmad Moftizadeh
Name	Ahmad Moftizadeh
Personal Details
Birth Place	Iran
Death Place	Iran
Religion	Islam
Works	Template:Horizontal list

Ahmad Moftizadeh was born in Bahman 1311 SH (January/February 1933) in the city of Sanandaj. He was a Muslim thinker and Islamic scholar from Iran who was active in Kurdistan Province. He is considered one of the prominent religious-political figures in Iran, having spent extended periods in prisons under both the Pahlavi dynasty and the Islamic Republic. One of his most notable demands was the amendment of the constitution and the revival of consultative governance (shura) in Islamic societies and within Iran. After realizing that non-Islamic groups had failed to honor their commitments and were exploiting the populace, he announced on 8/9/1357 SH (November 29, 1978) that he was separating his political struggle from them. His thoughts aligned with those of Sayyid Qutb, Abul Ala Maududi, and Ali Shariati.

One of his most notable demands was the amendment of the constitution and the revival of consultative governance (shura) in Islamic societies and within Iranian society.

Biography

Ahmad Moftizadeh was born in Bahman 1311 SH (January/February 1933) in Sanandaj, into a family known as the "Moftis." He was the son of Mahmoud Mofti, who was himself the son of the scholar Abdullah Dushehi, originally from the village of Dusheh in the Paveh county, later settling in Sanandaj. Ahmad Moftizadeh received his education in traditional schools in Kurdish regions of Iran and Iraq, including in the cities of Sanandaj, Marivan, Baneh, Sulaymaniyah, and others.

He was a member of the Democratic Party of Iran and was imprisoned in 1341 SH (1962/1963) for this reason. His charges in these two cases were summarized as follows:

• Leadership of the Democratic Party in the central branch (Tehran).
• Serving as the liaison between the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and Turkey.

While in prison, he concluded that faith is the only path to human salvation and the factor for redemption, and that the greatest pain of humanity in general is deviation from the Quran and the Sunnah. After being released from prison sometime later, he began his religious activities in 1342 SH (1963/1964) at the Sayyid Mustafa Mosque in Sanandaj.

In 1358 SH (1979/1980), he moved from Sanandaj to Kermanshah, and after some time, relocated to Tehran.

Thoughts

Individuals such as Sayyid Qutb, Abul Ala Maududi, and Ali Shariati were influential in shaping the trajectory of his thoughts. One of his distinctive approaches was the use of the Kurdish language and literature in composing poetry to impart religious ethical teachings to thousands of his followers and students. The period of struggle during the Iranian Revolution, aligning the Sunni population of Iran with the revolution—which he termed "Zood Ras" (quick-ripening) to traverse this passage—as well as the decade-long imprisonment, did not inflict any damage upon the structure of his intellectual framework. In recognizing and traversing his path, a council named the "Management of the Quranic School" operates on behalf of Muslims. This council discusses and implements, from his perspective, generalities concerning important creedal, intellectual, ethical, and practical issues, as well as clarifying the general principles of religious movement and the duties and matters pertaining to each stage.

Letter from Imam Khomeini to Him

Letter from Imam Khomeini to Ahmad Moftizadeh and the dispatch of Mr. Nouri to Kurdistan.

Date: 30 Bahman 1357 / 21 Rabi' al-Awwal 1399 AH

Location: Tehran, Alavi School

Subject: Dispatch of Mr. Nouri to Kurdistan

Recipient: Moftizadeh, Ahmad

In the Name of God, the Exalted

Esteemed scholar and courageous cleric, Mr. Ahmad Moftizadeh – May your blessings endure.

It is hereby conveyed that your continuous efforts and activities in the cause of Islamic struggle, and your endeavors in this path, have been consistently appreciated and thanked. It is hoped that you will always be successful and aided in fulfilling divine duties and advancing Islamic objectives. Herewith, Hujjat al-Islam Hajj Sheikh Hossein Nouri – May his blessings endure – who is among the respected instructors of the Holy Seminary, is dispatched by myself to that region. Should there be any matter, you may discuss it with him so that he may convey it to me. It is hoped that through the persistent efforts of the gentlemen, the government of the Islamic Republic will be established as soon as possible. And peace be upon you, and the mercy of God and His blessings.

Dated 21/1/99 (AH)

Ruhollah al-Musawi al-Khomeini

Works

• About Kurdistan.
• Islamic Government.
• Theology Pamphlet.
• Religion and Humanity.
• Innate Nature and Guidance.
• Islamic Unity.
• Attention to Consultation (Shura).
• Upbringing and Education.
• Collection of poems, articles, and scattered letters.
• Publication of the newspaper Kurdistan alongside Dr. Mohammad Sadiq Moftizadeh and writing numerous articles therein.

Death

Due to illness, he was hospitalized and underwent surgery at Asia Hospital in Tehran. He ultimately passed away on Tuesday, 20 Bahman 1371 SH (February 8, 1993). His body was transferred to his birthplace and buried there.

References

• See: Wikipedia; Entry for Ahmad Moftizadeh.