Mohammad Madani

Mohammad Madani, known as Naasher al-Islam Gonabadi, was among the pioneering scholars and standard-bearers of the struggle against deviant sects such as Baha'i, Sufism, and the innovations and deviations of claimants of false mysticism. He passed away in 1400 SH after years of scientific and propagational struggle in this field. Among his works, one can refer to the book Mizan al-Matalib, the book What Do the Mystic and Sufi Say?, and the book What Does the Baha'i Say?.

Biography

Mohammad Madani, known as Naasher al-Islam Gonabadi, was born in 1310 SH in Khaybari Village, Gonabad County.

Education

After completing his elementary education, he engaged in the study of Arabic sciences under his father, Hujjat al-Islam Haj Sheikh Dhibhullah Madani. In 1324 SH, he went to the Mashhad Hawza for further studies. He studied the books of Suyuti, Mughni, and Mutawwal under Adib Nishaburi, Lam'ah under Haj Mirza Ahmad Yazdi, and Makasib al-Masa'il under Ayatollah Haj Sheikh Hashem Qazvini. He also learned the Ilahiyat of Hajji Sabzawari's Manzumah under Javad Aqa Tehrani. After benefiting from the scholars of Mashhad, he went to Najaf for further studies and there attended the lessons of Usul of Sayyid Abu al-Qasim Khoei, and the lessons of Fiqh of Sayyid Mahmud Shahroudi and Ayatollah Bojnordi at the Hawza of Najaf.

Works

• Mizan al-Matalib;
• What Do the Mystic and Sufi Say?;
• What Does the Baha'i Say?.

Start of Struggle Against Gonabadi Sufis

Sheikh Mohammad Madani, after residing for several years in Najaf, returned to Gonabad in the summer of 1337 SH and settled in Khaybari Village. On 7 Muharram, upon observing an innovation whereby Husayni mourning processions would go on foot to the grave of Mulla Sultan, he entered into negotiations with the elders of the village to prevent such innovation. After becoming disappointed with the village elders, he turned to the people and on the night of 7 Muharram in the Jame Mosque, between two prayers, gave an impassioned speech on this matter. The people cried out and expressed that they were being forced to go to Mulla Sultan's grave. After this speech, the Husayni processions no longer went to the shrine of the Qutb of the Dervishes. For this reason, the leaders of the Bidokht Khanaqah appeared on the scene by order of Qutb Hasan and began to file cases against him, leading to his exile and imprisonment. This matter marked the beginning of Sheikh Mohammad Madani's struggles against the deviant sect of Gonabadi Dervishes.

Permission Letter from Imam Khomeini on Hasbiyah and Sharia Affairs

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful 26 Dhu al-Qi'dah Year 1407 SH. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and his pure progeny, and the curse of Allah be upon all their enemies. And thereafter, His Honor Hujjat al-Islam Mr. Haj Sheikh Mohammad Madani Gonabadi, may his successes endure, is authorized by this humble servant to undertake Hasbiyah affairs and collect Sharia funds, and spend expiations and grievances of servants and Zakats in prescribed Sharia expenditures. Regarding the two blessed shares, he is also authorized to collect and spend the blessed share of the Imam (peace be upon him) for his own expenditures in a moderate manner, and one-third of the surplus of his expenses, and half of the share of the Sadat, he is authorized to spend in prescribed cases locally, and send the remainder to this humble servant for spending in elevating the good word of Islam. And I advise, may God aid him, to adhere to what the pious predecessors advised regarding adherence to piety and avoidance of desire and holding fast to its handle of precaution in affairs of religion and world; and peace be upon him and upon our believing brothers and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Ruhollah al-Musawi al-Khomeini.

Death

Finally, Sheikh Mohammad Madani passed away in Gonabad at the age of 90 on 12 Dey 1400 SH, after years of scientific and propagational struggle.

Reactions

Deputy of Propagation of Hawzas of the Country

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL

Template:متن قرآن

«إِذَا مَاتَ الْعَالِمُ ثُلِمَ فِی الْإِسْلَامِ ثُلْمَةٌ لَا یَسُدُّهَا شَیْءٌ إِلَی یَوْمِ الْقِیَامَةِ»

We offer condolences and sympathies for the death of the mujahid scholar, guardian of the sanctity of the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Mr. Haj Sheikh Mohammad Madani (Naasher al-Islam Gonabadi), may Allah have mercy on him, to the presence of Hazrat Wali al-Asr, Imam al-Zaman (may Allah hasten his noble reappearance), and the honorable people of Gonabad, and especially the respected family of the deceased. We ask from the Almighty God, exaltation of degrees and gathering with the divine saints for him. Deputy of Propagation and Cultural Affairs of the Hawzas.

See also

• Sufism
• Baha'i Faith
• Mashhad
• Hawza of Najaf
• Sayyid Abu al-Qasim Khoei

References

• A Brief Look at the Life of Naasher al-Islam Gonabadi, Website of the Comprehensive Foundation of Sects, Religions, and Denominations, Date of publication: 1 Ordibehesht 1392 SH, Date of access: 30 Dey 1404 SH.

• Permission Letter to Mr. Mohammad Madani Gonabadi, in Hasbiyah and Sharia Affairs, Website of Imam Khomeini Portal, Date of publication: N/A, Date of access: 30 Dey 1404 SH.

• Condolences of the Deputy of Propagation of Hawzas of the Country to the People of Gonabad, Website of Hawza News Agency, Date of publication: 12 Dey 1400 SH, Date of access: 30 Dey 1404 SH.