Mortada Motahhari and Islamic Unity
Mortada Motahhari and Islamic Unity
Morteza Motahhari (also transliterated Mortada Motahhari; 1919–1979) was an Iranian Twelver Shia scholar, philosopher, theologian, and public intellectual whose works addressed Islamic philosophy, theology, ethics, and society. He is widely recognized for his advocacy of Islamic unity (wahdat-e eslami), emphasizing common foundations shared by Sunni and Shia Muslims and warning against sectarianism as a threat to the cohesion of the Muslim community (Ummah).[1]
Intellectual Background
Education and Scholarly Formation
Motahhari studied in the seminaries (Hawza) of Mashhad and Qom, where he was influenced by leading scholars such as Ruhollah Khomeini and Allameh Tabatabaei. His education combined traditional Islamic sciences with philosophy and engagement with modern intellectual challenges. This broad scholarly formation informed his inclusive outlook and his emphasis on addressing issues affecting Muslims collectively rather than through a sectarian lens.[2]
Role as a Public Intellectual
In addition to teaching in religious seminaries, Motahhari lectured at the University of Tehran and wrote extensively for a general audience. His public engagement aimed to present Islam as a unified moral and intellectual tradition capable of responding to modern social and ideological challenges, including materialism and colonialism.[3]
Concept of Islamic Unity
Motahhari consistently emphasized that Sunnis and Shias share essential beliefs, including faith in God (Tawhid), the prophethood of Muhammad, the authority of the Qur'an, and core ethical teachings. He argued that historical disagreements, particularly over leadership after the Prophet’s death, should not obscure these shared foundations or justify division within the Muslim community.[4]
Distinction Between Theology and Sectarianism
While firmly rooted in Shia theology, Motahhari drew a clear distinction between legitimate theological differences and sectarian antagonism. He criticized the politicization of sectarian identity and maintained that respectful scholarly disagreement was compatible with unity, whereas hostility and exclusion were not.[5]
Engagement with Sunni–Shia Relations
Critique of Extremism
Motahhari openly condemned extremist rhetoric that targeted other Muslim schools of thought. He warned that declaring other Muslims misguided or illegitimate undermined Islamic ethics and weakened resistance to external domination. His writings frequently called for mutual recognition among Islamic legal and theological traditions.[6]
Unity in Diversity
Motahhari viewed the diversity of Islamic schools as a historical and intellectual reality that could enrich Islamic civilization. He argued that Sunni and Shia jurisprudential traditions developed in different contexts but shared overarching moral objectives (Maqasid al-sharia). This perspective aligned with classical Islamic views on legal pluralism.[7]
Political and Social Thought
Opposition to Sectarian Politics
In the context of pre-revolutionary Iran, Motahhari stressed that political reform and social justice were concerns for all Muslims, not a single sect. He cautioned against movements that mobilized religious identity in exclusionary ways and emphasized ethical governance as a unifying Islamic principle.[8]
Influence on Post-Revolutionary Discourse
Following his assassination in 1979, Motahhari’s writings continued to influence debates on Islamic governance and unity. Although later political developments produced varying interpretations of his thought, scholars generally note that his original emphasis remained focused on intellectual dialogue, social justice, and inter-Muslim solidarity rather than sectarian dominance.[9]
Legacy
Motahhari is widely regarded as a leading modern Muslim thinker whose works are studied across the Islamic world. His advocacy of Islamic unity is frequently cited in contemporary discussions on Sunni–Shia relations and inter-Muslim dialogue. Academic assessments commonly describe his approach as grounded in firm theological commitment combined with an inclusive vision of the Muslim community.[10]
See also
References
- ↑ Hamid Algar, Religion and State in Iran, 1785–1906, University of California Press, 1969.
- ↑ Abdolkarim Soroush, Reason, Freedom, and Democracy in Islam, Oxford University Press, 2000.
- ↑ Roy Mottahedeh, The Mantle of the Prophet, Simon & Schuster, 1985.
- ↑ Morteza Motahhari, Islam and the Requirements of the Time, Sadra Publications.
- ↑ Farhad Daftary, A Short History of the Ismailis, Edinburgh University Press, 1998.
- ↑ Vali Nasr, Islamic Leviathan, Oxford University Press, 2001.
- ↑ Wael B. Hallaq, An Introduction to Islamic Law, Cambridge University Press, 2009.
- ↑ Ervand Abrahamian, Iran Between Two Revolutions, Princeton University Press, 1982.
- ↑ Ali Rahnema, An Islamic Utopian: A Political Biography of Ali Shari‘ati, I.B. Tauris, 2000.
- ↑ John L. Esposito, Islam: The Straight Path, Oxford University Press, 2011.