Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi

Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi, also known as Majlesi Al-Thani, was a prominent Iranian scholar of Twelver Shi'a Islam during the Safavid dynasty, born around 1627. He is widely regarded as one of the most impactful Shi'a religious figures, significantly influencing the development of Shi'ism from his time onward. His father, Mulla Mohammad Taqi Majlesi, was also a cleric. Majlesi's lineage traces back to scholars who propagated Shi'a Hadith in Isfahan. He received extensive education, reportedly studying under 21 masters and certifying 181 students.

In 1687, he was appointed as the Chief Religious Leader in Isfahan by the Safavid emperor Soltan Hoseyn. In this capacity, Majlesi actively worked to suppress Sufism and philosophical rationalism, which he deemed contrary to Islamic principles, as well as Sunnism and other religious groups. His influence marked a turning point, leading to the separation of Sufism from mainstream Shi'ism and a diminished role for philosophy in religious education. He also re-emphasized clerical authority and promoted Shi'a rituals and practices.

As Chief Religious Leader, Majlesi focused on reshaping Twelver Shi'ism. He actively worked to suppress Sufism and philosophical interpretations of Islam, viewing them as deviating from true Islamic teachings. He also sought to counter the influence of Sunnism and other religious minorities. His efforts led to a significant shift, where Sufism became increasingly disconnected from the mainstream Shi'a tradition, and philosophical studies were de-emphasized in religious colleges. Majlesi also reinforced clerical authority and promoted the adoption of Shi'a Islam among the populace. He championed the principles of enjoining good and forbidding evil, issuing extensive rulings covering a wide array of daily life scenarios, from personal hygiene to social interactions.

Majlesi held a restrictive view on the definition of 'science,' limiting it primarily to the understanding of clear religious texts, divine obligations, and authentic prophetic traditions (Hadith). He cautioned against pursuing knowledge beyond these boundaries, considering it a potential waste of time and a risk that could lead to apostasy and heresy, thereby jeopardizing one's salvation. This perspective placed him in opposition to mystical philosophical schools, such as those developed by Mir Damad and Mulla Sadra, who advocated for the continuous reinterpretation of the Quran and valued intuitive and ecstatic experiences alongside reason.

Allamah al-Majlisi was a prolific writer, authoring over 100 works in both Arabic and Persian, with a particular focus on Hadith. He aimed to present complex religious doctrines in an accessible style for the general public. His writings were instrumental in popularizing Shi'a teachings and practices. Among his most significant contributions is the monumental 'Bihar al-Anwar,' a comprehensive collection of traditions spanning 110 volumes. Other notable works include 'Reality of Certainty,' a 26-volume commentary titled 'Mirror of Intellects,' and 'Shelter of the Upright People,' a 16-volume commentary, alongside numerous other theological and practical guides.

“one of the most powerful and influential Shi'a Ulama of all time”

“policies and actions reoriented Twelver Shi'ism in the direction that it was to develop from his day on”

“The three inter-related areas in which Majlisi exerted his efforts were the suppression of Sufism, philosophic views known as falsafah, which he claimed were contrary to Islam, and the suppression of Sunnism and other religious groups.”

“Up to the time of Majlisi, Shiism and Sufism were closely linked, and indeed Sufism had been a vehicle for pro-Shia sentiment among the Sunnis. Even the most eminent members of the Shi'i ulama in the preceding centuries had come under the influence of Sufiism.”

“this process continued among the succeeding generations of ulama”