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Crown Star Upon Baghdad's Horizon

Muhammad bin Nayman famous as Shaykh al­ Mufid (ra), and Ibni al-Moalim is a famous name among the professors of Sayyid Radi and other great Shi’i luminaries, who would· remain luminous forever in history. He was like a sun upon the Baghdad's horizon which was surrounded by countless numbers of stars; an exalted keen-sighted Jurisprudent whose thoughts, inferences, and interpretations regarding social and political matters have continuously been investigated by scholars and researchers of Islamic World throughout the past one thousand years.

His literary works relevant to Jurisprudence, Principles, Narration, Discourses, and Interpretations proves his comprehensive knowledge and mastery over the state of art of various disciplines.

Shaykh al-Mufid occupied the seat of Shi’i Marja at-taqlid 1 (source of religious guidance for forty years in his time and administered the religious learning centers. The movement of training the disciples, publications of religious books, and holding of educational seminar and conferences initiated by him was a renaissance and turning point in the Islamic History.

Shaykh al-Mufid was not only a celebrated unmatched personality in educational and cultural involvement but also, in his practical deeds was a perfect model. He was a devout scholar, a pious vigilant ascetic, and a learned Jurisprudent; and was famous for his humility in offering prayers and fasting, as well as his courtesy in acquiring knowledge. Because of his mastery over Jurisprudence and other religious sciences and his practical deeds, be succeeded in breathing a fresh spirit not only into the Shi'a but into the entire Islamic body.

The elderly personalities like Sayyid Radi, Sayyid Murtada, Shaykh Tusi, Hajjashi, Sallar, Kerajaki, and other pillars of religion- each one of them radiated like a moon upon the horizon of knowledge and wisdom - were the result of painstaking efforts and training of Shaykh al-Mufid (ra) After living a fruitful and blessed life for 76 years he expired in the year 413 A.H. His funeral ceremony was an unmatched historical event, which was attended by a crowd of more than eighty thousand people. He was buried inside the holy tomb of ninth Imam Muhammad al-Taqi2 (‘a)3

  • 1. Marja at-taqlid, a scholar of proven learning and piety whose authoritative rulings one follows in matters of religious practice.
  • 2. Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (A.S): was born in Medina on Friday 10th Rajab 195 A.H.
    The son of eighth Imam he was given the daughter of the Caliph al-Ma’mum in marriage and for a time was kept by the caliph of Baghdad. But he was able to return to Medina until the end of Al-Ma’mun’s reign. The new Caliph. Al-Mutasim, summoned him back to Baghdad where he died at the age of 25 in Kazimayn on Wednesday, 20th Dhi’l-qi’dah 220 A.H. poisoned by Mustasim. He is buried in Baghdad.
  • 3. Marateh al-Janan vol. 3, p. 28, quoted from Iranian Muslims in the beginning of Islam p. 271