The Morteza Motahhari biography is not just a record of a scholar’s life—it is a window into the mind of one of the most profound philosophers, theologians, thinkers, and writers of the 20th century. As a philosopher, cleric, and revolutionary intellectual, Morteza Motahhari left an indelible mark on the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His life represents a powerful blend of deep religious faith, philosophical insight, and ultimate sacrifice in the path of truth.
This article on the Morteza Motahhari biography explores the journey of a man who dedicated himself to reviving Islamic thought in modern times. From his early days in Fariman to his martyrdom in Tehran, Motahhari’s legacy continues to inspire scholars, students, and seekers of truth around the world. His commitment to harmonizing intellect and spirituality makes the Morteza Motahhari biography not only historically significant but also spiritually enriching and intellectually relevant today.
Early Life and Religious Roots
The Morteza Motahhari biography begins in the quiet town of Fariman, near Khorasan in northeastern Iran, where he was born in Jumada al-Awwal 13, 1338/February 3, 1920, into a devout and scholarly family[1]. His father, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Mutahhari, was a highly respected and well-known cleric of the locality[2]. He was known for his piety and commitment to Islamic education. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for Morteza Motahhari’s lifelong devotion to faith and knowledge.
From a young age, Morteza Motahhari showed a keen interest in religious studies. He began his studies at the Islamic seminary in Mashhad at the age of thirteen and, following four years of learning there, proceeded to enroll in the Islamic seminary of Qom, the heart of Islamic scholarship in Iran, where he would begin a transformative chapter of his life.
In Qom, Morteza Motahhari studied under some of the greatest minds of the era, including Allamah Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai and Imam Ruhollah Khomeini. He spent eight years attending the classes of Ayatollah Burujirdi and studied under Ayatollah Khomeini for twelve years[3].
He first became acquainted with Allamah Tabatabai in 1950 and engaged in formal studies under his guidance for three years. Their close relationship, however, endured until the end of Motahhari’s life.
These formative years not only shaped his religious understanding but also exposed him to the rich traditions of Islamic philosophy and rational theology. The Morteza Motahhari biography cannot be fully understood without appreciating the influence of these teachers and the scholastic atmosphere of Qom, which nurtured both his intellect and spirituality[4].
This foundational period of Motahhari’s life is crucial in the Morteza Motahhari biography, as it set the stage for his later emergence as a key figure in Islamic thought, education, and revolutionary activism.
Intellectual Journey and Philosophical Vision
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Morteza Motahhari biography is his intellectual evolution from a traditional student of Islamic sciences into a pioneering philosopher and modern Islamic thinker. While grounded in traditional teachings, Motahhari sought to interpret Islamic doctrines in ways that addressed the challenges of the modern world.
In Qom and later in Tehran, Morteza Motahhari immersed himself in advanced philosophical studies. Under the mentorship of Allamah Tabatabai, he became well-versed in metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. These studies equipped him with the tools to articulate Islamic truths using a logical and rational framework—an approach that became a hallmark of his intellectual legacy. As the Morteza Motahhari biography shows, his ability to bridge classical Islamic thought with contemporary issues was unparalleled among his peers.
Moreover, Motahhari did not isolate philosophy from real-world concerns. He believed that intellectuals had a duty to guide society. In this spirit, he began writing and lecturing extensively on topics such as social justice, Islamic economics, the role of women in Islam, and the critique of materialism and secularism. These contributions reflected his belief that Islam was a comprehensive system for both spiritual and societal development.
The Morteza Motahhari biography also highlights his fearless engagement with Western philosophical ideas—not to imitate them, but to confront and critique them from an Islamic perspective.
Ultimately, this part of his life shows that the Morteza Motahhari biography is about a scholar who not only protected Islamic traditions but also gave them new life through deep thinking and modern ideas.
Teaching, Writing, and Activism
A central theme in the Morteza Motahhari biography is his remarkable contribution as an educator, writer, and activist. After completing his studies, Motahhari dedicated much of his life to teaching both in religious seminaries and secular institutions.
In 1952, Motahhari relocated to Tehran, where he began teaching at Sepahsalar School (now known as Shahid Motahhari University) and Marvi School. Starting in 1955, he took on a teaching role at the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies at the University of Tehran[5].
During this period, Motahhari maintained a close connection with the group “Fada’iyan-i Islam,” often offering them guidance and counsel[6]. His role as a professor at the University of Tehran allowed him to reach a diverse audience, bridging the gap between traditional Islamic scholarship and modern academic discourse.
Alongside teaching, Motahhari was a prolific writer, and his works cover a wide range of topics including Islamic ethics, philosophy, jurisprudence, and political theory. His writings were not merely theoretical; they addressed pressing societal issues and aimed to revive Islamic values in a rapidly changing world.
Imam Khomeini strongly recommended all of Morteza Motahhari’s works without exception, and Ayatollah Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, described his writings as the ideological foundation of the Republic.
Beyond academia, Motahhari was deeply involved in political activism, especially in the years leading up to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. He worked closely with Imam Khomeini and other revolutionary leaders, helping to articulate the philosophical foundations of the movement. His activism was grounded in a vision of Islam as a force for justice and liberation, opposing tyranny and oppression.
On the 15th of Khordad 1342 (June 5, 1963), following the arrest of Imam Khomeini amidst widespread public protests against the Pahlavi regime, Motahhari was detained alongside other clerics. He was released after 43 days in prison[7]. In the aftermath of the 15th Khordad uprising, he began supporting the Jam’iyyat Mu’talifa Islami organization[8].
During the 1970s, following Imam Khomeini’s recommendation, he traveled to Qom twice a week to teach at the Islamic seminary there. At the same time, he maintained his educational sessions and classes in Tehran, often held at his home and other venues. Between 1972 and 1974, Motahhari delivered lectures at various religious centers in Tehran until 1975, when he was prohibited from continuing his public lectures[9].
The Morteza Motahhari biography shows he was not just a scholar, but someone deeply involved in guiding his country’s future. Through his teaching, writing, and activism, he became a key figure in Iran’s modern intellectual and political life.
Martyrdom of Morteza Motahhari
A defining moment in the Morteza Motahhari biography is his tragic martyrdom, which forever sealed his legacy as a symbol of sacrifice and steadfastness in the cause of Islam. On May 1, 1979, just months after the success of the Islamic Revolution, Morteza Motahhari was assassinated in Tehran by an extremist opposition group, the Furqan Group[10].
His death was a profound loss for the nascent Islamic Republic and the broader Muslim intellectual community. The Morteza Motahhari biography emphasizes that his martyrdom was not simply a political assassination but a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
The Morteza Motahhari biography illustrates how his death elevated him to this revered status. His martyrdom inspired generations to persevere in the face of adversity, strengthening the resolve of those who continued the struggle for an Islamic society based on justice and morality.
After the martyrdom of Morteza Motahhari, the day of his martyrdom 12th of Ordibehesht (the second month of the Solar Hijri calendar) was officially named “Teachers’ Day” in the calendar of the Islamic Republic of Iran[11]. Every year, Iranians celebrate “Teachers’ Day” during this week to honor his memory and the role of teachers in society.
Legacy and Influence Today
The enduring impact of Morteza Motahhari is a vital part of the Morteza Motahhari biography and speaks to his lasting influence on Islamic thought, education, and activism. Decades after his martyrdom, his ideas continue to inspire scholars, students, and activists around the world, particularly within Shi’a communities and the broader Muslim intellectual tradition.
Motahhari’s extensive writings, many of which are still widely studied today, serve as foundational texts in seminaries and universities. His approach to integrating philosophy, faith, and social justice remains relevant, offering a framework for addressing contemporary challenges faced by Muslim societies. The Morteza Motahhari biography reveals that his teachings encourage critical thinking and spiritual depth, urging believers to balance reason with devotion in their pursuit of knowledge.
Annual commemorations of his life and work, especially in Iran, highlight how deeply he is revered. These events bring together students, religious leaders, and ordinary people who reflect on his contributions and renew their commitment to his ideals. The Morteza Motahhari biography thus serves as a source of inspiration, reminding the community of the power of intellectual courage and moral integrity.
Beyond Iran, Morteza Motahhari’s influence has spread through translated works and lectures, impacting Islamic philosophy, ethics, and political thought globally. His vision for an Islamic society grounded in justice, knowledge, and faith continues to resonate, shaping dialogues on religion and modernity.
In essence, the Morteza Motahhari biography is not just a story of a remarkable individual, but a living legacy that challenges and motivates new generations to engage deeply with their faith and the world around them.
Conclusion
The Morteza Motahhari biography presents the life of a profound thinker, dedicated teacher, and unwavering servant of Islam. His journey from a humble beginning in Fariman to becoming one of the foremost Islamic philosophers and revolutionaries reflects a life shaped by deep faith, intellectual rigor, and courageous activism.
Throughout his life, Morteza Motahhari combined philosophy and spirituality in a way that addressed the pressing needs of his time. The Morteza Motahhari biography highlights his commitment to education, his influential writings, and his role in shaping the ideological foundations of the Islamic Revolution. His martyrdom further cemented his legacy as a symbol of sacrifice and devotion to truth.
Today, the Morteza Motahhari biography continues to inspire countless individuals across the globe, encouraging them to pursue knowledge with sincerity and to stand firm in their principles. His contributions remain a guiding light for those who seek to harmonize faith, reason, and social justice. Ultimately, Morteza Motahhari’s life and legacy stand as a powerful testament to the enduring impact one individual can have through philosophy, faith, and sacrifice.
Notes
[1] . Muṭahharī, Majmuʿa āthār, 1390, vol. 1, introduction, p. 9.
[2] . Gulī Zawārih, Qulla-yi pārsāyī, p. 108.
[3] . Waʿiz-zāda Khurāsānī, Sayrī dar zindī-yi ʿilmī wa inqilābī-yi ustād-i shahīd Murtaḍa Muṭahharī, p. 325; Muṭahharī, Majmuʿa āthār, 1390, vol. 1, p. 441.
[4] . Naṣrī, ʿAbd Allāh. Ḥāṣil-i ʿumr; Sayrī dar andīshahā-yi shahīd Muṭahharī. pp. 5–10.
[5] . Sayrī dar zindigānī-yi shahīd Muṭahharī, 1376 AH, p. 50-51.
[6] . Sayrī dar zindigānī-yi shahīd Muṭahharī, 1376 AH, p. 47.
[7] . Sayrī dar zindigānī-yi shahīd Muṭahharī, 1376 AH, p. 55.
[8] . Sayrī dar zindigānī-yi shahīd Muṭahharī, 1376 AH, p. 61.
[9] . Sayrī dar zindigānī-yi shahīd Muṭahharī, 1376 AH, p. 87.
[10] . Nikazmerad, Nicholas M. (1980). “A Chronological Survey of the Iranian Revolution”, pp. 327–368.
[11] . http://en.imam-khomeini.ir/en/key/Teacher-Day
References
Gulī Zawārih, Ghulāmriḍā (1386 Sh). Qulla-yi pārsāyī. Published in Muballighān Magazine, 1386 Sh, no. 92.
Naṣrī, ʿAbd Allāh (1386 Sh). Ḥāṣil-i ʿumr; Sayrī dar andīshahā-yi shahīd Muṭahharī. Tehran: Daftar-i Nashr-i Farhang-i Islāmī.
Nikazmerad, Nicholas M. (1980). “A Chronological Survey of the Iranian Revolution”. Iranian Studies. 13 (1/4): 327–368.
Ṣadrā Publications (n.d). Majmuʿa āthār-i ustād shahīd Murtadā Muṭahharī. Tehran: Ṣadrā Publications.
Ṣadrā Publications (1376 AH). Sayrī dar zindigānī-yi shahīd Muṭahharī. Tehran: Ṣadrā Publications.
Waʿiz-zāda Khurāsānī, Muḥammad (n.d). Sayrī dar zindī-yi ʿilmī wa inqilābī-yi ustād-i shahīd Murtaḍa Muṭahharī. [n.p].
Website Address: http://en.imam-khomeini.ir
