Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi, often referred to simply as Allamah al-Majlisi, is one of the most prominent and influential figures in Shia Islam. He is among the scholars who played a crucial role in shaping the religious, social, and intellectual landscape during the Safavid dynasty. His character, intellectual rigour, and theological perspectives were not only reflective of his own personal beliefs but also shaped by the dynamic and complex historical context in which he lived. Understanding the personality of Allamah al-Majlisi is essential for comprehending his influence and the legacy he left behind. Therefore, this study aims to examine the multifaceted personality of Allamah al-Majlisi, exploring how his personal traits, religious convictions, and social interactions contributed to his enduring impact and legacy in Shia Islam.
Birth and Early Life
Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi was born in 1037 AH/1627 CE in Isfahan[1], Persia, during the reign of the Safavid dynasty. He was born into a family deeply rooted in religious scholarship. His father, a prominent cleric and among the students of al-Shaykh al-Baha’i was Muhammad Taqi Majlisi. His mother was a daughter of Sadr al-Din Muhammad al-‘Ashuri al-Qummi who was in a family of knowledge and virtue[2].
Al-Majlisi showed remarkable intellectual promise from a young age, he was educated by his father[3]. In addition, he heard hadiths from many of the scholars of his time and received permission to narrate hadiths from those scholars such as Mulla Salih Mazandarani (d. 1081/1670-1), Mulla Muhsin Fayd Kashani (d. 1091/1680-1) and al-Shaykh al-Hurr al-‘Amili (d. 1104/1693)[4].
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to mention that several key figures played a significant role in shaping al-Majlisi’s intellectual and spiritual development. His father, Muhammad Taqi Majlisi, was his first and perhaps most influential mentor. From him, al-Majlisi inherited a deep commitment to Shia Islam and a rigorous approach to religious scholarship. Because Shaykh al-Baha’i was the teacher of his father, Muhammad Baqir and his father were therefore influenced by Shaykh al-Baha’i’s thoughts[5].
Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi had many students which according to some sources were more than 1000 people[6]. Some of his students became famous Shi’a scholars such as Mirza ‘Abd Allah Afandi Isfahani (d. 1130/1717-8), al-Sayyid Ni’mat Allah al-Jaza’iri (d. 1112/1701), al-Shaykh ‘Abd Allah al-Bahrani (d. 1127/1715), Muhammad b. Ali Ardabili (d. 1101/1689-90), and Sayyid Abu l-Qasim Khwansari (d. 1157/1744-5)[7].
Personal Traits and Characteristics
Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi’s influence as a scholar and religious leader was not only a product of his intellectual contributions but also a reflection of his distinctive personal traits and characteristics. These attributes shaped his interactions, decisions, and ultimately his legacy.
Piety and Devotion
One of the most prominent traits of Allamah al-Majlisi was his deep piety and devotion to Shia Islam. His piety was evident in his daily life, where he adhered strictly to religious observances, including prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship. His dedication to Islam was not limited to personal practices but extended to his efforts to promote and preserve Shia teachings through his scholarly work.
Humility
Despite his immense knowledge and scholarly achievements, al-Majlisi was known for his humility. He often approached his work and interactions with a sense of modesty, attributing his successes to divine guidance rather than personal merit. This humility made him approachable to students and colleagues, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
Scholarly Rigour
Al-Majlisi’s scholarly rigour was a defining characteristic of his intellectual pursuits. He was meticulous in his research, often cross-referencing multiple sources and critically analyzing the authenticity and reliability of hadith. His approach to scholarship was systematic and comprehensive, aiming to provide clear and detailed explanations of complex theological and legal issues.
Intellectual Contributions
Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi is renowned for his extensive and influential contributions to Shia Islamic scholarship. His works encompass a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting his profound intellectual rigour and dedication to the dissemination and preservation of Shia doctrines. The following are some of his major works which have significant impact on Shia theology and jurisprudence, and a lasting influence on Islamic scholarship:
- Bihar al-Anwar
Bihar al-Anwar (Seas of Light) is one of the significant works in Shia Islam, which is a collection of hadiths from Imams (PBUH). This encyclopedic collection of hadith (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams), compiled over several decades is made up of 110 volumes and encompasses a wide range of topics, including theology, history, ethics, and jurisprudence. Bihar al-Anwar aimed to gather and preserve the vast collection of Shia traditions, ensuring their accessibility for future generations[8]. The work is meticulously organized, with each volume dedicated to specific themes and subjects, making it an invaluable reference for scholars and students of Shia Islam.
- Mir’at al-Uqul
Mir’at al-Uqul (The Mirror of the Intellects) is another major work by al-Majlisi, serving as a comprehensive commentary on Al-Kafi, one of the four major collections of Shia hadith. In this multi-volume commentary, al-Majlisi provides detailed explanations and analyses of the hadith, contextualizing them within the broader framework of Shia theology and jurisprudence. Mir’at al-Uqul is highly regarded for its scholarly depth and clarity, reflecting al-Majlisi’s profound understanding of Shia traditions and his ability to elucidate complex theological concepts.
- Hilyat al-Muttaqin
Hilyat al-Muttaqin (The Ornament of the Pious) is a practical guide to Islamic ethics and manners, based on the teachings of the Prophet and the Imams. This work is written in Persian and covers various aspects of daily life, including personal hygiene, dress, social interactions, and worship, offering guidance on how to lead a pious and virtuous life in accordance with Shia principles. According to the author’s introduction, this work was written in response to a group of believers who asked him for a Persian treatise on Islamic manners and virtues extracted from the hadith of the Ahl al-Bayt[9] (a). Some other works of Allama al-Majlisi are Sharh chehel hadith, al-Fawa’id al-tarifa fi sharh al-Sahifa (which is a commentary on al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya), Risala i’tiqadat, Risala awzan and al-Wajiza fi al-rijal[10].
Meanwhile, apart from the major works of al-Majlisi, he also contributed immensely to Shia theology and jurisprudence. In the realm of theology, al-Majlisi addressed key doctrinal issues such as the nature of God, the attributes of the Imams, the concept of divine justice, and eschatology (beliefs about the afterlife). His writings often emphasized the centrality of the Imams as the divinely appointed guides and interpreters of Islamic teachings. Al-Majlisi also engaged in contemporary philosophical and theological debates, critiquing certain mystical and philosophical trends that he believed diverged from orthodox Shia teachings.
Similarly, Al-Majlisi’s contributions to jurisprudence (fiqh) are equally significant. His works provide detailed discussions of various aspects of Islamic law, including rituals, family law, criminal law, and commercial transactions. He sought to clarify and elucidate the legal principles and rulings derived from the hadith and the teachings of the Imams, ensuring their correct application in the lives of the Shia community. His legal writings reflect a deep commitment to upholding the Shia legal tradition while addressing the practical needs and concerns of his time.
Legacy and Influence
Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi’s legacy and influence extend far beyond his lifetime, deeply impacting Shia Islamic scholarship, religious practice, and the socio-political landscape of Persia and the broader Shia world. His comprehensive works, religious reforms, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the development of Shia Islam.
The most prominent aspect of al-Majlisi’s legacy is his scholarly contributions, particularly his encyclopedic work, Bihar al-Anwar (Seas of Light). This monumental compilation of hadith remains a cornerstone of Shia scholarship, providing a vast repository of religious knowledge and serving as an indispensable reference for scholars and students. Aqa Buzurg Tihrani says: “Bihar al-anwar is a comprehensive book which contains the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (a); accurate researches, better than which cannot be found and it must be said that similar to this book has neither been written in the past nor would ever be written in the future[11].”
Al-Majlisi’s systematic approach to compiling and interpreting hadith has had a profound impact on Shia theology and jurisprudence. His efforts to clarify and codify Shia beliefs and practices have provided a solid framework for subsequent scholars to build upon. His emphasis on the authority of the Imams, the importance of ethical conduct, and the need to adhere to authentic Shia teachings have become central tenets of Twelver Shia doctrine.
Through his writings and teachings, al-Majlisi helped to standardize and disseminate Shia jurisprudence, ensuring its consistency and coherence across different regions. His works continue to inform contemporary discussions on Islamic law and ethics, reflecting his lasting influence on Shia legal thought.
In contemporary times, al-Majlisi’s works and ideas remain highly relevant, offering valuable insights into the interpretation of Islamic teachings and the application of Shia jurisprudence. His emphasis on the importance of ethical conduct, social justice, and the authority of the Imams resonates with modern-day challenges and debates within the Shia community. Scholars and religious leaders continue to draw upon his writings to address contemporary issues, ensuring that his legacy remains vibrant and impactful.
Conclusion
Allamah Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi was among the most famous Shi’a scholars in jurisprudence and hadith, whose life and works have left an indelible mark on the religious, intellectual, and socio-political fabric of his time and beyond. Through his extensive scholarly contributions, al-Majlisi not only preserved and systematized a vast collection of Shia hadith but also provided a comprehensive theological and jurisprudential framework that continues to guide Shia thought and practice. His personality was characterized by a blend of piety, humility, leadership and scholarly rigour. These traits not only shaped his scholarly and religious endeavours but also contributed to his lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in Shia Islam. Understanding these personal characteristics provides a deeper appreciation of al-Majlisi’s contributions and the enduring respect and admiration he commands within the Shia community.
References
[1] . Amīn, Aʿyān al-Shīʿa, Dar al-Taʿāruf, vol. 9, p. 182. Mudarris Tabrīzī, Rayḥānat al-adab, 1369 Sh, vol. 5, p. 196.
[2] . Tihrānī, Aghā Buzurg, Al-Dharīʿa, vol. 1, p. 151. Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 102, p. 105.
[3] . Mahdavi, Seyyed Moslehuddin, Zindiqināmeh Allameh Majlisi, vol.1, p.55.
[4] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir, Biḥār al-anwār, 1403 AH, vol. 102, p. 76-83.
[5] . Ṭārumī, Ḥasan, ʿAllāma Majlisī, p. 14.
[6] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir, Biḥār al-anwār, 1403 AH, vol. 102, p. 13.
[7] . Subhani, Ja’far, Mawsu’at Ṭabaqāt al-Fuqaha, vol. 12, p. 352.
[8] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 1, p. 2.
[9] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir, Hilyat al-muttaqin, vol. 1, p. 2.
[10] . Balāghī, Sayyid ʿAbd al-Ḥujjat, Sharḥ-i aḥwāl-i ʿAllāma Majlisī, p. 35.
[11] . Tihrānī, Aghā Buzurg, Al-Dharīʿa, vol. 3, p. 16.