Mohammed Kazem Yazdi

Mohammed Kazem Yazdi (1831-April 1919)^[1] was a prominent Shia Islamic scholar centered in Najaf, most famous for his anti-constitutionalist stand during the Iranian Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1911. He is said to have at first reflected the attitude of the "piously apolitical ulama" and refused to take a stand in favor of the Constitution despite insistent pressure by pro-Constitution talebs, but then opposed the Constitution siding with Sheikh Fazlollah Noori when Noori's son came to Najaf to enlist clerical support.

In the ensuing reaction against the politicized students in Najaf and the execution of Noori, Yazdi was supported by his Arab followers, the Ottoman governor, and the group known as the "Army of God" (jond Allah). His victory over the Constitutionalists and their clerical leader Mohammad-Kazem Khorasani was "complete," with Yazdi emerging as "the undisputed master of the Holy Cities." According to secular historian Ahmad Kasravi, several thousand would pray behind Yazdi at salat but only 30 or so prayed behind his rival Khorasani.^[2]

political activity

He was disagree with Akhund khorasni in terms of constitutionalism. He thought, in contrary to Akhund khorasani who allowed a pragmatic approach to constitutionalism, that usulism don’t allow to act freely in supporting constitutionalism.He thought that politics is beyond his expertise and therefore didn’t take part in politics.^[3] while akhund khorsani was an eminent marja in Najaf, many imitators prayed behind the kazem Tabataei and it shows that he was an eminent figure along with Akhund Khorasani in religious authority.^[4] in other words both Muhammad Kazem and Khorasani had constituted a great shia school in Najaf although they had different views in politics at the same time.^[5] when khorosani died Yazdi elected as superme Marja.Yazdi supported Fazlull Allah Nuri in terms of opposition to constitution in Iran.^[6]

Works

One of his important book is Orvat Al vosqa.This book which is in Arabic is to a collection of legal ruling issued in 1919.^[7]

See also

• Iranian Constitutional Revolution
• Mohammad-Kazem Khorasani

Sources

• The Turban for the Crown: The Islamic Revolution in Iran By Said Amir Arjomand
• Mottahedeh, Roy, The Mantle of the Prophet : Religion and Politics in Iran, One World, Oxford, 1985, 2000

References