Luminary: Sheikh Mofid

Abu Abdullah Mohammad Ibn-e Nu’man, known as Sheikh Mofid, was one of the greatest scholars in theosophy.

Born in 915 in Jayl, near Baghdad, Iraq, he grew up under the care of his father who taught him the fundamentals of Arabic literature. Thereafter, accompanied by his father, he went to Baghdad to study.

He was taught by Abu Al-Qasim Ja’far Ibn-e Mohammad Ibn-e Qolavi Qomi and Sheikh Sadouq.

In his era, the Shiite Buwayhids were ruling Baghdad. For this reason, Sheikh Mofid taught and debated with opponents in Barasa Mosque, and managed to unite different branches of Shiite school. He encouraged different Islamic branches to put aside differences and be united.

Sheikh Mofid was a pivotal thinker who contributed to the development of Twelver Shiite theology by incorporating the modes of theological reasoning.

More than 200 writings have remained from the thinker. One of his valuable works is Al Amali. This is an important reference in the field of tradition (Hadith). It includes 387 traditions from the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and infallible members of his household on different subjects.

Avael ul Maqalat, An Explanation on Sadouq’s Beliefs, and Ojoobah ul Masael al-Sarviyeh were Sheikh Mofid’s writings in cultural fields.

Al Moqnaeh is one of his books dealing with theosophy and religious laws. His other writings in the field of theosophy are Al-Alam, and Al-Masel al Saghaniyeh.

Leading, Jamal, Amali, and Al Fosoul ul Mokhtareh are among his writings in the field of Imamate and political philosophy.

This great scholar and jurisprudent died at age of 75 in Baghdad.

He is buried at Imam Javad’s (AS) holy shrine in Kazemein.