Muhammad Rida Mamaqani
Mohammad Reza Mamaqani (Arabic: محمد رضا مامقانی)-Muḥammad Riḍā Māmaqānī (born 1373 AH in Najaf) is an Iranian researcher, scholar, and seminary-trained author. He is the son of Ayatollah Shaykh Muḥyī al-Dīn Māmaqānī and the grandson of the renowned Shiʿi scholar specializing in the critical study of hadith transmitters (ʿilm al-rijāl), Ayatollah Shaykh ʿAbd Allāh Māmaqānī, the author of Tanqīḥ al-Maqāl. His academic and research activities are primarily focused on the critical editing of classical texts, the critical study of hadith transmitters (ʿilm al-rijāl), hadith methodology (dirāya), and the history of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Birth and Family
Muḥammad Riḍā Māmaqānī (born 1373 AH in Najaf) is an Iranian researcher, scholar, and seminary-trained author. He is the son of Ayatollah Shaykh Muḥyī al-Dīn Māmaqānī and the grandson of the renowned Shiʿi scholar specializing in the critical study of hadith transmitters (ʿilm al-rijāl), Ayatollah Shaykh ʿAbd Allāh Māmaqānī, the author of Tanqīḥ al-Maqāl. His academic and research activities are primarily focused on the critical editing of classical texts, the critical study of hadith transmitters (ʿilm al-rijāl), hadith methodology (dirāya), and the history of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Education
He spent his childhood and adolescence in Najaf, where he began his preliminary seminary studies. In 1391 AH (1350 SH / 1971 CE), he moved to Iran with his family and settled in Qom.
In Qom, he studied under several prominent seminary teachers, including:
- Mirza Javad Tabrizi
- Mirza Kazem Tabrizi Qarubi
- Hossein Vahid Khorasani
- Morteza Motahhari (he also attended his classes in Tehran)
Alongside his studies, he began teaching various levels of seminary studies, as well as the critical study of hadith transmitters (ʿilm al-rijāl) and hadith methodology (dirāya), and trained a number of students.
Research Activities and Works
Muḥammad Riḍā Māmaqānī is a prolific contemporary scholar. His works primarily fall into two areas: authorship and research, including the critical editing and revival of classical texts. To date, he has published nearly eighty books and scholarly treatises, some of which have been published under pseudonyms. Some sources attribute his use of pseudonyms to humility or particular circumstances of the time.
Authored Works
| Row | Title of Book | Subject | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Masrad Tanqih al-Maqal fi Ilm al-Rijal | Commentary and annotation on Tanqih al-Maqal | Al al-Bayt Institute for the Revival of Heritage |
| 2 | Ilm al-Nasab | Genealogy and its importance | Mawlud Ka'ba |
| 3 | Miqbas al-Hidayah fi Ilm al-Dirayah | Dirayat al-Hadith | Al al-Bayt Institute for the Revival of Heritage |
| 4 | Al-Kuna wa al-Alqab al-Lati Yu'abbaru Biha fi al-Akhbar an al-Rasul wa al-A'immah al-Athar | Kunya and titles in narrations | Mawlud Ka'ba |
| 5 | Mu'jam al-Rumuz wa al-Isharat | Dictionary of symbols and signs in Rijal and Hadith books | Mehr Printing House |
| 6 | Al-Mubahalah bi Riwayat Sahib al-Iqbal (Article) | Examination of the Hadith of Mubahalah | Journal of Hadith Sciences |
Research (Correction and Revival)
| Row | Title of Book | Subject / Type of Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanqih al-Maqal fi Ilm al-Rijal | Correction and research | Work by Allamah Abdullah Mamaqani, in collaboration with others |
| 2 | Makhzan al-Ma'ani fi Tarjamat al-Muhaqqiq al-Mamaqani | Biography and life account | About Sheikh Abdullah Mamaqani |
| 3 | Aqilat al-Wahyi | Character study | About Lady Fatimah Zahra (s) |
| 4 | Al-Kalimah al-Gharra' fi Tafdil al-Zahra (s) | Treatise on virtue | About Lady Fatimah (s) |
| 5 | Mir'at al-Kamal li Man Rama Dark Masalih al-A'mal | Ethics and deeds | Edited by him |
| 6 | A Glance at the Article "Tanqih al-Maqal fi Qamus al-Rijal" | Supervision and oversight | — |
| 7 | Al-Mubahalah bi Riwayat Sahib al-Iqbal | Hadith research | About the Hadith of Mubahalah based on the narration of Sayyid ibn Tawus |
Academic Characteristics
Muḥammad Riḍā Māmaqānī is known for his meticulous attention to manuscripts and source authentication in his research. Many of his works are devoted to reviving the works of the Māmaqānī family, which is considered an important step in preserving the family’s scholarly legacy. He has also participated in conferences and academic forums related to hadith and rijāl.
