Muhammad Rida Mamaqani
Mohammad Reza Mamaqani (Arabic: محمد رضا مامقانی)-(1953-2026) is an Iranian researcher, scholar, and seminary author. He is the son of Ayatollah Sheikh Muhyi al-Din Mamaqani and the grandson of the renowned Shia Rijal scholar, Ayatollah Sheikh Abdullah Mamaqani (author of Tanqih al-Maqal). His academic and research activities are primarily focused on the correction of ancient texts, Rijal studies, Diraya, and the history of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Birth and Family
Mohammad Reza Mamaqani was born in 1373 AH (corresponding to 1332 SH) in the holy city of Najaf. His father, Sheikh Muhyi al-Din Mamaqani, was among the scholars and jurists of Najaf, and his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah Mamaqani, is considered one of the most prominent Shia Rijal scholars of the 14th century AH. The Mamaqani family originally hails from Mamaqan (a district of Azerbaijan), but they resided in Najaf for several generations, engaging in academic and religious services.
Education
He spent his childhood and adolescence in Najaf and began his preliminary seminary studies there. In 1391 AH (1350 SH), he immigrated to Iran with his family and settled in Qom.
In Qom, he benefited from the tutelage of prominent masters, including:
- Mirza Javad Tabrizi
- Mirza Kazem Tabrizi Qarubi
- Hossein Vahid Khorasani
- Morteza Motahhari (he also attended his classes in Tehran)
Alongside his studies, he undertook teaching various levels of seminary courses, as well as Rijal and Diraya sciences, and trained several students.
Research Activities and Works
Mohammad Reza Mamaqani is a prolific contemporary scholar. His works primarily fall into two categories: authorship and research (correction and revival of ancient texts). He has published nearly eighty books and academic treatises to date, some of which have been published under pseudonyms. Some have attributed the use of pseudonyms to humility or specific temporal circumstances.
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
Mohammad Reza Mamaqani is known for his meticulousness in manuscriptology and source authentication in his research. Many of his works are dedicated to the revival of the Mamaqani family's legacy, which is considered a significant step in preserving their academic heritage. He has also participated in conferences and academic gatherings related to Hadith and Rijal.
