# Muhammad Baqir Sharif Tabatabae

Mirza Muhammad Bagher Sharif Tabatabaei (Persian: محمد باقر شریف طباطبایی; 1823–1901) was an Iranian Islamic scholar.
He studied Islamic disciplines under the guidance of his father, as well as scholars such as ‘Allama Bahr al-‘Ulum, Shaykh Ja’far Kashif al-Ghita’, Agha Muhammad Bagher Hizarjaribi, and Mir ‘Abd al-Baghi Isfahani in Karbala.

## Biography

Mirza Muhammad Baqir was born in the village of Qehi near Isfahan. His father, Mulla Muhammad Jafar was an admirer of Shaykh Ahmad Ahsaei Ala Maqami. After learning the basics from his father, Baqir travelled to Isfahan to continue his education, residing at the Nimavar School where he studied different sciences for several years. Following the Wahhabi attack on Karbala, he relocated to Iran, initially staying briefly at the residence of his uncle, Aqa Muhammad ‘Ali Kirmanshahi, before enrolling at the Islamic seminary of Isfahan. He spent 13 years teaching and writing in Isfahan, during which he authored his most well-known work, Mafatih al-usul.. In 1845, Baqir met one of the admirers of Haj Muhammad Karim Kermani, (who was also known as “Badr”). Since Kermani would pass through Yazd while on a pilgrimage to Imam Reza's shrine in Mashhad, Baqir travelled to Yazd in the hope of meeting him. Since the path was dangerous, and Kermani had to return to Kerman, Baqir accompanied him to Kerman, where he stayed, residing at the Ibrahimieh School, studying Islamic theology.
Kermani gave Baqir assignment to the city of Naein to preach. He spent some years there preaching and proselytizing. Baqir quickly gained the attention and respect of the Shaykhism members of Nain, Anarak, Jandaq, Biabanak and the surrounding cities. When he finished his stay in Nairn, he returned to Kerman, where he remained until Kermani left for a pilgrimage to Karbala in 1866. When they arrived in Hamedan, they found a great number of Sheikhieh adherents, but also a lack of strong leaders due to the demise of Mullah Abdulsamad Hamedani. Kermani appointed Baqir as a leader in his absence, and continued his pilgrimage to Karbala.
Baqir remained in Hamedan for 32 years, preaching, proselytizing and teaching Islamic principles. He was a strong leader and protector for the Sheikhieh members after the demise of his mentor Kermani. In Eid al-Fitr 1897, when the riots of Hamedan occurred, Baqir left Hamedan, migrating to Jandaq village where he stayed for the rest of his life.
Mirza Muhammad Baqir died on 5 November 1901 at the age of 78. After Maqrib and Ishas prayer he was buried in the same village, but after two years, his body was moved to Mashhad, to be laid to rest in Imam Reza's shrine, next to his Imam. He left more than 190 manuscripts and almost 2000 sermons and teachings.
Mohammad Ibrahim, the third son of Mohammad Baqir Sabzavari, migrated to Qehi village for some reasons during the Safavid period (probably during the Afghan sedition, during the murder, looting, and cruel killing of the innocent people of Esfahan, especially the scholars and the Taliban of Shi'a) and settled at the end of the western western village. The castle, which dates back a long time, is one of the village's main buildings and seven houses. These seven houses are surrounded by a long wall and seven adorned towers, seven meters high. Several generations of descendants of Mohammad Baqir Mohaqeq Sabzewari lived in this castle. Hence, they are known as castle families.

## Education

Baqir’s interest in science and learning led him to meet Hajj Mohammad Karim Kermani. Upon hearing of Hajj Mohammad Karim's planned visit to Yazd on the way to Mashhad, he eagerly set out to meet him. When Hajj Mohammad Karim's visit to Mashhad was canceled, Baqir accompanied him back to Kerman and settled at the Ibrahimya school. He spent many years in Anjang and Kerman, studying under Hajj Mohammad Karim. Later, he was sent to the Nahinites for further guidance. After several years, he returned to Kerman and resumed his studies with his teacher. Encouraged by the professor and the people of Hamedan, he returned to Hamedan and requested permission to publish the Ahlul-Bayt's facts.

## Death

Mirza Muhammad Baqir died on the night of January 23. His body was transported to Mashhad and buried near Ali ibn Musa al-Reza in the new courtyard (Azadi) room number 3, which is now located at the entrance to the Darul-e Hakmah's porch.