Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization

Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization

Maktab dar Farayand-e Takamol: Historical Perspective of the “Ulamāʾ al-Abrār” Theory, Its Interpretations and Critiques

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Culture and Islamic Civilization, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
In his book Maktab dar Farayand-e Takamol, Seyyed Hossein Modarressi Tabatabai proposes the theory of the “Virtuous Scholars” (Ulama al-Abrar). He argues that in the early period of Shi'ism, the Imams were regarded as “moderate and pure scholars,” and that supernatural attributes such as infallibility were not ascribed to them. Although this theory was introduced with the aim of offering a historical and coherent depiction of Shi'ism within Western scholarship, it has faced serious methodological and historical critiques. Using an analytical-comparative approach, the present study assesses the validity of this theory from the perspective of historical methodology and through an analysis of primary sources. The findings indicate that Modarressi’s theory is beset by historical-methodological challenges, including the use of anachronistic terminology (such as “exaggeration” or ghulūw), the misinterpretation of narrations, and the neglect of contradictory reports that indicate a perception of the Imams as transcendent beings from the inception of Shi'ism. In addition, the failure to consider the socio-historical context of the early period has led to an incorrect generalization of the Imams’ moderate stance across all eras. Nevertheless, by emphasizing the distinction between authentic narrations and extremist ideas, this theory has provided a novel framework for the historical study of Shi'ism and has profoundly influenced the development of Shi'ite studies. Consequently, the research shows that a more rigorous review grounded in historical methodology and a comprehensive analysis of primary sources is required to validate this theory. Such a review will lead to a deeper understanding of the historical and methodological complexities of religious studies
Keywords

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Volume 59, Issue 1
(Spring & Summer 2026)
September 2026
Pages 26-44

  • Receive Date 21 January 2026
  • Revise Date 21 June 2026
  • Accept Date 14 July 2026