اسنادی از شکسته شدن ناموس انقلاب: نگاهی به سال های پایانی زندگی آیت الله سیدکاظم شریعتمداری الفارسية 1447

Ayatollah Seyyed Kazem Shariatmadari (1284–1365 SH / 1905–1986 CE) was one of the leading marjaʿs (sources of emulation) in Twelver Shiʿism. After issuing a critical statement against the powers of the Supreme Leader in the run-up to the 1979 Islamic Republic constitutional referendum (Azar 1358 / Dec 1979), he was effectively removed from the public sphere. Following accusations of being aware of a coup plotted by Sadegh Qotbzadeh, from 27 Farvardin 1361 (April 16, 1982) until his death, he was confined to his home and subjected to defamation via radio, television, print media, Friday sermons, and the Islamic Consultative Assembly, without being given the right to defend himself.

For the first time in Shiʿa history, two clerical organizations—led by students of Ayatollah Khomeini, namely the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom and the Society of Combatant Clergy of Tehran—together with appointed Friday prayer leaders, stripped a rival of his marjaʿ status in early Ordibehesht 1361 (April 1982). From that date, Ayatollah Shariatmadari faced severe accusations and insults. His death, caused by delays in hospital transfer, did not interrupt the torrent of slander. None of the marjaʿs of the 1360s (1980s) formally recognized his marjaʿ status, though some allowed private adherence to his rulings, a fact that went largely unheard in the climate of censorship and repression.

Based on research and examination of all available documents, the author concludes that the Islamic Republic’s authorities unjustly defamed this rival of the founder, stripped him of his authority, and subjected him to three years, ten months, and seven days of house arrest, compounded by negligence at the time of his burial and mourning ceremonies.