A Review of Mirzā-i Qomis

Dr Loqmān Dehqān Nayyeri, Dr Mortedha Deqān-Nejād and Sayyid Hasan Qorayshi KarinWith the coming to power of the Qājārs, Shiite 'ulamā's political thought has developed significantly, as cooperation between the osuli 'ulamā and the early kings of the Qājārs expanded, aiming at resisting the foreign invaders and the spread of the Akhbāri, the Sufi and the Shaykhi beliefs. The Qājārs not only had a religious tendency, but also needed the support of the 'ulamā in order to provide themselves with legitimacy. Mirzā-i Qomi, known as Mohaqiq-i Qomi and the author of al-Qawānin, was respected by Aqā Mohammad Khān and Fath 'Ali Shah, the first two rulers of the Qājār dynasty. Qomi sent several letters to the kings, requesting them to observe the Sharia and the principles of justice. His political thought and his account of the Islamic state can be traced in these letters. In this paper, Mirzā-i Qomi's political activities and writings are considered.