| The first Martyr of Mihrab performed the Eid ul-Adha Prayers on November 1, 1979. During the sermon of the prayers, he said, “They are threatening to kill me, I’m not afraid of martyrdom, and I’m up for it.” Ayatollah Qazi Tabatabai was assassinated the very same day by the elements of the terrorist Forqan group. |
Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Qazi Tabatabi who, after his martyrdom, became known as “the first Martyr of Mihrab” was born in 1914 into a devout Muslim family in Tabriz, Northwestern Iran. Having received his preliminary education from his father, Haj Mirza Baqir, and his paternal uncle, Mirza Asadollah, who were both well-known scholars in Tabriz, in his birthplace, Mohammad Ali Qazi Tabatabai went to Qom and studied philosophy with Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and attended the teaching sessions of other great scholars, such as Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Hojjat Kuh-Kamari, Seyed Sadreddin Sadr, and Seyed Mohammad Reza Golpayegani at Qom hawza (seminary). After a decade stay in Qom, he went to Najaf to further his studies. There, he was a student of such prominent scholars as Ayatollah Seyed Mohsen Hakim, Ayatollah Seyed Abolghasem Khoei, Ayatullah Sheikh Abdolhossein Rashti, and Sheikh Mohammad Hussein Kashef Al-Gheta. In 1950s at the age of 42, Ayatollah Qazi Tabatabai left Najaf, where he gained a great amount of knowledge for some three years, for his hometown. Ayatollah Qazi Tabatabai received Ijtihad certificate from 20 grand scholars of the Muslim world. He wrote a commentary (Sharh) and introduction on the Javame-ol-Jame’, a Quranic exegesis by Allameh Tabarsi, which reflects the strength of his scientific ability. Besides, he wrote some 43 books and several articles in Arabic which were published in the Arab countries.
The first Martyr of Mihrab performed the Eid ul-Adha Prayers on November 1, 1979. During the sermon of the prayers, he said, “They are threatening to kill me, I’m not afraid of martyrdom, and I’m up for it.” Ayatollah Qazi Tabatabai was assassinated the very same day by the elements of the terrorist Forqan group.
Imam Khomeini’s message on the occasion of martyrdom of Ayatollah Qazi Tabatabai:
“In the Name of God, the Beneficent the Merciful,
To God We Belong and To Him We Return,
Regretfully, I express my condolence for burdensome tragedy of martyrdom of indefatigable Hojatoleslam Haj Seyyed Mohammad Ali Qazi Tabatabai (RA) to all committed Muslims, Mujahed clergies and zealous people of Azerbaijan and especially to family of this blessed martyr and solicit God to grant revolutionary patience to warriors of Islam and truth-seekers. In the face of such disasters that point to imminent defeat of the foes of Islam and the country and their hopelessness and inability, it’s on honorable nation of Iran and zealous people of Azerbaijan to increase their determination and redouble their endeavors for the sake of Islam and Holy Quran to realize the rights of the oppressed from the oppressors of the age. My dears! In a revolution that has kicked the Superpowers out of the country and blockades the way of their plundering, such disasters and even worse are inevitable. We must treat these events with determination and coolness and continue our way that is Jihad for the sake of Allah. Martyrdom for the sake of God is eternal honorable life and beacon of nations. Muslim nations should be inspired by sacrifices of our warriors for independence, freedom and realization of the ideals of Islam and uniting together, overcome colonialism and exploitation and move towards liberation and human life. I demand the Almighty God grandeur for Islam and Muslims and mercy and forgiveness for the martyrs of the way of truth and the blessed martyr Tabatabai.
And peace be upon you and the grace of Allah and His blessings
Ruhullah Al-Mousavi Al-Khomeini”