Biography of Ayatollah Mostafa Maleki

A) Education in Tehran:

After completing his studies at Farhang schools up to the third year of high school independently and successfully, Hojatoleslam Maleki developed a profound desire to study Islamic sciences. He decided to pursue religious education, coinciding with the arrival of the pious scholar and ethical jurist Ayatollah Haj Sheikh Ali Akbar Nahavandi (d. 1369 AH) in Tehran. Seizing this opportunity, Maleki and his friends eagerly attended the lessons and moral guidance of this luminous scholar. Ayatollah Nahavandi may be considered the second most influential figure in shaping Maleki’s character.

In the years 1327–1328 SH (1948–1949 CE), he walked the relatively long and rugged path from Tajrish to Chizar daily to seek knowledge. According to his friends, around 30 students initially attended Nahavandi’s classes, but by 1329–1330 SH (1950–1951 CE), only one person persevered through the harsh winter cold—none other than Maleki. Deeply influenced by Nahavandi’s lofty character, asceticism, and piety, he always regarded him as one of the greatest Shia scholars. Nahavandi, recognizing Maleki’s intelligence, awareness, and passion for learning, consistently encouraged him to study while critically analyzing contemporary issues. This encouragement led Maleki to boldly defend Ayatollah Kashani and engage in political activism during this period.

B) Studies at the Qom Seminary:

As an active political supporter of Ayatollah Kashani in the Shemiranat region, Maleki faced persecution after the infamous coup of August 19, 1953 (28 Mordad 1332 SH). The coup regime prioritized arresting freedom fighters and leaders, mobilizing forces to raid his father’s home multiple times. Failing to capture him, Maleki migrated to Qom, where he found a suitable environment to continue his Islamic studies.

1. Piety (Taqwa):

Maleki was known for practical piety, meticulously controlling his actions, speech, and thoughts. Hojatoleslam Sheikh Qanbar Moshfeq, director of the Lahijan Seminary and his longtime study companion, stated: *"Maleki possessed the most precious spiritual asset—taqwa. In our 20 years of studying together, from Volume 2 of Lum’ah to advanced jurisprudence (kharij), I never observed the slightest unethical or un-Islamic behavior from him. He was God-fearing, avoiding idle or improper speech."*

2. Asceticism and Detachment:

Despite living in affluent Shemiran, Maleki never abandoned his simple lifestyle. Even after assuming leadership of the Shemiranat Revolutionary Committee and handling substantial religious funds, he took pride in his clerical austerity. His standard of living remained below the middle class, earning him deeper admiration. He once responded to those urging him to accumulate wealth: "If I wanted riches, I could have amassed a fortune during Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign."

3. Generosity:

He never accepted seminary stipends during his studies, despite being affiliated with prominent scholars like Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani. He believed abstaining from such funds enhanced one’s devotion to God.

4. Interpersonal Conduct:

Maleki was amiable, eloquent, and socially adept. His interactions with people—whether before or after the Revolution—were exemplary. He treated everyone with dignity, never dismissing them due to time constraints, and showed profound respect for scholars. His humility prevented him from belittling others, even unintentionally. His conduct at the Revolutionary Committee, especially in Shemiran—home to affluent and even former regime elites—softened hearts toward Islam and the Revolution.

5. Practical Ethics:

Ayatollah Noor Mofidi recalled: "Maleki helped with household chores, even washing dishes. Post-Revolution, despite security concerns, he personally set and cleared the dining mat. His life was a codified lesson in ethics."

6. Night Vigils:

His son, Shahid Alireza Maleki, wrote: "Though unseen by many, his midnight prayers, supplications, and unwavering vows were the keys to his success."

7. Serving the People:

Maleki considered serving others the greatest act of worship. He tirelessly aided the needy, becoming a refuge for the oppressed in Shemiran. His son noted: "Travel companions cherished his warmth—cooking, comforting, and inspiring them. He praised all who served Islam and the Revolution, undeterred by labels."

His writings and poetry, spanning various life stages, include:

1. Daily Notes

2. Melodies of Passion (selected poems)

3. Letters (to figures like Dr. Mosaddegh and Ayatollah Kashani)

4. Religious Writings (e.g., The Life-Giving Movement of Imam Hussain (AS))

5. Academic and Literary Texts

His poetic pseudonym was "Shalmeh" (Flame). Though some poems were published sporadically, his literary side remained lesser-known. The anthology Melodies of Passion (2019) honored his legacy—rooted not in verse but in a life of simplicity, integrity, and service.

An active Islamic-political figure, Maleki participated in key movements:

• 1950s: Engaged in the oil nationalization movement, supported Dr. Mosaddegh, and resisted the 1953 coup.

• June 1963: Joined Imam Khomeini’s movement post-Ayatollah Borujerdi’s death.

• 1968–1977: Established Quranic classes at Hemmat Mosque, hosting revolutionary scholars like Motahhari and Taleghani.

• Post-Revolution: Led the Shemiranat Revolutionary Committee, ensuring order with fairness.

• Iran-Iraq War: Served on frontlines, aiding soldiers and martyring his son, Alireza.

After a lifetime of jihad and service, Maleki succumbed to a blood disorder on June 21, 1983 (31 Khordad 1362 SH). His funeral in Shemiran and Qom drew multitudes. Imam Khomeini wrote: "May God bless Hojatoleslam Maleki, a committed servant of Islam."