Sabzevar Philosophical School: From Flourishing to Decline – An Analysis of Its Causes and Impact

Kamali, Mohammad Mahdi; Kamali, Mohammad Hadi

doi:10.22034/hpi.2025.500807.1131

Sabzevar Philosophical School: From Flourishing to Decline – An Analysis of Its Causes and Impact

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad Mahdi Kamali ¹

Mohammad Hadi Kamali ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Razavi Institute for Islamic Sciences, Islamic Research Foundation

² Ph.D. in Transcendent Philosophy (Hikmat al-Muta‘aliyah), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22034/hpi.2025.500807.1131

Abstract

The Sabzevar Philosophical School, founded in the mid-13th century AH by Hajj Molla Hadi Sabzevari, was one of the most influential philosophical centers in Iran during the Qajar era. This school, which continued to exist for three generations, has always been of interest to researchers in the history of Islamic philosophy due to its unique characteristics and its tremendous impact on Iranian philosophical thought. This research examines the causes of the flourishing and decline of this school and attempts to answer the question of what factors led to its remarkable prosperity during the lifetime of its founder and why it declined after his death. The research findings show that the distinguished scientific and intellectual position of Hakim Sabzevari, his focus on transcendental wisdom, his educational method focused on practical conduct, and the widespread attraction of students from all over Iran and the Islamic world were among the most important factors in the flourishing of this school. On the contrary, its strong dependence on the founder's personality, the emergence of rival philosophical centers in Tehran and Mashhad, the political and geographical location of Sabzevar, the lack of innovation and the lack of attention to new philosophies are among the main factors of its decline. This research, with an analytical-historical approach, shows that the Sabzevar philosophical school, despite its gradual decline, has left a profound impact on the continuity and development of transcendental wisdom in Iran.

Keywords

Sabzevar philosophical school

Hajj Molla Hadi Sabzevari

transcendental wisdom

causes of flourishing and decline

Sharhe Manzoomah

Subjects

The History of Islamic Philosophy

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