Services of Abolfazl Towliyat (1300–1358) Based on Oral Information

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD., Department of History of Twelver Shiism, University of Religions and Beliefs, Qom, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of History, Research Institute of Seminary and University, Qom, Iran

3 PhD., Department of History of Iran, Center for Documents of the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (PBUH), Qom, Iran

10.22081/hiq.2022.63620.2249

Abstract

This study aims to examine the life and character of Abolfazl Towliyat, one of the prominent figures of the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (PBUH) in Qom. Having served for many years as the chief custodian of the shrine, he is regarded as an outstanding personality in the contemporary history of Qom, whose ethical conduct, management style, and manner of interaction with pilgrims, staff, and religious scholars were admired and praised by his contemporaries and associates. Accordingly, this research revisits his individual and social persona through the oral memories from close relatives, colleagues, and cultural figures of Qom, particularly in light of the absence of any systematic or analytical written work on him, with his name appearing only sporadically in some memoirs and quotations. Emphasizing the significance of the chief custodianship within the shrine’s administrative structure and its relation to the social developments of Qom in the 20th century, the study highlights the necessity of focusing on the role of figures like Abolfazl Towliyat. Through the collection and analysis of dispersed narratives about
his life and lifestyle, based on interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, a documented and comprehensive portrayal is presented. Towliyat was a refined, well-dressed, courteous, dignified, sincere, and pious individual whose conduct toward servants, students, and even the general public was characterized by politeness, humility, and fairness. Despite holding a significant position in the shrine, he never resorted to power displays or abuse of authority. According to reports from shrine staff and some students, socially he was organized, serious, committed, and responsible. Although Towliyat was not from the clerical class, he maintained respectful relations with the religious scholars and prominent figures of the seminary, with deep and meaningful connections to some, such as Ayatollah Mar’ashi Najafi and Ayatollah Golpayegani. Notably, he avoided ostentation, flattery, and involvement in political circles, traits that made him a trusted and reassuring figure among the shrine employees and some religious scholars. Based on the conducted interviews, he possessed a strong memory for Persian poetry, especially the sonnets of Hafez, and recited texts and poems with taste and precision. This, coupled with his warm and polite demeanor, fostered closeness and popularity among the shrine staff. From a managerial perspective, Towliyat was disciplined and accountable in fulfilling his duties. He approached responsibilities meticulously and supervised the shrine’s environment, staff behavior, and the respect afforded to pilgrims with sensitivity. Simultaneously, he acted calmly, impartially, and wisely in cases of conflict or disorder, striving to keep the sacred place free from tension. He recognized the sanctity of the shrine and contributed through his actions to its preservation. Abolfazl Towliyat represents a model of non-clerical religious managers in Iran’s contemporary religious institutions who, through commitment, ethics, and responsibility, left an enduring legacy in the collective memory of their religious community. He passed away in 1979 (1358 A.H) and remained respected by many scholars, literati, and shrine personnel during his life and after his death.

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References

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http://tarikhirani.ir/fa/news/5 (26/09/1400)
History of Islam
Volume 26, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 243-219

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