Yahya Yasrebi Information

Dr. Seyyed Yahya Yasrebi, a distinguished professor of philosophy and Islamic theology at Allameh Tabataba’i University in Tehran, was born in 1942 in the village of Cheragh Tappeh Sofla, near Takht-e Soleyman in northwest Iran. His profound academic and spiritual journey began at the age of 14 when he started studying Islamic sciences in seminaries. He was mentored by eminent scholars such as Ayatollah Duzduzani, Ayatollah Sotoodeh, Ayatollah Subhani, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, Ayatollah Mofatteh, Ayatollah Montazeri, Ayatollah Soltani, and Allameh Tabataba’i.

In 1965, Yasrebi enrolled at the University of Tehran to pursue a degree in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, where he studied under prominent intellectuals such as Dr. Shahaabi, Dr. Zarrinkoub, Dr. Motahhari, and Dr. Arianpour. His inquisitive and critical mind shaped his academic endeavors in philosophy, logic, epistemology, mysticism, and religious studies.

Life and Education

• Primary Education: Cheragh Tappeh (1951–1958)
• Basic Islamic Sciences: Zanjan Seminary (1958–1960)
• Advanced Islamic Studies: Qom Seminary (1960–1967)
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Philosophy and Islamic Theology: University of Tehran (1967–1979)

Academic Career

Dr. Yasrebi began his teaching career in 1971, educating students in Islamic philosophy across various academic and training institutions. His contributions spanned over four decades, where he mentored a vast number of students and developed significant academic content.

• 1971–1984: Taught Islamic Philosophy at high schools and teacher training centers.
• 1984–1994: Professor and Head of the Islamic Philosophy Department at the University of Tabriz.
• 1994–1997: President of Kurdistan University.
• 1997–Present: Member of the Faculty of Philosophy at Allameh Tabataba’i University.

Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Yasrebi emphasizes that transformation within Islamic societies is achievable through the evolution of humanities, rooted in critique, logic, and epistemology. He advocates for rationalism and critical inquiry as essential tools for addressing societal and cultural challenges.

He categorizes his intellectual journey into three stages: Imitation, Critique, and Theory Development. Among his notable contributions are:

• A New Definition of Philosophy
• Critical Pluralism Theory

His critical stance on Mulla Sadra’s ontological views and his challenge against irrational tendencies in Sufism distinguish him as a prominent critical thinker in the Iranian academic landscape.

Publications

Dr. Yasrebi has authored over fifty books and numerous scholarly articles, covering a wide range of topics in philosophy, mysticism, cultural studies, and social critiques.

Key Works in Philosophy and Mysticism

• Practical Mysticism in Islam
• Theoretical Mysticism
• Philosophy of Mysticism
• Analyzing Mulla Sadra’s Ontology and Eschatology
• Critical Analytical History of Islamic Philosophy

Literary and Social Works

• Qalandar and the Castle (Biography of Suhrawardi)
• The Cross and Steadfastness (Biography of Hallaj)
• The Tragic Story of Iranian Intellectualism
• The Mirage of Deception: A Critique of Sufism
• The Sparkling Water: Commentary on Hafiz’s Poems

Legacy and Vision

Renowned for his straightforwardness and critical approach, Dr. Yasrebi remains a unique voice in Iran’s academic sphere. His relentless pursuit of intellectual clarity and his contributions to redefining philosophical and theological discourse position him as a leading figure in the quest for progress within Islamic thought and culture.