The Revolutionary Role of Martyr Dr. Mofatteh
Martyr Mohammad Mofatteh (1928–1978) was a dedicated scholar, a committed intellectual, and one of the prominent figures in the anti-Pahlavi struggle. He pursued his religious education in Qom while simultaneously earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Tehran. This rare combination of seminary knowledge and academic scholarship made him a unique figure among revolutionary clerics.
Navideshahed: On Monday, September 4, 1978 (13 Shahrivar 1357), Tehran witnessed one of the most historic and influential moments preceding the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Led by Ayatollah Dr. Mohammad Mofatteh, thousands of faithful citizens gathered at the Gheitariyeh hills to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayers. This religious observance swiftly transformed into the largest anti-Pahlavi regime demonstration of its time, marking a turning point in the revolutionary movement of the Iranian people.
After the prayers, Hojjat-ol-Eslam Dr. Mohammad Jawad Bahonar and subsequently Dr. Mofatteh delivered speeches. Their addresses, which included sharp criticism of the government and calls for unity, had a profound impact on the crowd. According to SAVAK reports, attendance peaked around 14,000 people. Following the prayers, a massive demonstration marched southwards through Tehran, from the northern areas down to Rah Ahan Square. Chants of “Allahu Akbar” and “God save Imam Khomeini” filled the air, with placards demanding an Islamic government and the release of all political prisoners. The demonstration lasted over 12 hours, symbolizing the largest popular uprising of that era.
The regime’s security forces reacted violently. SAVAK agents severely beat and arrested Dr. Mofatteh, imprisoning him for two months. However, this event inspired widespread protests across other Iranian cities. Imam Khomeini issued a message urging the nation to continue the struggle, emphasizing that their mission was not over. The Eid al-Fitr of 1357 transcended a mere religious festival, becoming a symbol of faith, unity, and the awakening of the people.
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Martyr Mohammad Mofatteh (1928–1978) was a dedicated scholar, a committed intellectual, and one of the prominent figures in the anti-Pahlavi struggle. He pursued his religious education in Qom while simultaneously earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Tehran. This rare combination of seminary knowledge and academic scholarship made him a unique figure among revolutionary clerics.
Following Imam Khomeini’s exile, Dr. Mofatteh played an active role in political struggles. Through his enlightening sermons in mosques like Hedayat and Qoba, he drew the young and intellectual generation into the Islamic movement. In the decades leading up to the revolution, he was heavily involved in clarifying Islamic thought and critiquing the ruling structure.
On the 27th of Azar 1357 (December 18, 1978), at nine o’clock in the morning, Mofatteh was assassinated in the Faculty of Theology by three members of the Forqan Group. He was buried in one of the chambers of the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (PBUH) in Qom. Imam Khomeini issued a message offering condolences for his martyrdom.”
