Correspondence and Papers on Persia [‎222v] (192/245)

TO
TEHERAN—CLERGY.
4. AKA SHAIKH FAZL ULLAH, NURI
Returned a few years ago from Najaf, where he studied under the
late Mirza Hassan Shirazi, and took up his residence in the
Sanglaj quarter. He is very learned, leads a secluded life and is
poor and much respected.
Age about 50.
5. AKA HAJJI SHAIKH HADI, NAJMABADI
Formerly preached on Fridays in the late Miiza Issa A izii s
mosque near the Kazvin gate. Now leads a very secluded life in
a small house near the Yusufabad gate, where he teaches a few
pupils. Is very poor and much respected, and his decisions on
questions touching religious law are generally considered final and
without appeal. He holds aloof from all intrigue, and the other
Mujtahids do not like him, having even gone to the extent of
accusing him to be a Bdbi. The highest personages in the land
make a point of calling upon him occasionally, but he never pays
return visits. His son Aka Mirza Muhammad licza, about 40 years
of age, is also very learned and much respected.
Age about 75.
6. AKA HAJJI MIRZA HASSAN, ASHTIANI, commonly known
as MIRZA ASHTIANI—
Studied at Najaf under Shaikh Murteza and was a colleague of the
late Mirza Hassan Shirazi, who laid the interdict on the smoking
of tobacco during the regie troubles in 1891-92, and died in 1895.
Has many followers, and preached on Fridays for many years in
the mosque of Hajji Rahim Khan. Resides in the Sanglaj quarter,
and is considered very learned and the most influential priest of
Teheran. His eldest son, Iftekhar el Ulema, has lately caused
much dissatisfaction through his immoral conduct.
Age about 60.
7. AKA SAYYID JAFAR, KASHANI—
Is guardian of the Imamzadeh Zaid’s shrine, where he preaches on
Fridays. Resides in the Pachinar quarter. Settles questions of
religious law in a house near the old Shimran gate, where he is
assisted by Akhund Mulla Nazar Ali and Aka Mir Muhammad
Ali. Has a considerable number of followers and is much
respected.
Age about 75.
8. AKA SAYYID MUHAMMAD REZA—
Son of the late Aka Sadik Sanglaji. Preaches on Fridays in the
mosque founded by his father. Has no great influence.