An Analysis on the Rise and Decline of the Akhbaris

Akhbari (scriptualist) movement, was a revival and reformulation of the traditionists, initiated by Muhammad Amin Astarabadi in 17th century, which became the leading school of shi'a jurisprudence for about one and a half century. It is rather exaggerated about the success of this movement so as to say there was no no 'Usuli (rationalist) mujtahid in these years in Iran and Iraq. The canonical school in 12th century is that of Muhammad Baqir Majlesi, by whom even 'Usuli mujtahids of this century are influenced and owe a lot. The transition from extremist school of Astarabadi to the moderate school of Majlesi opened a room for 'Usulies to reconstruct their teachings. This transition can be seen by writing commentaries to 'usuli writings through 17th and 18th centuries. Finally, this transition was yielded by Wahid Bihbihani, who was respected by both akhbaris and usulis because of his family relations. He could defeat akhbaris by the end of 18th century.