The renowned Islamic scholar and literary figure of Iraq, Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Kashef al-Gheta

Compiled by: Syed Ali Shahbaz
On 18th of the Islamic month of Zil-Qa'dah in 1373 AH, the renowned Islamic scholar and literary figure of Iraq, Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Kashef al-Gheta, passed away. He was born in a virtuous academic family in the holy city of Najaf. He learned preliminary Islamic sciences at a young age and soon attained high sholarly status by attending the classes of prominent ulema, such as Akhound Khorasani. Ayatollah Kashef al-Gheta groomed many students and wrote several books.
He also visited a number of Muslim states to promote Islamic teachings, delivering memorable speeches at the universities and scientific centers of Iran, Egypt, and Palestine. He considered presence in political affairs as a must, and played a vital role in the Islamic movement of the Iraqi people against the British, who exiled him to Iran after crushing the 1920 revolution and martyring Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Taqi Shirazi.
Among his books, mention can be made of a Diwan of poems and the book: “as-Siyasat al-Husainiyyah” on the philosophy behind Imam Husain’s (AS) uprising.