Funeral of Mohammad Mehdi Seddiqi, Son of Kazem Seddiqi

Kazem Seddiqi: A Controversial Religious Leader and Political Actor

Background and Education

Kazem Seddiqi began his religious studies in Qom in 1963, during the same period as Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolutionary movement. He studied at the Haqqani Seminary, completing courses under renowned scholars such as Khazali, Jannati, Hassanzadeh Amoli, and others. His education included Islamic jurisprudence, principles of Islamic law, Islamic philosophy, and Western philosophy.

Political Influence and Appointment as Tehran’s Temporary Friday Imam

In August 2009, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Seddiqi as the interim Friday Prayers Leader in Tehran. This appointment was viewed by many analysts as part of Khamenei’s strategy to reinforce his authority and manage internal divisions following the disputed presidential election.

Controversies and Allegations

Recently, Seddiqi and his family have faced allegations of illicit land acquisition. Documents leaked by Yashar Soltani, an investigative journalist, reveal Seddiqi’s family unlawfully took control of a 4,200-square-meter garden in a prime area of northern Tehran, valued at $20 million. Seddiqi denies involvement, claiming the documents were forged.