The Shahid Motahari University, originally known as the Naseri School or the Sepahsalar Higher School, was established by the esteemed Mirza Hossein Khan Sepahsalar, the Prime Minister under Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, in 1878 AD (1296 AH, 1257 SH). This institution was envisioned as a center of learning similar to Al-Azhar University in Egypt, founded on the principles of an endowment system. The school commenced its educational activities in 1891 AD (1313 AH, 1271 SH), aiming to integrate modern sciences with traditional Islamic knowledge. According to the endowment letter, students were taught both intellectual and transmitted sciences.
As the oldest institution of higher education in Iran, it has always been active and even served as the initial location for the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies of Tehran University, established in 1934 SH under the title of the Faculty of Intellectual and Transmitted Sciences. In 1969 SH, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education approved a bachelor's degree program in religious studies, covering two major disciplines: "Quranic Sciences and Islamic Jurisprudence" and "Islamic Theology and Wisdom.” This educational trend continued until the glorious Islamic Revolution of 1979 SH.
Following the revolution and the martyrdom of Ayatollah Motahhari, the institution was renamed the Shahid Motahari Higher School, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by innovative educational and training programs.
The custodianship of the higher school is vested in the ruling authority, who appoints a representative to carry out these responsibilities. The first custodian was Mirza Yahya Khan Mushir al-Dawlah, the founder's brother. A total of 28 individuals held this position before the Islamic Revolution. Post-revolution, Ayatollah Imami Kashani was appointed as the custodian by Imam Khomeini, the great leader of the revolution. From April 2024 SH, Hujjat al-Islam Dr. Abdolali Tavajohi has been appointed custodian of the Shahid MotahariHigher School by the decree of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
