Scholar, Educator, and Spiritual Pioneer
Dr. Hushidar Motlagh (1939–2022) was a distinguished scholar, professor, and prolific author whose life’s work bridged the worlds of academia and spirituality. His comprehensive exploration of the world’s sacred scriptures has touched countless lives and continues to inspire seekers of truth across the globe.
Early Life and Education
Born in Iran in 1939, Hushidar Motlagh developed an early passion for both learning and spiritual inquiry. He pursued higher education with dedication, eventually earning his doctorate and embarking on an academic career that would span over three decades.
Academic Career
Dr. Motlagh served as Professor Emeritus at Central Michigan University, where he taught for more than 30 years. His academic specializations included:
Psychology of Human Development – exploring how individuals grow and evolve throughout their lives
Educational Psychology – understanding how people learn and how to optimize teaching methods
Creativity – examining the nature of creative thought and human potential
His unique ability to blend psychological science with spiritual wisdom made him a beloved and influential educator.
A Bridge Between Faiths
What distinguished Dr. Motlagh was his extraordinary gift for connecting the teachings of the world’s great religions. He devoted his life to demonstrating that the Bible, the Qur’án, and the Bahá’í Writings are not contradictory texts, but rather successive chapters in humanity’s ongoing spiritual education.
His interfaith work earned him respect from Christians, Muslims, and Bahá’ís alike, as he illuminated the common threads of divine guidance woven throughout religious history.
Literary Legacy
Dr. Motlagh authored more than 30 books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. His works include:
Prophecy and Faith:
- I Shall Come Again – exploring biblical prophecies and their fulfillment
- The Glory of the Father – examining Christ’s promises of return
- Come Now, Let Us Reason Together – inviting readers to investigate spiritual truth
Interfaith Understanding:
- One God, Many Faiths; One Garden, Many Flowers – celebrating the unity underlying religious diversity
- Bahá’u’lláh: The Crown of Immortal Glory – introducing the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith
Spiritual Growth:
- The Door to Heaven – on the journey of the soul
- God’s 19 Great Little Tranquilizers – finding peace in turbulent times
- The Spiritual Design of Creation – understanding our divine purpose
His books continue to be essential resources for interfaith dialogue and personal spiritual development.
Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Motlagh believed deeply in the power of inquiry. He often said that behind “the clouds of grief and gloom, God’s hidden hand is directing the course of events.” He encouraged his students and readers to:
- Ask difficult questions without fear
- Examine evidence with an open mind
- Seek unity rather than division
- Embrace the journey of spiritual discovery
A Life of Service
Throughout his life, Dr. Motlagh exemplified the principles he taught. He lived simply, gave generously, and dedicated his retirement years to writing and sharing wisdom with anyone who sought it.
His gentle demeanor, brilliant mind, and unwavering faith inspired all who knew him. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy that continues to grow as new readers discover his works.
Continuing His Mission
Today, the Library-in-a-Box project carries forward Dr. Motlagh’s vision of making spiritual wisdom accessible to all. Through partnerships with the Clearwater Bahá’ís, Unity Foundation Project, and Global Perspective, his complete library of works is being preserved and shared with seekers worldwide.
Dr. Hushidar Motlagh’s life reminds us that education and spirituality are not separate pursuits—they are two wings of the same bird, lifting humanity toward its divine destiny.