Hawzah News Agency- the first vice president of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref has extended his condolences over the passing away of Ayatollah Mahfouzi, one of the students and companions of Imam Khomeini (RA).

The text of the message is as follows:

To God we belong and to Him we return

The passing away of the pious scholar Grand Ayatollah Mahfouzi caused grief and sorrow among the senior Shia authorities and the students and companions of Imam Khomeini (RA).

In the brilliant record of that pious scholar, in addition to his perseverance in his studies, discussions and writings, worthy actions in charity affairs, such as the establishment of a university, a center for the disabled, and religious schools, and arresting the needy, along with rare ethics and kindness, are abundantly visible.

His struggles since the beginning of the Islamic revolution and many arrests, prisons and exiles are also a golden leaf in his lifetime of service.

I extend my heart-felt condolences for the loss of that noble jurist to his honorable family, and students. I hope that his soul will rest in peace next and receive God's mercy and forgiveness.

Mohammadreza Aref

First Vice President