Hawzah News Agency- Speaking at the Mirza Naeini Commemoration Congress on Thursday, Ayatollah Arafi said that reviving the memory of great scholars is, in essence, reviving “the scientific, moral, and civilizational life of the seminary.” He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to honor “one of the shining candles of the seminaries.”
The senior cleric extended his appreciation to the scholars, guests, and representatives from Iran and abroad — including delegations from Najaf, Mashhad, Isfahan, and the offices of prominent religious authorities — for their participation. He also thanked the organizers, researchers, and media representatives who helped bring the event to life.
Acknowledging the “valuable guidance” of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the grand religious authorities, Ayatollah Arafi said their messages had provided clear direction and deep insight for the future of the seminary.
He emphasized that the congress was not only a memorial but “a forum for reflection on Mirza Naeini’s intellectual, jurisprudential, and civilizational legacy,” describing the late scholar as “one of the founders of reformist thinking in the relationship between religion, reason, and politics.”
Ayatollah Arafi expressed hope that such gatherings would strengthen the scholarly and civilizational mission of the seminaries, leading to a deeper understanding of Shiite intellectual heritage. He announced that more than forty of Mirza Naeini’s works would be unveiled, along with new academic research on his thought and influence.
“The revival of the works of great scholars is among the seminaries’ main missions,” he stated. “Honoring these figures not only pays tribute to their piety but also reinforces the identity of the Islamic community and inspires the younger generation to continue their path.”
He concluded by saying that returning to Mirza Naeini’s thought means returning to “rationality, freedom, and spirituality within the framework of religion.”
Your Comment