Hawzah News Agency- He stressed that the great deviations that emerged in the Muslim community after the passing of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were rooted in neglecting divine authority and distancing society from God-appointed rulers.
Speaking on a television program, Professor Tahriri highlighted the unparalleled scholarly and spiritual stature of Allama Tabatabaei, describing him as a guiding light for thinkers in all cultural, social, and political domains.
A Scholar Who Revived Islamic Socio-Political Thought
Professor Tahriri stated that Allama Tabatabaei played a decisive role in explaining the socio-political teachings of Islam in his renowned Qur’anic commentary, Tafsir al-Mizan. He added that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has repeatedly underlined Allama’s exceptional scientific standing, intellectual depth, and spiritual purity.
Recalling his own meetings with Allama Tabatabaei, Professor Tahriri said:
“Those referred to in the Qur’an as the ones who remind the servants of God are precisely such figures. Human beings slip easily in social life, and therefore society must look toward such scholars.”
A Comprehensive Thinker in Theology, Philosophy, and Mysticism
He noted that, before the Islamic Revolution and at the request of the late Roozbeh, Allama Tabatabaei authored a theological textbook for schoolchildren, covering beliefs, jurisprudence, ethics, and practical rulings—one of the rare works of its kind in that era.
In philosophy, Professor Tahriri said, Allama Tabatabaei mastered both the Peripatetic and Illuminationist traditions, while also standing as a distinguished representative of Mulla Sadra’s transcendental philosophy. His independent thought and detailed sessions on Asfar during the final years of the Pahlavi regime demonstrated his intellectual courage and clarity.
The seminary guardian stressed that Allama Tabatabaei introduced a groundbreaking method of interpreting the Qur’an by the Qur’an, opening a new chapter in Shia exegesis based on fundamental principles—particularly those found in his commentary on the writings of the great jurist Akhund Khorasani.
Spiritual Journey Guided by Sincerity and Discipline
Professor Tahriri described Allama’s spiritual journey from childhood to his advanced studies in Najaf. He recounted how Allama surrendered himself to God in times of hardship and witnessed transformative changes in his intellectual ability. Under the spiritual supervision of the late Ayatollah Qazi Tabatabaei, Allama received the famous counsel regarding the significance of night prayers.
As a master of practical mysticism and theoretical wisdom, Allama trained generations of influential scholars—including Ayatollah Saadat Parvar, Martyr Motahari, Martyr Beheshti, Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Despite his age, he regularly attended private scholarly gatherings in Tehran, traveling by bus every two weeks to participate alongside university professors and researchers.
Allama Tabatabaei and the Foundations of Islamic Government
Addressing Allama’s vision of governance, Professor Tahriri said that in Tafsir al-Mizan, particularly in the interpretation of verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran, Allama explained the concept of Murabithah—the need of the Muslim community for a religious ruler appointed by God. He argued that in the era of occultation, society requires a comprehensive and just jurist to administer its affairs.
Professor Tahriri added that Allama maintained a respectful and engaged relationship with Imam Khomeini (RA). Before the Imam’s exile, Allama participated in joint political meetings with him. Upon Imam Khomeini’s return to Iran, Allama was among the earliest scholars to greet him at the Alawi School.
A Systematic Qur’anic Vision of Religion, Society, and Governance
Referring to Allama Tabatabaei’s interpretation of verse 213 of Surah Al-Baqarah, Professor Tahriri noted that Allama raises a wide range of foundational issues concerning the necessity of religion, divine leadership, and religious sovereignty. These discussions culminate in the explanation of verse 200 of Al-Imran, where Allama explicitly argues for the necessity of a God-appointed ruler and the inevitability of the eventual triumph of true religion across the world.
Allama’s commentary highlights 15 key principles, including the inherently social nature of Islam and the requirement that the leader of an Islamic society must be the Prophet (PBUH), an infallible Imam (AS), or—in their absence—those who truly follow their path.
Professor Tahriri said these discussions align with the theoretical foundations laid by Imam Khomeini (RA) in the doctrine of the guardianship of the jurist, which asserts that divine law requires an executor and that society cannot function without religious authority.
Defense of the Islamic World and Commitment to Palestine
Discussing Allama’s broader worldview, Professor Tahriri said the scholar clearly identified the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates as historical deviations from authentic religious governance. He further highlighted Allama’s concern for the Palestinian cause, noting that Allama and several senior scholars privately collected financial support for Palestine and discreetly transferred it through Hajj pilgrims.
This, he said, illustrates Allama Tabatabaei’s deep commitment to the affairs of the Islamic Ummah and his firm stance against oppression.
“Distancing from religious rule is the greatest historical deviation”
Concluding his remarks, Professor Tahriri said:
“Allama Tabatabaei was not only a towering philosopher, commentator, and mystic, but also a scholar deeply engaged with issues of governance, society, and the Islamic world. He repeatedly states in Al-Mizan that turning away from divine authority is the greatest historical deviation—and returning to God’s sovereignty is the only path to salvation for Muslims.”
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