Hawzah News Agency- The gathering, hosted at the Miftah al-Najaf Ashraf Husseiniyeh of Imam Reza (peace be upon him), brought together Ayatollah Mohammad Mahdi Hosseini, the representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq; Hojatoleslam Seyyed Ala Hashemi Shahroudi, Iran's Consul General; seminary officials; and a delegation of Iranian professors and students. Ayatollah Arafi extended gratitude to the organizers, the Leader's representative, the Consul General, and the students' families, acknowledging their pivotal role in sustaining the "heavy burden" of education, teaching, and missionary outreach.
Najaf's Enduring Legacy as a Shiite Beacon
Ayatollah Arafi opened by extolling Najaf's storied prominence in Islamic and Shiite history, describing it as a "bright spot and influential center" that has shaped the faith's intellectual landscape for centuries. He highlighted the establishment of Al-Mustafa International University as a testament to the seminaries' vast potential for disseminating the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), terming this heritage an "integral part" of the seminary's identity—one whose erosion would destabilize the very pillars of religious sciences.
The Seminary: A Vital, Unbroken Chain of Knowledge
Reflecting on the seminary's millennium-spanning odyssey, Ayatollah Arafi underscored its enduring vitality, drawing on the insights of Martyr Morteza Motahhari to portray it as an "uninterrupted discipline" linking luminaries from Sheikh Tusi to contemporary scholars. "This chain extends seamlessly—from Rey and Qom to Baghdad, Hilla, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Najaf—forming a single, luminous history," he affirmed.
The cleric emphasized the seminary's historical interplay with political powers, which has alternately spurred prosperity or precipitated setbacks. "Young students must discern these historical strengths and frailties to navigate the future wisely," he advised.
The Pivotal 'Triangle' of Shiite Scholarship: Qom, Baghdad, and Rey
Ayatollah Arafi spotlighted the "fundamental triangle" of Qom, Baghdad, and Rey—augmented by Hilla and Isfahan—as the cradle of Islamic and Shiite erudition. Baghdad, home to Sheikh Mufid and other giants; the prolific Rey; and the dynamic Qom each forged seminal contributions in jurisprudence, theology, and hadith, he noted.
He also lauded the medieval eminence of Hilla and Isfahan seminaries, citing enduring masterpieces by Mohaqqiq al-Hilli, Khwaja Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, Allamah Majlisi, and their peers. Even amid upheavals like the Mongol invasions and Safavid transitions, Shiite ulama demonstrated "cultural and intellectual foresight," redirecting adversities toward the propagation of knowledge, Ayatollah Arafi observed.
Imam Khomeini's Revolutionary 'Rail Change' for Seminaries
Turning to modern epochs, Ayatollah Arafi hailed Imam Khomeini as the architect of a transformative "rail change" in seminary history. "His presence in Najaf and the profound bond between Qom and Najaf forged a vital conduit, ushering in a renewed era for the seminary," he stated.
The Imam, dubbed "the man of the millennium," exemplified profound insight into religio-political dynamics, pioneering a novel paradigm of intellectual and societal stewardship, the seminary director added.
Islamic Revolution's Global Reach: Ahl al-Bayt School in Over 100 Nations
Ayatollah Arafi celebrated the Islamic Revolution's triumphs, noting that the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) school now thrives in more than 100 countries through localized initiatives. "Both seminary institutions and Shiite intellectual currents operate on a global scale, with the Al-Mustafa International University exemplifying these boundless capacities," he remarked.
Vigilance Amid Complexity: Embracing AI and Cognitive Sciences
Issuing a stark admonition, Ayatollah Arafi warned of an increasingly "complex" world that brooks no complacency. "Seminaries must arm themselves—not merely in traditional jurisprudence, but against emerging technologies like cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence, which are evolving from mere tools into potent shapers of thought and tomorrow's intellectual arenas," he cautioned.
He revealed that over 50 researchers in Qom are actively advancing AI-integrated ijtihad projects, underscoring the seminary's proactive stance.
Striking Equilibrium: Traditional Roots, Contemporary Branches
Reiterating a core imperative, Ayatollah Arafi stressed the seminary's dual mandate: "Preserve traditional jurisprudence while expanding contemporary discourse—juxtaposing it with modern statutes to fulfill state and societal imperatives." This equilibrium demands "strategic planning, resource commitment, and specialized pedagogy," he insisted.
Tribute to Late Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi's Enduring Legacy
In closing, Ayatollah Arafi paid homage to the "noble and precious" Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, whose "thoughts, disciples, works, and blessings" continue to enrich the community. "The jurisprudential encyclopedia he championed stands as a crowning glory for Shiites, a testament to his invaluable bequest," he concluded.
The address, resonating with attendees amid Najaf's sacred ambiance, reaffirmed the seminary's adaptive resilience and its mission to illuminate humanity's path through balanced, forward-looking scholarship.
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