Hawzah News Agency- In an interview in Mashhad, Hojatoleslam Ali Elahi Khorasani described the congress commemorating Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammad Hadi Milani as an important opportunity to preserve the historical memory of Shiite seminaries and to reintroduce enduring models of scholarship, ethics, and social responsibility.
He said seminaries require a continuous connection with their historical experience in order to sustain their scientific and spiritual vitality. “Keeping alive the memory of outstanding scholars and presenting their successful models is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the educational path of the seminaries,” Elahi Khorasani noted.
According to him, introducing influential figures of the seminary not only safeguards the scholarly heritage of Shiite jurisprudence but also plays a decisive role in shaping the intellectual and moral formation of students. He stressed that the life of scholars such as Ayatollah Milani demonstrates that authentic ijtihad has always been inseparable from spiritual self-discipline, ethical conduct, and social commitment.
Role Models for Today’s Seminary Students
Elahi Khorasani, a member of the Scientific and Executive Council of the congress, said today’s seminary students are in need of concrete and credible role models. He added that recognizing scholars who successfully integrated scientific excellence, ethical integrity, and social engagement into their academic lives strengthens students’ motivation, confidence, and sense of direction.
“These programs clearly show that Shiite jurisprudence has never been detached from the realities of people’s lives,” he said, adding that religious knowledge flourishes when it is linked to responsibility, service, and genuine engagement with society.
Referring to lesser-known aspects of Ayatollah Milani’s personality, Elahi Khorasani said his distinction lay not only in his scholarly and authoritative status, but also in his institutional vision and forward-looking management approach, which made him a transformative figure in the contemporary history of the seminary.
He pointed to the establishment of the Hosseini Higher School as a clear manifestation of this approach, describing it as an educational institution that introduced a new model in seminary education through coherent planning, administrative discipline, attention to student skill development, and the elevation of academic standards. According to him, the long-term impact of this model became evident in later educational reforms within the seminary system.
Beyond Commemoration
Emphasizing the broader social function of such congresses, Elahi Khorasani said introducing the lifestyle, ethical leadership, and scholarly struggle of senior seminary figures helps bridge the classical seminary tradition with the evolving needs of society. This process, he added, contributes to embedding religious culture more deeply within the social fabric.
“In essence, these congresses are not merely ceremonies honoring historical personalities,” he said. “They represent a rereading of a school of thought and an efficient model of religious management that can inspire current and future generations of seminary students.”
Elahi Khorasani concluded that Grand Ayatollah Milani embodied a synthesis of ijtihad, piety, scientific leadership, intelligent institution-building, and sincere service to the people. He said commemorating such a figure is an effective step toward strengthening the seminary’s scholarly legacy while opening new horizons for institutional renewal and transformation.
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