In an interview with Hawzah News Agency, Hojatoleslam Ahmad Farrokhfal, head of the Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Seminaries and a senior professor at the Qom Seminary, underlined the historical role of the late Ayatollah Milani in safeguarding Shiite teachings and strengthening the identity of Islamic seminaries.
Hojatoleslam Farrokhfal said revisiting the intellectual and social legacy of Ayatollah Milani is not merely a commemorative act, but a strategic necessity for educating a new generation of seminary students and reinforcing the mission of the seminary in contemporary society.
A scholar grounded in knowledge and spirituality
Referring to the holding of a scientific congress in Mashhad, near the shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), Farrokhfal said the location itself reflects Ayatollah Milani’s deep connection with spirituality, scholarship, and service to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT).
He noted that Ayatollah Milani’s influence continues to be felt across seminaries through his students, writings, and intellectual legacy, describing him as a scholar whose scientific presence remains alive within the foundations of Shiite learning.
A comprehensive model of religious authority
Hojatoleslam Farrokhfal described Ayatollah Milani as a clear example of a comprehensive Marja’iyyah, explaining that his authority extended beyond jurisprudence and Islamic legal theory to include an active and principled engagement with social issues.
“Alongside his profound mastery of fiqh and usul and his defense of pure Muhammadan Islam, Ayatollah Milani maintained a responsible presence in society and consistently stood with the people in defending religious values,” he said.
According to Hojatoleslam Farrokhfal, this combination of scholarly depth and social awareness represents a vital model for contemporary religious leadership at a time when seminaries are expected to respond to complex intellectual and societal challenges.
A role model for future generations of seminarians
Emphasizing the importance of introducing seminary elders to younger students, Farrokhfal said figures such as Ayatollah Milani should not be remembered only on ceremonial occasions.
He stressed that their scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and social responsibility must be systematically incorporated into seminary curricula and educational programs throughout the year, so that they serve as living models for students and emerging scholars.
Familiarity with such figures, he added, can help strengthen a sense of responsibility, social commitment, and intellectual seriousness among seminarians, reinforcing the traditional mission of the seminary in guiding society.
Preserving the scientific identity of the seminaries
Hojatoleslam Farrokhfal concluded by praising the efforts of Astan Quds Razavi and the management of the Khorasan Seminary for organizing the congress dedicated to Ayatollah Milani.
He described the initiative as a valuable step toward preserving the scientific and historical identity of Shiite seminaries and safeguarding the enduring intellectual assets of the Shiite world.
Recognizing and studying the legacy of scholars like Ayatollah Milani, he said, is essential for ensuring continuity between the rich scholarly past of the seminaries and their evolving role in addressing the needs of the Muslim community today.
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