Hawzah News Agency- Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling ceremony of the Arabic translation of “The Place of Mysticism: An Explanation of the Sha‘baniyah Supplications”, Hojatoleslam Seyyed Ali Abbas Mousavi said religious cultural governance can only be realized when the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) are communicated effectively to international audiences.
The event was held at the Sheikh Tusi Hall of the Islamic Research Foundation of Astan Quds Razavi, where the Arabic edition of the book—published under the title “Mir’at al-‘Irfan”—was officially unveiled. The work was authored by Ayatollah Muhammad Hadi Abd Khodaei and translated by Muhammad Firas al-Halbawi.
Expanding Access to Mystical Teachings
Mousavi, who also serves as Deputy Director of Research at Al-Mustafa International University in Lebanon, highlighted the significance of presenting Islamic mystical teachings in Arabic, noting that such efforts substantially broaden access for scholars, students, and the general public.
“When a mystical work is made available in Arabic, it naturally becomes accessible to a wider audience,” he said. “This is especially important given the central role of Arabic in Islamic intellectual and spiritual heritage.”
He explained that extensive reviews of Arabic-language libraries revealed a clear gap. “Some available works are overly brief, while others are too specialized and difficult for general readers,” Mousavi noted. “This book was therefore selected because it offers a fluent, accurate, and practical exposition suitable for a broad readership.”
He expressed hope that the translated work would be widely disseminated internationally in the coming years.
Divine Guidance and Success in Religious Endeavors
Reflecting on key Islamic concepts, Mousavi elaborated on the meanings of guidance and divine success, emphasizing that success goes beyond merely performing an action.
“A person may act, but without divine success, that action may lack depth and transformative effect,” he said. “Defending religion, promoting the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and publishing works of knowledge are truly effective only when accompanied by divine success.”
Human Will and Divine Order
The Beirut Friday Imam further stated that while human beings possess freedom, true will ultimately lies with God Almighty.
“If the will of the soul is not aligned with the divine path, it may lead to deviation,” he said. “But when intellect, love, motivation, and caution come together under divine guidance, human action becomes purposeful and ordered.”
Qur’an and Ahl al-Bayt as Primary Sources
Emphasizing the foundations of Islamic knowledge, Mousavi said Muslims are commanded to seek understanding from the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
“No source other than the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Infallible Ones holds such comprehensiveness and credibility,” he said, adding that Islamic traditions affirm that all guidance, knowledge, and spiritual refinement are contained within these two sources.
Shabaniyah Supplications and Spiritual Growth
Describing the Shabaniyah Supplications, Mousavi said they exemplify the deep connection between intellect, heart, and divine knowledge.
“Works that explain such supplications introduce believers to deeper dimensions of spiritual conduct,” he noted. “They are not limited to elites but are beneficial for all believers.”
Confronting Deviations and Strengthening Faith
Mousavi also stressed the responsibility of religious scholars to confront extremism and distorted interpretations of Islam.
“Today, more than ever, society needs works that rely on the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to guide people toward authentic knowledge and spirituality,” he said.
He concluded by expressing hope that such scholarly efforts would strengthen the connection of younger generations to pure Islamic teachings and contribute to the spiritual growth of Muslim societies in Iran and across the Islamic world.
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