Hawzah News Agency- Speaking at a ceremony honoring the theological and doctrinal thought of the late senior cleric, held at the library of the late Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi in Qom, Hojatoleslam Zahadat—professor at Farabi University of the University of Tehran—said the Leader of the Islamic Revolution’s description of Ayatollah Safi Golpayegani as a “an insightful source of emulation” accurately captured the depth of his intellectual and religious character.
“Having studied under him for more than a decade, I can attest that this characterization reflects a profound synthesis of knowledge, awareness, and religious wisdom in his personality,” Zahadat said.
He noted that one of the most distinctive features of Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani’s writings—beyond his status as a marjaʿ—was his deep awareness of contemporary challenges and his intelligent, principled defense of Islam and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
“Despite his doctrinal firmness, he consistently pursued the protection of religion, the preservation of Shiite identity, and the safeguarding of the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt in all his works,” Zahadat added.
Highlighting the late cleric’s approach to inter-Islamic relations, Zahadat said Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani regarded rapprochement among Islamic schools of thought as both necessary and possible—without compromising the foundations of Twelver Shiite beliefs.
“He demonstrated that one can remain fully committed to the core principles of Shiism while simultaneously working for the unity of the Islamic Ummah and avoiding destructive and exhausting sectarian conflicts,” he said.
According to Zahadat, rapprochement in Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani’s thought did not mean abandoning principles, but rather rested on scholarly dialogue, mutual respect, and intellectual prudence in dealing with differences.
The professor also pointed to the centrality of the Ahl al-Bayt’s scientific and spiritual authority in Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani’s works, alongside a clear emphasis on their rightful leadership and governance. He said this integrated vision is particularly evident in the cleric’s landmark book Aman al-Ummah.
“This perspective shows that, in his view, the scholarly authority and the socio-political leadership of the Ahl al-Bayt are inseparable,” Zahadat noted.
He further described Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani’s engagement with theological debates as both rigorous and open-minded, stressing that despite his deep and critical involvement in kalam (Islamic theology), he consistently avoided stirring discord or anxiety among believers.
“Unfortunately, today we sometimes witness extremes in theological discourse,” Zahadat said. “Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani proved that it is possible to be critical and analytical while still prioritizing intellectual calm and unity within the community of faith.”
Imamate, he added, occupied a central place in the late cleric’s writings, accompanied by evident humility, reverence, and profound etiquette toward the Pure Progeny of the Prophet, both in his scholarship and personal conduct.
Zahadat also underscored the enduring relevance of Aman al-Ummah, noting that although the book was written more than 52 years ago, it remains fresh, effective, and highly relevant, particularly in warning against the schemes of global arrogance and Zionism.
One of the book’s most notable features, he said, is its measured and respectful tone toward critics and opponents, coupled with a conscious effort to avoid inflaming divisions—an approach he described as more necessary today than ever before.
Concluding his remarks, Zahadat emphasized that the work’s strong scholarly foundations and its responsiveness to contemporary intellectual and social needs make it a valuable resource for religious seminaries.
“Such works,” he said, “should be utilized in the preparation of seminary curricula—texts that combine academic rigor with a clear understanding of the realities and challenges of their time.”
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