Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Farhad Abbasi, Deputy for Research Affairs of the Islamic seminary, announced the extensive participation during a press briefing held at the headquarters of the Seminary Scientific Associations in Qom. He described the conference as a symbol of the seminaries’ intellectual vitality and their active engagement with contemporary societal issues.
“Today, the scientific knowledge, independence, and intellectual contributions of our country owe much to the sacrifices, struggles, and leadership of the martyrs and the founder of the Islamic Revolution,” Abbasi said, extending greetings on the occasion of the sacred decade of Fajr and honoring the legacy of Imam Khomeini.
Symbol of Scholarly Dynamism and Societal Engagement
Abbasi emphasized that the conference not only recognizes the research achievements of seminary scholars but also highlights the seminary’s ongoing dialogue with the pressing challenges and needs of modern society. The event celebrates the active role of over 1,500 researchers, whose works contribute significantly to the production of knowledge in Islamic and human sciences.
“Book of the Year is both a tribute to the dedication of our scholars and a tangible representation of the seminary’s intellectual dynamism,” Abbasi said, adding that the scope of the festival encompasses works produced both through organized institutional research and independent scholarly efforts.
Honoring Leading Figures in Islamic Scholarship
In addition to celebrating the most outstanding books and articles, the conference will recognize distinguished scholars who have significantly contributed to knowledge production. This year, Grand Ayatollah Fayyazi will be honored as a leading contemporary scholar, while the late Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr will be celebrated posthumously for his enduring impact on Islamic and human sciences. Abbasi noted that al-Sadr’s works transcended his era and continue to shape intellectual discourse across the Muslim world.
Towards Transforming the Book of the Year into a Strategic Scientific Movement
Abbasi highlighted that the recognition of scholars and their works is only the first step, with the ultimate goal of transforming the Book of the Year into a sustained and strategic intellectual movement within the seminary. Initiatives this year include supporting outstanding works and researchers, organizing theoretical councils, academic panels, critique sessions, and presenting scientific awards to further institutionalize and promote scholarly production.
Scope of Scholarly Output
While the conference has received hundreds of submissions, Abbasi noted that the works presented represent approximately 60 percent of the total scholarly output of the Hawza, as many scholars did not participate due to modesty or other reasons.
“Our honor lies in serving the cause of knowledge and supporting scholars and researchers who lead in the production of Islamic and human sciences,” Abbasi said, announcing that the closing ceremony will include remarks by Ayatollah Araki, Director of the Hawza, and Ayatollah Hosseini Bushehri, head of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, along with a special message from Ayatollah Javadi Amoli.
The event underscores the seminary’s continuing role as a vibrant center of Islamic scholarship, fostering both academic excellence and engagement with the contemporary intellectual, social, and cultural challenges facing the Muslim world.
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