Hawzah News Agency– Hojatoleslam Majid Faraji, the Friday prayer leader of Amir al-Momenin Grand Mosque in southern Tehran, made the remarks in an interview with Hawzah News on the occasion of the Decade of Karamat (Dignity).
"Contemplation in the Razavi culture is of great importance," Faraji said. "Promoting knowledge and scientific debates are among the key cultural indicators of the Razavi school of thought."
Citing a narration from Imam Reza (AS) in the book Al-Ihtijaj, Faraji emphasized that in the Razavi school, saving a believer's mind from deviation is the greatest deed of a scholar who loves the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
Comparing the status of a devout worshiper with that of a guiding scholar, Faraji explained: "A worshiper enters paradise through piety and worship, but a guiding scholar is tasked with interceding for large groups of people."
He noted that such narrations reveal the greatness and value of constructive, guiding dialogue within the intellectual framework of Imam Reza (AS).
Dialogue as an Executive System
The religious scholar stressed that in the Sira of Imam Reza (AS), dialogue is not merely a moral recommendation but part of a purposeful mission and executive system.
Referring to a letter from Imam Reza (AS) to Hasan ibn Ali Washa, Faraji said: "Guiding prominent figures and transforming them into representatives of the Ahl al-Bayt school shows the formation of an executive system based on dialogue during the Imam's era — a system built on intellectual persuasion, reasoning, and methodical interaction."
Faraji, who is also a professor at Allameh Tabatabai University, cited examples of the Imam's historic debates, including the one with Yahya ibn Dahhak Samarqandi, as evidence of the Imam's unmatched argumentative power.
"The Imam posed a logical and concise question that put his opponent in a dialectical predicament," Faraji explained. "After witnessing that debate, Ma'mun said: 'No one on earth possesses such mastery in debate as you do.'"
The Razavi Method of Intellectual Engagement
The cleric outlined key elements of Imam Reza's scientific methodology, including:
- Teaching correct debate methods to companions
- Remaining fully committed to the theological principles of the Ahl al-Bayt
- Rejecting all forms of coercion and emphasizing intellectual persuasion
- Allocating special time for dialogue with opponents in various cities
- Creating open spaces for raising doubts without apprehension
- Flexibility in the objective of debates according to the situation
- Pursuing attraction and relationship-building after dialogue
Recalling the story of Imran the Sabian — who embraced faith after a debate with Imam Reza (AS) and was then honored by the Imam — Faraji said: "This approach reflects the deep link between dialogue, human dignity, and attracting hearts in the Razavi Sira."
A Roadmap for Socializing Religion
Faraji described Imam Reza's Sira as a comprehensive roadmap for promoting and socializing Islam in contemporary society.
"Imam Reza (AS), in his own time, expanded and promoted the religion of Islam, brought it out of isolation, and made it social and public," he said.
The professor added that this same path must be pursued more strongly today. "Fortunately, this process is already happening — people entering various arenas, being present in the streets, declaring readiness to defend religious values and revolutionary ideals — this is precisely the embodiment of the Razavi Sira, and we are duty-bound to strengthen it."
Linking the Sira to the Continuity of Imamate
Faraji connected this approach to the broader history of the Infallible Imams (AS):
- The Holy Prophet (PBUH) founded the religion.
- Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatima Zahra (SA) stabilized it.
- Imam Hussein (AS) defended its pillars.
- Imams Sajjad, Baqir, and Sadiq (AS) expanded its teachings.
- Imam Reza (AS) made Islam flow within the heart of society.
He noted that the following Imams — from Imam Kazim (AS) to Imam Hadi (AS) — focused more on the social and public dimensions of religion, while Imam Hassan Askari (AS) prepared the ground for the Minor Occultation, paving the way for Imam Mahdi (AJ) to globalize Islam.
The Decade of Karamat as an Opportunity
Faraji concluded by saying that cultural and religious custodians in society serve as a refuge for promoting these models, and that the Decade of Karamat offers an exceptional opportunity for public mobilization to further socialize religion in everyday life.
"Mosques and religious institutions," he said, "stand at the center of this role — just as in the past 59 nights since the beginning of the Ramadan War, the people of the mosques and religious assemblies have stood bravely in defense of the revolution and the homeland."
Your Comment