Hawzah News Agency- Speaking at the Islamic Education Center summit, Ayatollah Arafi said the new phase of the Islamic Revolution—marked by the martyrdom of the Supreme leader and the martyrs of the Minab school and the Axis of Resistance—has become intertwined with a third war and a fundamental, civilizational confrontation between the discourse of the Islamic Revolution and the Axis of Resistance on one side and the arrogant American-Zionist system of domination on the other.
He stressed that in this great awakening, the role of scholars, elites, intellectuals, responsible institutions, and especially the vast education system and honorable educators is extremely heavy. He said the pioneers of Islamic education bear a great responsibility before the current generation, the youth, and future generations.
Key points from Ayatollah Arafi's remarks:
Challenges facing education: Ayatollah Arafi identified several major challenges, including the dominance of materialist thought and non-divine discourse over the contemporary human mind; the spread of technology and cyberspace, which has created a new ecosystem with both benefits and serious risks for thought, spirit, and education; the onslaught of cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence; and the domination of the arrogant system of global power over cultural and educational institutions.
He warned that the transition to virtual and AI-based education is weakening human relationships, teacher-student bonds, and spiritual virtues, raising further concerns for the future.
Divergent responses: Ayatollah Arafi noted that reactions to these developments vary. Some accept and embrace Western materialism and cultural Westernization, surrendering to the dominant current. Others lack deep understanding but respond superficially. The correct approach, he said, is a smart and active confrontation combined with fundamental measures to protect Islamic and indigenous identity and education.
The Islamic Revolution's intellectual dimension: He described the Islamic Revolution as a new spark and a shining star in the darkness of the contemporary world, one that established a new discourse of knowledge, spirituality, justice, and growth. He said its most important and profound layer is its intellectual and ideological dimension, and therefore education, followed by universities and seminaries, must be the center and manifestation of this dimension.
Five key priorities:
- Protecting educational governance: The family and state's governance of education is under attack from technological changes, social developments, and Western material culture. In the Islamic system, this governance must be protected and rebuilt in accordance with Islamic logic and the conditions of the time.
- Empowering the younger generation: Strengthening the intellectual foundations and willpower of the youth is the cornerstone of education in the current turbulent period. All educational systems must prioritize understanding the characteristics of new generations.
- Implementing the education reform document: Ayatollah Arafi said the document could have been the starting point for rebuilding and revitalizing education, but despite some valuable efforts, adequate success has not been achieved. He called for renewed determination to implement, rebuild, and complete it, with the active participation of committed educators.
- The school as the fundamental center: He stressed that the school is the fundamental center and main axis of education, and teachers, administrators, and trainers are the leaders and architects of education. He called for efforts to create a model school and elevate the knowledge and insight of teachers and administrators, while also emphasizing their livelihood, social status, and dignity.
- Prioritizing youth, family, and education: Ayatollah Arafi said the adolescent and young generation, the family institution, and the education system must be at the top of the priorities of all institutions of the Islamic system—executive, legislative, and the general public—and that all popular, state, and governmental capacities must be mobilized for the growth and flourishing of education.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Arafi expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants of the summit and prayed for success in serving Islam, the revolution, and the Islamic homeland. He ended with salutations to the divine prophets and saints, especially Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), and to the martyrs of Islam and the Islamic Revolution, particularly Imam Khomeini and the martyred leader.
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