AhlulBayt News Agency: Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, Director of Iran’s Islamic seminaries, called for transforming the annual Seminary Book Awards into a strategic tool for guiding seminary research, highlighting the institution’s pivotal role in advancing the vision of a “New Islamic Civilization.” His remarks were delivered at the 27th Seminary Book Awards and the 9th Scientific Articles Festival, held at the Imam Musa Kazim Seminary Conference Hall.
The ceremony also commemorated the birth of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) and the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Addressing a gathering of scholars, educators, and researchers, Ayatollah Arafi stressed that the seminary must not only preserve its intellectual legacy but actively shape the contours of contemporary Islamic thought. He emphasized the strategic importance of fostering innovation within jurisprudence, philosophy, and social sciences to provide the Ummah with frameworks capable of guiding a new Islamic civilization.
“Designing the structure of this civilization, promoting its principles, and cultivating its culture are core responsibilities of the Hawza,” he said, calling the mission a prime example of the Qur’anic principle of “clear proclamation” (Balagh Mubeen). He urged scholars to extend Islamic philosophy into societal dimensions and develop jurisprudence capable of addressing emerging challenges, ensuring that religious thought remains relevant to modern realities.
Ayatollah Arafi also highlighted the enduring influence of the late Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, describing him as one of the foremost architects of contemporary Islamic thought. He praised al-Sadr’s innovative contributions to jurisprudence, theology, economics, and philosophy, noting that his works—such as Falsafatuna and Iqtisaduna—challenged prevailing liberal and socialist currents while offering alternative Islamic frameworks. “Al-Sadr did not merely defend Islamic thought; he engaged intellectually and systematically with competing ideologies, presenting robust, constructive alternatives,” he said.
In addition, Ayatollah Arafi paid tribute to Ayatollah Fayyazi for over half a century of scholarly contribution and stressed the importance of the Seminary Book Awards in reflecting and directing research achievements. He urged the seminaries to transform the event into a national and international reference for Islamic scholarship, promoting intellectual leadership and producing impactful ideas.
The seminarian leader also outlined a series of new initiatives within the Seminary, including:
- Expanding contemporary jurisprudence.
- Establishing scientific guidance committees in areas such as legal systems and philosophical thought.
- Launching advanced research courses across six academic domains.
- Deepening advanced study programs.
- Officially codifying classical texts and traditional curricula.
- Publishing a multi-volume compendium documenting the Hawza’s century-long achievements.
- Expanding advanced study programs to provincial seminaries.
- Developing a researcher ranking system to optimize academic output.
- Addressing developments in artificial intelligence and its relevance to Islamic sciences.
Concluding his address, Ayatollah Arafi stressed that the future of the Hawza depends on the dedication and vision of young scholars. “The scope of scientific transformation and emerging global challenges demands that our next generation rise to ensure the Hawza maintains an active and influential presence in intellectual and civilizational arenas,” he said.
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