AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, marking the day for Unity among Seminaries and Universities, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani addressed the clergy at the Imam Sadiq (a.s.) Seminary in Zahedan. “Those who enter the seminary undertake a great responsibility, which is inviting people to piety,” he remarked.
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly added, “Religiousness comes after understanding and believing in religion, and this essential task must be conveyed to the clergy by seminaries. Achieving this requires both scholarly and spiritual excellence, meaning a correct and profound understanding of religion.”
Referring to the fact that religion was revealed to guide humanity, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “The dimensions of human existence include intellectual, rational, and practical domains. In the scholarly domain, we must not neglect our duties.”
The Need to Revive Seminary Traditions
Regarding the revival of seminary traditions, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly highlighted, “One of the traditions of seminaries is debate. Currently, this tradition is utilized at the Sorbonne University in France, where students discuss academic topics with one another.”
He stated, “Everyone must possess both religious and practical excellence. A society will progress when it leans toward knowledge and science. According to the narrations, society must be either scholars, learners, or lovers of knowledge.”
Quoting Imam Ali (a.s.) from Nahj al-Balagha in his address to Kumayl ibn Ziyad, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “Human beings are of three types: the first group are divine scholars, meaning monotheists who dedicate themselves to theoretical and practical monotheism; the second group are seekers of knowledge who strive for salvation through learning; and the third group are ignorant people with no standards, who follow every call.”
Speaking on the importance of knowledge, a member of the Assembly of Leadership Experts stated, “Knowledge brings power, and ignorance is the greatest harm and affliction to human society. Imam Hussein (a.s.) was martyred in his effort to eradicate ignorance.”
Regarding the knowledge of religion, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “The knowledge of religion must be acquired comprehensively, accurately, and profoundly. Religion (Islam) provides guidance for both this world and the hereafter and defines our individual and social duties.”
Religion, Encompasses Human Relations
Ayatollah Ramazani states, “Religion encompasses human relations, explaining the relationship with oneself, with others, with God, at the international level, and with Wilayah.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly further explained, “Prayer is the best example of a human’s relationship with God. Fasting exemplifies a person’s relationship with oneself. Zakat is a manifestation of human-to-human relationships, and Hajj represents an international relationship.”
Emphasizing the need for a thorough and profound study of religious knowledge, he stated, “We must discipline our senses – eyes, tongue, ears, and other body parts – spiritually. Discipline is of three types: discipline with oneself, discipline with others, and discipline before God.”
Ayatollah Ramazani outlined the moral characteristics of seminary students, stating that they must acquire knowledge of Fiqh (jurisprudence) and religion (Islam) while also nurturing spirituality. “Seminary students must morally refine themselves and maintain proper conduct, as only in this way can they be effective and attract people,” he added.
2,700 Islamic Centers Operate in Germany, Including 240 Shiite Centers
In conclusion, the Assembly of Leadership Experts member emphasized the importance of learning foreign languages in seminaries. “Seminaries should be active in foreign language education, and the best time to learn is during seminary studies,” he stated.
Speaking about Islamic centers in Germany, he said, “Thanks to the Islamic Revolution of Iran, there are 2,700 Islamic centers in Germany, including 240 centers belonging to Shiite. Approximately 8 million Muslims live in Germany and participate in religious ceremonies.”
Regarding the Quran, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “The language of the Quran is the language of nature and intellect. There are around 300 Quranic verses emphasizing reason and reflection. The Holy Quran is not confined to a specific era but is a timeless book.”
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