Message of Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani to first "international conference of Imam Reza (AS) and Interfaith Dialogue"

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): On the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of the First International Conference of Imam Reza (AS) and Interfaith Dialogue, Ayatollah Safi Golpayegani issued a message.

The full text of the message is as follows:

In the Name of God the Compassionate the Merciful

Expressing my greetings, and pure and sincere salutations to the attending thinkers and scholars at this sacred and blessed circle, and also appreciating the organizers of this glorious conference, I take the chance to share a few lines:

Of course, we should first ask ourselves who is able to write and talk about the unique character and the unrivaled merits of the scholar of the Prophet Muhammad's family, Hazrat Imam Reza (AS), to whom thousands of salutations and appreciation are due. What words and phrases can be used to express the holy existence of this eminence of Allah? This great Imam is among the outstanding signs and epitomes of Divine existence. Many a few able scientists, renowned authors, and luminaries of the world of science, have written so many books on his great personality. However, with all being said and written, there is much room for scholars to create eloquent works, to author and compose pieces and orate on his unrivaled qualities. Whoever enters the garden of knowledge of Imam Reza (AS), picks fresh fruits: a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky.

There is nothing more constructive than familiarity with the school of thought and conducts of the Imams and the signs and proofs of Allah. This must be publicized as a great world-level science which indeed, guides man toward the merit of awareness, bright ideology, and good behavior. It has duly encompassed all aspects of man’s material and spiritual life.

Imam Reza (AS) is one of the greatest Imams for man whose way of life and grandeur are known not only in the entire world of Islam, from the East to the West, but also attracted the followers of other religions in heart and mind.

Thinkers and religious elites have studied him from various aspects. It will take hours and days to talk about every single aspect of his personality and conduct to only present a drop of the sea of his school of thought.

One major quality with this Imam is his distinctive Divine knowledge. This is why he is known as the scholar of the Prophet’s family. The depth of his knowledge has astonished and gained admiration of the scientists from other religions and Islamic sects.

Dear scholars,

If you study the story of Imam Reza’s trip to Khorasan, you will see how this proof of God revived Divine beliefs and sciences.

Ma’mun period was the age of familiarity of Muslims with the philosophical terms and schools. Translation of philosophy books into Arabic and supports by Ma’mun created problems for and ambiguities in religious beliefs. On the other hand, the debates swelled between Muslims and scholars from other regions. Religious debates became an ordinary practice. Imam Reza (AS) made endless endeavors to safeguard the Divine sciences and values, to reject any skepticism, and to offer guidance to the Muslim scholars. He entered into debate in person with the scientists of various religions and often confuted them.

Reports on these debates are available in the books of history and also in the collection of traditions. Today, they are among the very important scientific sources that have been used and still referred to by the Muslim scholars in their dialectic argumentations and ratiocination.

Whoever of scientists and ordinary people referred to the Imam for a question on Islamic philosophy, received categorical and sufficient answer.

Imam Reza (AS) was also admired by the Sunni scholars, to whom he was a great Imam. They have composed many poems in his admiration.

The scholars from other religions found him a source of Divine knowledge and celestial science. They were humble before him and their tongue turned to his admiration only. In him they sought an endless sea of knowledge to quench their thirst.

It is my understanding that on the personality of Imam Reza (AS) more congresses and conferences should be held, academic courses should be scheduled, and research should be conducted on his knowledge to help man find the path toward his salvation.

In the end, I would like to confess that words – like those of mine – are unable to duly elucidate various aspects of his personality, but we have to take a step to that end as far as we can afford. I take the chance to once again appreciate the organizers of this conference and wish a chance for all participants to gain knowledge from the Holy Quran and the Infallible Household of the Prophet (PBUH).


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