Rasa News Agency reports - Ayatollah Sayyed Hashem Hoseyni-Bushehri, the director of the Islamic Seminaries throughout Iran, has given an interview to Rasa News Agency on the martyrdom of the sixth Shi’ite Imam, Ja’far ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (A).
“In his era, Imam as-Sadiq (A) was the founder of knowledge movement which formed the focus of an extensive academic environment where various scientific disciplines were taught,” he said in praise of the Imam, who is respected by all Muslims, both Shi’ah and Sunni, for his great Islamic scholarship, pious character, and academic contributions. Ayatollah Bushehri described the Islamic Seminary, which was established upon the pillars of the vast knowledge which Imam as-Sadiq (A) taught, as the supporter of religious knowledge which has value for the Islamic society as it can promote the country, thought and beliefs of society as well as strengthen their religious beliefs which are based upon the wisdom of the Ahlul-Bayt (A).
With this knowledge, seminarians will be able to continue on the path of knowledge and stay ahead of the world and help their nation and society to advance academically as they did after the Islamic Revolution in various fields. During the time of Imam as-Sadiq (A), free thinking was encouraged and in the modern era, it must be given a renewed importance. Ayatollah Bushehri explained that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution (Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei) has encouraged the debate of ideas and theories in a calm environment by the elites to advance scholarship.
Imam as-Sadiq (A) was known for his tolerance and kindness, even with his social and doctrinal opponents. He invited his opponents to debate him and during these debates he kept a calm demeanour and debated logically. The Imam (A) even engaged in heated debates with atheists. By observing the behaviour of the Imam (A), many of his fiercest opponents repented and began to praise the Imam (A) instead of abusing him. Ayatollah Bushehri explained that the lives of Imam as-Sadiq (A) and the other Infallible Imams (A) are perfect role models for society to imitate. Following in their blessed footsteps will help solve the problems that exist in society.
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