RNA – A farewell ceremony for Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, the former dean of al-Mustafa International University, and the introduction of the new dean, Hujjat al-Islam Dr. Ali Abbasi, was held today at the Imam Khomeyni Specialized University in Qom.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ayatollah Arafi said that the Islamic Seminaries are the legacy of great scholars and outstanding jurisprudents who have given their hearts and lives to religion and added, “The continuation of the Islamic Seminary of Qom is also based on the thought of the late Imam Khomeyni and the blood of the great martyrs of the Islamic Revolution.”
The head of the Islamic Seminaries of Iran added, “We must have especially appreciate and thank the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Khamenei] and our great sources of emulation, and with their guidance, the ports of guidance have been opened to the world, one of which is the al-Mustafa International University, as well as the sources of emulation and teachers who are taking steps to guide this movement.”
He said that since the establishment of al-Mustafa International University, many ministries, offices and organizations have cooperated well with this seminary for non-Iranians and said, “The institutions of the Islamic Seminary, including the Centre for Services of the Islamic Seminaries, also never gave up their support.”
In another part of his remarks, Ayatollah Arafi said, “Ayatollah Mortaza Moqtadaei [who was present at the ceremony] is also a servant, a scholar and a learned sage who has accompanied al-Mustafa International University in many of its actions and we owe our services in the management of the Council of Trustees of al-Mustafa International University.”
His Eminence pointed out, “The shareholders of al-Mustafa International University are the dear non-Iranian friends, students and teachers who have carried this heavy burden from all over the world and have accepted the hardships and all of these loved ones are investors and the main elements of al-Mustafa International University.”
He said that the proper provision of the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt without compulsion and with respect for all Islamic denominations, with emphasis on the honourable Shi’ah school of thought, has been one of the special approaches by al-Mustafa International University.
“Besides this, a special feature of al-Mustafa International University has been its avoidance of prejudices and attention to genuine rationality in the Islamic Seminary,” he added.
Ayatollah Arafi reiterated that relying on the grand view of the sources of emulation and the ethical and research approach is part of the views expressed by the documents of al-Mustafa International University and endorsed by the Supreme Leader and this path will continue with greater horizons.
The member of the Supreme Council of the Seminary has considered reflecting on the high ideals as the main goal and emphasized, “We all need to assist in order to achieve the great goals of this great seminary and our dear brother, Hujjat al-Islam Abbasi, is one of the most learned and prominent personalities who has been with us since the beginning days of the establishment of this centre.”
Ayatollah Arafi further noted, “We are confident that he will continue this way with his determination and will and that he where there are defects and mistakes, will be resolved with his presence, and in the future, the Islamic Seminary and al-Mustafa International University will be brighter.”
Rasa News Agency
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