Ayatullah Sayyid Mujtaba Nur Mufidi: The Foundation and Basis of Islamic Seminaries Was Formed Since the Time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

During the auspicious days celebrating the birth of the Savior of Humanity, Hazrat Vali-e Asr (may Allah hasten his reappearance), a turban-clothing ceremony (Amamah-Guzari) for 30 seminary students was held in the presence of the founder of Imam Khomeini Seminary, His Eminence Ayatullah Nur Mufidi. Additionally, two books titled “Maw’ud-e Muntazar” (The Promised Awaited One) and “Ghaybat, Hayrat va Intizarat-e Imam-e Zaman” (Occultation, Perplexity, and Expectations of Imam Zaman) were unveiled in the presence of Shia and Sunni scholars, provincial and local officials, and various strata of the public.

In this ceremony, Ayatullah Sayyid Mujtaba Nur Mufidi, while commemorating the auspicious birth of Hazrat Vali-e Asr (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and citing narrations from him, emphasized: Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance) always watches over the believers and lovers of the Household of Purity and Infallibility (peace be upon them) and has not abandoned them. He is aware of all their slips and affairs, just like a father who is aware of all matters concerning his children.

Referring to traditions from the Household of Purity and Infallibility (peace be upon them) regarding the duty of everyone during the Major Occultation (Ghaybat al-Kubra) to refer to scholars, jurists, and thinkers, he stated: It has been emphasized in various well-known traditions that the duty of believers in all their affairs is to consult scholars, jurists, and thinkers. This means they should not only learn religious rulings (ahkam) from jurists, but they must also refer to them in matters of governance.

He further clarified: The training of scholars, jurists, and thinkers began during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Mecca, then in Medina, and was subsequently continued by the Household of Purity and Infallibility (peace be upon them). In fact, the foundation and basis of Islamic seminaries were established during the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Addressing the seminary students and clerics, the professor of the Islamic Seminary of Qom emphasized: You must comprehend the reality that Islamic seminaries are like a robust tree with deep roots in history, and no one can sever these roots. Therefore, do not be disheartened by the remarks and words of uninformed, deviated, or malicious individuals.

Ayatullah Sayyid Mujtaba Nur Mufidi further added: Serving as a soldier of Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is an honor for us, and we will not exchange this honor of soldiership for anything. Whoever shoulders this banner carries a heavy responsibility.

The training of scholars and clerics in seminary centers is, in reality, acting upon the commands of Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance), and these academic centers will, God willing, continue their work until the reappearance of Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

Referring to narrations from the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), he stated: One of the causes of the Occultation and the delay in the reappearance of Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is division and disunity, and as long as discord exists within society, we will not attain the bliss of meeting Imam Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance). The establishment of the Imam Khomeini Seminary in Gorgan by its esteemed founder, His Eminence Ayatullah Nur Mufidi, aimed at explaining Islamic teachings, training seminary students and clerics, combating deviations and religious innovations (bid’ah), and striving for the unity of the Islamic Ummah. In this path, he endured many hardships and reproaches; and since the founding of this seminary was based on sincerity and lofty objectives, it remains enduring and permanent.

Referring to the turban-clothing ceremony of 30 seminary students, the unveiling of two books on Mahdaviat (messianism), and the honoring of provincial and national winners of the Scientific Olympiad of Islamic Seminaries, Ayatullah Sayyid Mujtaba Nur Mufidi noted: These achievements are in line with fulfilling the directives of Hazrat Vali-e Asr (may Allah hasten his reappearance) regarding the necessity of explaining Islamic teachings, training scholars, jurists, and thinkers, and alleviating the concerns of the Household of Purity and Infallibility (peace be upon them) regarding innovations and deviations. All these reflect the effective performance of this center of Islamic sciences, its hardworking directors, and its capable faculty members.

In conclusion, referencing the “Second Step of the Revolution” Declaration and the views of the Supreme Leader, he emphasized: To achieve the great Islamic civilization and the grandeur of Islamic Iran, efforts must be exerted toward human cultivation and society-building.