The event was convened to revive the intellectual and ethical legacy of Allamah Naeini and to honor his enduring contributions to religion and scholarship—a life wholly devoted to the service of faith and knowledge.
Appreciation for the Efforts of Scholars
Shaikh Salam al-Naseri, head of the Imam Ali Center for Islamic Research and Studies, stated in an interview with the Shrine’s News Center:
“This conference is an expression of gratitude and respect for the efforts of great scholars who have left behind a precious intellectual heritage for the Islamic nation.”
He added:
“Organizing such conferences — particularly one dedicated to Mirza Naeini — is, in essence, a revival of the spirit of knowledge itself. Allamah Naeini was not confined to a single field of study; he was a distinguished jurist, theologian, and statesman who trained generations of scholars. His intellectual and scholarly works continue to inspire to this very day.”
Naseri further emphasized:
“This conference conveys a message of loyalty and appreciation for the intellectual and academic path of the eminent jurist and thinker, Mirza Naeini, who played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Usuli thought and was one of the key figures of the scholarly and political movement in the seminary of Najaf.”
Strengthening the Scholarly Identity
Sayyid Naba al-Hammami of the Imam Ali Center for Islamic Research and Studies, affiliated with the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), stated:
“The organization of this conference expresses respect for the lofty status of scholarship and gratitude toward the great religious scholars who bore the heavy responsibility of religious leadership—scholars whose knowledge and character benefited Muslims of diverse schools of thought.”
He continued:
“Within the framework of its intellectual and academic initiatives, the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) has consistently sought to revive the legacy of the scholars of the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) across various countries.
The Mirza Naeini Conference is among the most significant programs jointly organized by the two holy shrines—Alawi and Hussaini—together with the administration of the seminaries in Qom, highlighting the scholarly endeavors and illuminating ideas of the great scholars of the Islamic nation and their role in fostering unity among believers under the banner of the supreme religious authority.”
Al-Hammami further explained:
“The first session of this conference was held in the Islamic Republic of Iran, while the second will take place in Najaf al-Ashraf, and the third in the holy city of Karbala.”
He added:
“This conference symbolizes the profound scholarly bond among the Islamic seminaries and aims to shed light on the many dimensions of Mirza Naeini’s enduring intellectual and spiritual legacy.”
It is noteworthy that the First International Scholarly Conference on Mirza Naeini serves to reaffirm the path of knowledge, reform, and Usuli thought represented by this great scholar—emphasizing that reviving the legacy of the scholars is, in truth, the revival of the Islamic nation and the continuation of its intellectual and spiritual journey.
