The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of scholars and senior figures from the Islamic seminaries of Qom and Mashhad, representatives of the Grand Religious Authorities, a number of prominent seminary scholars, researchers, university professors, students, and faculty members of the seminaries of Najaf and Karbala. The gathering also included custodians and representatives of holy shrines and revered sanctuaries from around the world.
Address of the Custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine
The opening session began with a welcoming address delivered by Sayed Isa al-Khirsan, Custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine. He emphasized that the Islamic seminary represents the natural and authentic continuation of the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
He added:
“Today, under the shade of the seminary’s tree of knowledge and piety, we have gathered to honor one of the greatest jurists and pillars of the Najaf Seminary, Grand Ayatollah Shaikh Muhammad Hussain Naini (may his soul be sanctified). Honoring him is, in truth, a revival of the deep-rooted and authentic spirit of the Najaf school.”
Appreciation for the Guidance of the Grand Religious Authority
Shaikh Jafar Naini, the grandson of Allamah Naini, expressed his appreciation for the support of the Grand Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayed Ali al-Sistani (may his shadow endure), noting that His Eminence has always emphasized the importance of preserving the stature and scholarly status of this distinguished researcher in all related programs.
He added:
“Mirza Naini, through his extensive scholarly, ethical, and pedagogical contributions—as well as his resistance to colonialism in Iraq and his struggle against tyranny and despotism in Iran—holds a great and enduring place in the history of the Islamic seminaries and the wider Muslim community.”
He also expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Imam Ali and Imam al-Hussain Holy Shrines and their staff.
Naini: The Architect of the Science of Usul
In his address, Sayed Munir al-Khabbaz, representing the Islamic Seminary, stated:
“Without question, the researcher Naini is the architect of the science of Usul. He systematized its principles, distinguished its subtleties, established its technical terminology, and presented every discussion—from introduction to conclusion—with a coherent and precise structure. This is a hallmark of his unique scholarly character.”
Allamah Naini: A Leading Luminary of the Seminary
Sayed Abbas al-Hussaini, Director of the Imam al-Hussain (peace be upon him) Academic Complex, remarked:
“Researcher Naini was one of the foremost figures of the Islamic seminary—a distinguished jurist, a reform-minded intellectual, and a comprehensive encyclopaedia of knowledge, philosophy, mysticism, and ethics. His theories, more than ninety years later, remain central topics of study and teaching in seminaries.”
The Historical Role of the Najaf Seminary
Shaikh Alireza Arafi, Director of the Islamic Seminaries of Qom, emphasized the historical role of the Najaf Seminary in shaping the scholarly identity of the Shia tradition. He expressed appreciation for the gathering of scholars and the joint efforts of the seminaries of Iraq and Iran in commemorating such an eminent scholarly figure.
He added that the aim of the conference extends beyond honoring great scholars—it also seeks to present the intellectual contributions of the seminary to the global community, academic institutions, and the younger generation, inspiring them to follow the scholarly and spiritual path of their predecessors.
Unveiling of the Encyclopaedia of Researcher Naini (may his soul be sanctified)
During the closing session, the Islamic Seminary of Qom unveiled the comprehensive 40-volume encyclopaedia of Allamah Naini. This monumental work was compiled over two years by the Islamic Seminary of Qom in cooperation with the Imam al-Hussain (peace be upon him) Academic Complex affiliated with the Imam al-Hussain Holy Shrine.
Additionally, the Custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, Sayed Isa al-Khirsan, presented the Flag of the Shrine of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) to the Islamic Seminary of Qom, and Grand Ayatollah Shaikh Alireza Arafi received it.
Conclusion of the Conference
It is noteworthy that this conference in Najaf follows the first session held previously in the city of Qom. The current program will conclude with a final session at the Imam al-Hussain Holy Shrine in Karbala.
