In an exclusive interview with Hawzah News correspondent in Qom, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Qom Seminary, Hujjat al-Islam Seyyed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi, Chairman of the Council of Shia Scholars of Bangladesh, emphasized the unique role of Qom Seminary in explaining the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) in the Islamic world, describing this academic institution as the standard-bearer of Shia awakening and the axis of unity of the Islamic nation.
First, please introduce yourself to our audience and briefly explain your scientific and religious activities in Bangladesh.
Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Ibrahim Khalil Razavi: I am from Khulna, Bangladesh, and I have been serving as the head of “Center for Islamic Studies” seminary for the past few decades. This center was established about 32 years ago and 65 students have graduated from it so far. Fortunately, about 40 of these graduates have migrated to the holy city of Qom to continue their studies, and after graduating, they are now engaged in missionary and cultural duties in various parts of Bangladesh.
What scientific and religious services have been provided so far within the framework of the seminary’s activities in Bangladesh?
Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Ibrahim Khalil Razavi: By God’s grace, the Center for Islamic Studies is active in various scientific and cultural fields. One of the achievements of this center is the publication of the “Fajr” magazine every two weeks with official permission, which is distributed among government institutions and various segments of society.
Other activities include the translation and publication of more than 65 books in the field of religious and intellectual knowledge, some of which, such as the books “Human Rights” and “The Five,” are considered significant works.
Today, this center is considered the main authority for Shiites in Khulna and the surrounding areas, and people refer to it on various religious issues. Also, in 2016, when some challenges arose, this center, under the guidance of the Qom Seminary, played an effective role in managing and resolving the crisis.
What is your opinion about the role of the Qom Seminary in spreading the school of Ahl al-Bayt?
Seyyed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi: Indubitably, everything we do today in the religious field in our country is indebted to the blessings and achievements of the Qom Seminary. If this seminary had not been established with its current structure, we would not have been able to study, nor would we have been able to take practical steps in promoting the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) in our country.
Now that we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the new seminary of Qom by Late Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Abdul Karim Haeri Yazdi (RA), it must be acknowledged that this seminary, especially after the great movement of the Late Imam Khomeini (RA) has played a significant role in accurately and logically introducing the Shiite school of thought in the Islamic world; a role that was unprecedented before at this level of effectiveness.
Finally, what message do you have for the students of seminaries in Bangladesh and other countries?
Seyyed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi: At this valuable historical juncture, I urge all dear students to make the most of the opportunity to attend seminaries, especially the Qom Seminary, and to become familiar with current sciences in addition to studying in-depth religious sciences, so that they can be knowledgeable and wise promoters of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) school in their respected country.
In Bangladesh, there is a particularly dire need for scholarly propagation of Shiism. It is essential to present the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) to the people in a wise and effective language, while respecting local culture, literature, and capacities.
