Tehran – Ayatollah Alileza Alafi, director of Iran’s Islamic Seminary, is the leader of Ali Khamenei’s upcoming charter on the clergy of Islamic Revolution, marking an important turning point in religious and academic development, in line with the legacy of the founders of the original vision of the Islamic Revolution.
Speaking on Sunday at a press conference ahead of the international conference on the 100th anniversary of the reestablishment of QOM seminaries, Ayatollah Alaphi outlined the pivotal role of seminaries in Iran and the broader Islamic world. The event was held at the Marek Museum in Tehran, and was attended by senior officials and academics.
Describing seminaries as knowledge-driven, ethical, and people-oriented institutions, A’rafi highlighted its historical role in promoting science, thinking and social engagement. “The seminary has a deep-rooted heritage,” he said.
Ayatollah A’Rafi has identified four critical features of Islamic seminaries. Academic rigor, ethical leadership, social connection, responsible political engagement. “In the early days, when seminaries and universities were separate, all departments of science flourished in seminary,” he notes, highlighting the institution’s intellectual heritage.
Regarding the social roots of the seminary, Abaphi said:
He also praised the seminary’s moderate political stance. “For a long time, seminaries have stood firm against foreign interference and have supported the independence of Islamic countries,” he said.
He believed that Imam Khomeini spearheaded the development of Islamic political thought and established a new model of governance enabled in QOM, a religious democracy. “The ideas that emerged here continued to shape major regional and global transformations,” he said.
A’Rafi emphasized that seminaries have expanded the scope of Islamic science in recent decades. “Today, our knowledge framework spans over 16 domains and 400 academic disciplines, including engagement with modern law, comparative law and Western philosophy,” he said.
Ayatollah Alaphi also highlighted the growing role of women in Islamic scholarships. “For the first time since the Islamic Revolution, the doors to seminary education have been wide open to women,” he said, adding that around 500 women’s seminaries are currently active across the country.
“The scope of seminary is global,” he added. “The teachings currently exist in over 100 countries.”
The upcoming international conference, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th, will feature speeches and messages from several senior religious authorities, including Ayatollah Javadi Amoli and Ayatollah Subhani. Video messages from Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi and Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani will also be presented along with international guests.
A’Rafi announced that a new charter for leaders on clergy will be announced during the event. “This document shapes the future of seminary and updates the vision originally laid out by Imam Khomeini,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging scholars and scholars to contribute ideas for the continued progress of seminary. “We must look to the future, address shortcomings, and effectively respond to society’s evolving needs,” he said.