This academic year in the seminary, Ustad Soroush Mahallati is giving his Bahth al-Kharij of Usul al-Fiqh on the topic of I’tibariyyat (Conventional Realities). Below is the translation of the transcription of the first lesson from September 13th, 2025. Different Terminologies of Iʿtibārī (Conventional) We thank God that once again we have been granted the … Read more
By Ustad Soroush Mahallati – Translated by Sayyid Ali Imran These are translations of classes delivered by Ustad Soroush Mahallati during the summer vacation on political philosophy and political jurisprudence. In this post, I have translated the third lesson from July 13th, 2025. This lesson goes into some detail about the nature of revelation. For … Read more
By Ustad Soroush Mahallati – Translated by Sayyid Ali Imran These are translations of classes delivered by Ustad Soroush Mahallati during the summer vacation on political philosophy and political jurisprudence. In this post, I have translated the second lesson from July 11th, 2025. On the Types of Governance and Leadership I extend my greetings and … Read more
By Ustad Soroush Mahallati – Translated by Sayyid Ali Imran These are translations of classes delivered by Ustad Soroush Mahallati during the summer vacation on political philosophy and political jurisprudence. In this post, I have translated the first lesson from July 9th, 2025. Definition of “Millah” In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the … Read more
This is a translation of a lecture delivered by Ustad Soroush Mahallati at the Fahim Institute in Qom, on the night of 6th Muharram. In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful All praise is due to God, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our Master and … Read more
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad al-Mustafa and his pure family, especially the remaining proof of God on earth. The Qom Seminary: A Unique Phenomenon Amidst Turbulent Events The blessed establishment … Read more
Genealogy of Islamic Civilization Thought from the Constitutional Revolution to the Islamic Revolution By Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan | Translate by Sayyid Ali Imran Introduction Two revolutions, the Constitutional Revolution and the Islamic Revolution, occurred in our country approximately seventy years apart (1285 SH / 1906 and 1357 SH / 1979). What relationship do these two … Read more
This analysis is written by Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan and translated by Sayyid Ali Imran A book titled Tadayyun va Tamaddon (Religiosity and Civilization) was written in 1330 AH / 1290 SH in Kazimayn in Persian for Iranians studying at the Okhovvat Elementary School in that city. Its aim was to clarify the relationship between religiosity … Read more
These transcripts are from the Khaarij classes in theology delivered by Ustad Reza Brinjkar in 2022, focusing on the principle of af‘āl Allah kulluhā mu‘allalah bil-aghrāḍ (ACO – the conditioning of all divine acts to objectives). These lessons were later compiled and published in book form in 2023, though I do not currently have a … Read more
This is the continuation of transcriptions of lessons given by Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Sobhani on the book Tajrīd al-I‘tiqād, a seminal work by Khwāja Naṣīr al-Dīn Ṭūsī. These lessons were delivered to students pursuing their Masters degree (or Sath Se) in the seminary and draw heavily on Kashf al-Murād by ‘Allāmah Ḥillī, a renowned commentary on Tajrīd al-I‘tiqād, providing … Read more
The following posts will be based on transcribed notes I was making several years ago while I was in Qom, based on the lessons given by Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Sobhani on the book Tajrīd al-I‘tiqād, a seminal work by Khwāja Naṣīr al-Dīn Ṭūsī. These lessons were delivered to students pursuing their Masters degree (or Sath Se) in … Read more
The following posts will be based on transcribed notes I was making several years ago while I was in Qom, based on the lessons given by Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Sobhani on the book Tajrīd al-I‘tiqād, a seminal work by Khwāja Naṣīr al-Dīn Ṭūsī. These lessons were delivered to students pursuing their Masters degree (or Sath … Read more
By Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan Abstract The history of civilization is a relatively new branch within the field of history. In the historical tradition of Muslim societies, there has generally not been a civilizational perspective on history. Instead, historical writing has primarily focused on political narratives and, at times, static social analyses. In contrast, over the … Read more
By Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan Translated by Sayyid Ali Imran With the ascension of Shah Abbas I in 996 AH (1588 CE), two prominent scholars, Sheikh Baha’i and Mir Damad, played significant roles in the Safavid state. Among them, Mir Damad was originally from Astarabad, and his father was the son-in-law of Muhaqqiq Karaki and one … Read more
The following is a translation of an article titled Repentance and Faith of Pharaoh: From the Perspectives of Imam Khomeini and Ibn ‘Arabi. Introduction Pharaoh, the arrogant ruler during the time of Prophet Musa, was one of the most tyrannical rulers in human history. God Almighty has repeatedly mentioned him in the Qur’an in various … Read more
Utilizing the Capacity of Fiqh in New Circumstances and the Necessity of Transferring the Experience of Innovative Ijtihad to the Intellectual Generation This was a lecture given by Ustad Soroush Mahallati, in a meeting with the Members of the Islamic Association of University Lecturers with several scholars and jurists in the city of Qom, on … Read more
This is an excerpt from Shaheed Mutahhari’s speech titled Oratory and the Pulpit, delivered around the year 1380 AH / 1959 CE at the Islamic Engineers Association. The full speech is worth translating, but at the moment I have chosen to only translate this short passage from it. Religious Awareness and Social Awareness Knowledge and … Read more
One Year Anniversary for Iqra Online Members’ Portal Alhamdulillah, it has already been a year today since I launched the Members Only portal on Iqra Online’s YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/iqraonline]. I would like to thank all of the brothers and sisters from the different countries who have shown their support during this year. When I first … Read more
This is an interview conducted with Dr. Ghasem Pourhasan Darzi is an associate professor in the Philosophy Department at Allamah Tabataba’i University. His research primarily focuses on Islamic philosophy, hermeneutics, and philosophy of religion. Let’s begin our discussion by defining civilization. Given the various definitions that exist, what is your view and interpretation of this … Read more
Source: https://fa.abna24.com/story/1492997 The Ahl al-Bayt News Agency (ABNA) recently organized an academic discussion, critiquing the book “Cursing and Condemnation in the History of Islam and the Confrontation of the Ahl al-Bayt with It” in collaboration with the Research Institute of the History and Biography of the Ahl al-Bayt. In this session, Dr. Ibrahim Salehi Haji … Read more
By Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan Introduction When we browse the introductory sections of books on Milal wa Nihal (the study of religions and sects) and their tables of contents, we almost invariably find a similar categorization of the most important Islamic sects. In the past, in our review of the book Milal wa Nihal by Shahristani, … Read more
Third Stage: From the Early Minor Occultation to the Early Major Occultation Contrary to what might be expected, with the end of the era of the Imams’ presence and the beginning of the Occultation period, the attention of the Shia community towards hadith, its preservation, narration, and compilation, increased, while rational inquiries and content analysis … Read more
Important Points in the History of Usul al-Fiqh Before discussing the history and stages of the science of Usul al-Fiqh (legal theory), it is necessary to consider a few key points: General Points on the History of Science 1. The “history of science” differs from the “biography of scholars.” Only that portion of a scholar’s … Read more
Below is a selected translation of a much lengthier paper discussing the genre of anti-Western civilization literature produced in Qom between 1962 to 1978, by Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan. The paper was published in Gufteman-e Tamaddun-e Islami Dar Iran Dawreh Pahlavi (published in 2023). The selection of this article for examining the perspective on the West … Read more
This is lesson 4 of the series on “An Introduction to Theological Issues of Governance in Iran”, by the renowned theologian, Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Subhani. This lesson was given on May 17th, 2023. The main issue in the realm of governance theology throughout the historical trajectory of Shia thought has been a series of semantic … Read more
This is lesson 3 of the series on “An Introduction to Theological Issues of Governance in Iran”, by the renowned theologian, Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Subhani. This lesson was given on May 3rd, 2023. The discussion we have been having is that Islamic political literature, especially within Shi’ism, has undergone a semantic transformation and conceptual change … Read more
This is a transcript of a series of lessons given by the prominent and renowned Iranian theologian, Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Subhani in 2023. Below are the first two sessions, given on February 12th and February 27th respectively. Translation of the subsequent lessons will be published when completed. Introduction: Main Questions of These Series of Sessions … Read more
[Source – By Dr. Maryam Kiyani Farid] It may be as important and fundamental to understand human knowledge and its place in the modern world as it is to return to and explore its history. The reason for this importance is itself significant and worthy of contemplation. It seems that this importance arises from a … Read more
By Rasul Jafariyan | Translated by Sayyid Burair Abbas Around the year 230 AH (845 CE), Wathiq the Abbasid caliph dispatched an exploratory group to discover the location of the barrier of Ya’juj and Ma’juj towards the Caucasus region. Simultaneously, under the supervision of Muhammad bin Musa al-Khwarizmi, another expedition was sent to Rome to … Read more
Is animal sacrifice an ethical act? The issue of sacrificing and being sacrificed in the way of God The below is a translation of the transcript of a lecture given by Ustad Mohammad Soroush Mahallati on the night of Eid al-Aḍhā, responding to the question “Is sacrificing an animal an ethical act?” Although this question … Read more
By Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan | Translated by Sayyid Ali Imran | Edited & annotated by Sayyid Burair Abbas The doubt that will be discussed in this paper is the influence and role of the Shi’a in the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate and their collaboration with the Mongols. Previously, three topics were discussed: firstly, the … Read more
This was a single lecture delivered by Ustad Soroush Mahallati at Muassaseh Miftah-e Keramat on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023. The topic of the discussion is was differentiating between jurisprudential and ethical propositions, and whether such a distinction is possible or not. In the last few decades, several scholars in Iran have brought up this subject … Read more
By Shaykh Haider Hobbollah The traditional mindset was accustomed to eliminating the distinction between thought and reality in a sense, between the self and the other, between the subjective and the objective, between the mental and the external etc. in their perception and conception of human knowledge. When a researcher or thinker addresses a topic … Read more
By Shaykh Mahdi Masaeli The ‘nail in the door’ detail in eulogies recited during Fatimiyyah has become popular in the last hundred years. There are two references for this story, neither of which have any historical credibility. One is a line of poetry by Shaykh Muhammad Husayn Gharavi Isfahani, also known as Shaykh Kumpani (1296-1361 … Read more
The Philosophy for Children Co-operative (P4C) is a pedagogic approach developed by Mathew Lipman that centres on teaching thinking skills and the ability to question and reason. It is a student-led, inquiry based approach to learning. The curriculum and pedagogical approach is practiced in over 60 countries, including many schools in Iran. The underlying principle … Read more
This is an abridged translation of a paper published in 2008 by Dr. Shaheen Irwani, Dr. Mohammed-Reza Sharafi and Murad-Yari Dehnawi, from Tehran University. The original Farsi paper can be accessed directly here. For the sake of brevity, no footnotes, the abstract nor the bibliography have been translated, and the literature review section in the … Read more
By professor Abolghasem Fanaei This paper aims to comparatively study mystical theology and philosophical theology in Islamic culture. The main claim of the author is that the disagreements between Muslim mystics and philosophers regarding theology stem from a deeper difference in their definition and perception of God. Particularly, the rationality of belief in the existence … Read more
By Sayyid Mohammad Kazem Tabatabai Abstract: Hadith studies or the study of Hadith literature is one of the essential requirements for an Islamic scholar, which has historically been formally present in religious seminaries. Nowadays, these studies are mostly pursued individually. In this article, after explaining the criteria for selecting appropriate texts, a practical and systematic … Read more
By Rasul Jafariyan The selection of this title is due to the noteworthy attention given to scholarly exchanges among researchers, both domestic and foreign, in the aforementioned summer classes. In my history of written activities, I have concurrently engaged in authorship, editing, and translation. Some of the translations have pertained to works produced in the … Read more
In the previous article, we made some prefunctory remarks regarding the challenges of extracting jurisprudential discussions from the tragedy of Karbalā. We also explained how the question of whether fiqhī implications can be drawn out of ‘Āshūrā’ is intimately tied with one’s viewpoint regarding the underlying motives of Imam Ḥusayn’s (as) uprising. We furthermore elaborated … Read more
By Muhammad Jaffer[1] Despite the relatively short span of time in which its events transpired, the fateful tragedy of Karbalā is arguably one of the most recounted, analyzed, and appraised events in human history. Whether it be in the domain of Islamic history, theology, sociology, literature, or art, the movement of ‘Āshurā’ as led by … Read more
Exegetical Trends of the Shi’a During Imam Baqir’s Era – Exploring the Dialectical of Exoteric vs Esoteric (Ẓāhir & Bāṭin) and Revelation vs Interpretation (Tanzīl & Ta’wīl) Original in Persian Written By Dr. S.M. Hadi Gerami Translated by Muhammad Jaffer and Sayyid Burair Abbas Abstract Studies exploring the historical development of exegesis abound in the … Read more
By Shaykh Ḥaydar Ḥubbullāh and transcribed by Muḥammad Ṭarrāf Translated by Muhammad Jaffer[1] II. The Proposed Postulates for Understanding the Quranic Interior If we submit that the Qurān does have interior dimensions, taking our springboard the aforementioned ḥadīth or any of the other prior arguments discussed (aside from the claim that the Qurān contains all … Read more
By Shaykh Ḥaydar Ḥubbullāh and transcribed by Muḥammad Ṭarrāf Translated by Muhammad Jaffer[1] In the previous two articles, we discussed the various views on vernacular and transcendental language of the Qurān. We discussed that in general, there are three major camps: a group that believes that the Qurānic diction is purely vernacular, a group that … Read more
By Shaykh Ḥaydar Ḥubbullāh[1] Transcribed by Muhammad Jaffer In the previous article, we explained the vernacular theory of Qurānic language as espoused by a wide range of exegetes, tradents, and jurists.[2] In this discussion we will expand on the opposing perspective, which posits that the language of the Qurān transcends the bounds of human communication. … Read more
By Shaykh Ḥaydar Ḥubbullāh[1] Transcribed by Muhammad Jaffer I. Introduction What is meant when we discuss the vernacular and common rational language of the Holy Qurān? Does the Qurān utilize a language that is supposed to be understood by all? Or does it seek to be inscrutable and inaccessible to the common man so that … Read more
In 2017 I shared a short writeup from one of my teachers Ustad Sayyid Rafipour that explains the four positions on moon sighting and methodologies for determining the start of a new lunar month. The very first opinion in that article is referred to as Birth of the Crescent, a view that seems to have … Read more
The topic of Tawassul is something that has been constantly debated since the time of Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728/1328) who seems to be first Muslim scholar to question this practice. The below is a translation of a paper written by Dr Fathullah Nijarzadegan, who is a professor at the university of Tehran and has hundreds … Read more
By Dr. Hassan Ansari Questions and doubts occasionally arise regarding the authenticity of certain supplication or ziyarat texts in the Shi’a hadith literature. However, two crucial aspects are often overlooked in such discussions: 1) Most supplication and ziyarat texts are, in fact, combined and merged versions of supplications and ziyarat taken from older and earlier … Read more
Translation & Editing: Sayyid Burair Abbas Proofreading & Review: Dr. Muhammad Jaffer Introduction Some Western researchers have adopted an interesting academic perspective on the question of why Europe progressed during the Dark Ages while the Muslims, who were previously ahead of Europe by several centuries, precipitously declined. How did the Europeans come to carry the … Read more
Translated & Edited by:- Sayyid Burair Abbas Annotated by:- Dr. Muhammad Jaffer Q: How do the Muslims explain the widespread phenomenon of intermarriages between the Ahlulbayt (a) of the Holy Prophet and the Companions/Caliphs and their children throughout history? Can you present for us the currents of thought in this matter in your usual elegant … Read more
Originally written in Arabic by Shaykh Dr. Haider Hobbollah, to read the original click here. Translated by Salim Salhab From the very first centuries, the Shīʿī Imāmī Ḥadīth movement engaged in Matn criticism, with a primary focus on doctrinal and historical literature, and less so with regards to the milieu of narrations and traditions belonging to … Read more
These are edited transcripts of khārij lessons given between December 15th 2018 to December 29th 2018, on the topic of Citizenship Law and Religious Minorities by Shaykh Haider Hobbollah. In the context of religious minorities living under an Islamic government, there are various jurisprudential principles that can be cited to manage the rights of such … Read more
Below is an interview conducted by Hadi Al Lawati on his show Hira (حَيْرَة) with contemporary Iranian philosopher Ustad Ghulam Reza Fayyazi. Some of the opinions and works of Ustad Fayyazi have been published on Iqra Online in the past such as: The English translations of the first few transcripts of his explanation of Bidāyah … Read more
This is a transcript of lesson 103, March 3rd, 2020 from Shaykh Haider Hobollah’s classes on legal theory. Maqāṣid-Based Ijtihād and Secularism There is a major critique that says Maqāṣid-based ijtihād results in secularism, since all you are left with are these higher vague principles, and everything else becomes a mere medium to reach those … Read more
This is a transcription from lesson 3 of the Uṣūl lessons of Shaykh Haider Hobbollah on the topic of Naskh al-Quran, delivered in fall of 2022. — We will start our discussion with an analysis of the jargon used in this topic. It requires patience on part of the student, because although the discussion can … Read more
This is a transcription from the first 2 Uṣūl lessons of Shaykh Haider Hobbollah on the topic of Naskh al-Quran, delivered in fall of 2022. — The lessons we are beginning this term are on a topic that appears within the broader topic of Ḥujjīyyah al-Qurān. In the first lesson, we will give an introduction … Read more
Muhammad JafferMuhammad Jaffer is a neurologist by profession, and his field of interest is Islamic literature. He enjoys translating Arabic poetry in particular.
Translated by Ali Retha Translators Introduction: Allamah al-Hilli (d. 726Hijri / 1325 C), one of the most famous scholars and prolific writers of his time, has written the first commentary of his teachers work: Tajrid al-I’tiqad (Abstract of Doctrines) by Khawajah Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (d. 672/1274). The full title of Allamah al-Hilli’s commentary is Kashf … Read more
Originally written in Arabic by Sayyid Muḥammad Riḍā Ḥusaynī al-Jalālī and translated into Persian by Dr. Jūyā Jahānbakhsh[1] Translated and Annotated into English by Muhammad Jaffer Edited by Sayyid Burair Abbas The question of the Twelfth Imām’s (as) ghaybah (occultation) features widely in the writings of Shaykh Muḥammad bin Muḥammad bin Nu’mān al-‘Ukbarī al-Mufīd (336-413 … Read more
Translated by Sayyid Burair Abbas Edited and annotated by Muhammad Jaffer As a continuation of the previous discussion regarding the delegitimization of non-orthodox Shī’ah scholars, we have translated the following Q&A found in the writings of Shaykh Ḥaydar Ḥubbullāh. For the sake of clarity, we have added some explanatory footnotes of our own to highlight … Read more
Translated by Sayyid Burair Abbas & reviewed, annotated, and edited by Muhammad Jaffer One of the major questions that has come up since antiquity regarding the revolution of Imām Ḥusayn (as) pertains to the perceived conflict between the steps he took towards his death and his occult foreknowledge about his impending martyrdom. In the below … Read more
By Rasul Jafarian The ḥadīth of Ghadīr or the day of Ghadīr is a reference to an event that took place in 10th hijri on the 18th of Dhi al-Ḥijjah, near a location called Ghadīr Khumm. As historical reports transmit, the Messenger of Allah was returning to Medina after completing his Hajj Tamattu‘ and asked … Read more
Abortion – prematurely and proactively ending a pregnancy – is an extremely sensitive issue in the religious sphere. Approaching it theoretically requires a very fine balance between empathy for special circumstances and preserving sacred principles. Within Muslim academic discourse, by being linked to life, abortion automatically demands the right to be handled with the utmost … Read more
Translated by Muhammad Jaffer and edited by Sayyid Burair Abbas Religious adherents of Islām today struggle to maintain a strong sense of traditionalism while living amidst an ever-evolving modernity that may challenge their values. Unfortunately, religious discourse in the current era has arguably seen a decline in popularity, as evidenced by the new generation’s dwindling … Read more
The following is a translation of an originally Persian article written by Dr. Aḥmad Khāmehyār regarding the history of Jannat al-Baqī’. The original article has been linked, published on the popular Persian blog site Kātebān.[1] Dr. Khāmeyār is a prominent historian specializing in the history of Islamic sanctuaries. The tombs at Jannat al-Baqī’, which subsume … Read more
A reply was written by Muhammad Sharifi, a Zaydi brother, to my recent article on Zayd b. Ali (peace be upon them). I am happy to see intellectual exchange take place, but etiquette should always be observed. Offensive language against figures of the Imamī tradition, highly respected companions such as ‘The Believer of al-Ṭāq’ (al-Aḥwal), … Read more
Originally posted on Shiitic Studies. Introduction Did the companions all recite the Qur’an in the same way? If not, did this variation go back to the prophet (he taught it differently to different companions) and ultimately the Divine Author, or was it a result of the natural human condition (they tried their utmost to remain … Read more
Zayd, the son of Imam al Sajjād (peace be upon them), is a landmark figure in Islamic history. He led an uprising against the government to avenge the blood of his grandfather, Imam al-Husayn (p). A theological school known as the Zaydiah separate from other Shīʿī denominations by their belief in the Imamah of Zayd. … Read more
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