ECHOof Islam

No. 269 . September 2020 ISSN : 1019 - 0775 www.itfjournals.com Message of Condolence from Ayatollah Khamenei on the demise of Ayatollah Taskhiri Ayatollah Khamenei, the SupremeLeader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, issued a message of condolence on the occasion of the demise of the diligent scholar and proponent of Islam and Shi- ism, Ayatollah Taskhiri. The full text of his message is as follows: In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful to continue his effective and blessed involvement We were saddened to learn about the demise of the wherever it was necessary and useful.His respon- diligent scholar and champion of Islam and Shi- sibilities and services inside the country are also a ism, Hojjat al-Islam Haaj Sheikh Mohammad Ali separate and valuable chapter of this virtuous, com- Taskhiri (may Allah have mercy on him).The record mitted cleric’s efforts.I offer my condolences to his of this tireless, indefatigable man in performing family, as well as to all his colleagues and friends, various outstanding services in the international Is- and prayto God Almighty to bestow His mercy, for- lamic community is truly brilliant.His steadfast de- giveness, and divine approval on him. termination and motivated soul even overcame his Sayyid Ali Khamenei physical disabilities in recent years and enabled him August 18, 2020 ECHOof Islam

No. 269 . September 2020

Managing Director: Mohammad Assadi Movahed [email protected]

Editor: Dr . Mohsen Shojakhani

Editor’s Note 4 Public Relations Manager: Maryam Hamzelou Hojjat al-Islam va Al-Moslemin Dr. Mohsen Ghomi, 6 spoke of Allameh Ayatollah Taskhiri Designer: Zahra Salari Dr. Abouzar Ebrahimi Torkaman, Speaks on Allameh 7 Ayatollah Taskhiri Magazine of ITF , Tehran, Hojjat al-Islam Mahdi Imanipour, Speaks on Allameh 9 Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Taskhiri Tel: +9821-88934302 , +9821-88934303 Who Was Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri 10 Fax: +9821-88902725 Condolence Messages by Personalities 20 Website: http://alhoda.ir Activities and Positions of Ayatollah Taskhiri 24 http://www.itfjournals.com Ayatollah Taskhiri’s Views and Thoughts 28 http://echoofislam.itfjournals.com

Views on Ayatollah Taskhiri 32 Email: [email protected] ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ِ إ َ ذ َ ا م َ ات ْ ال َ ع ِ ال ُ م ُ ث ِ ل َ م ِ ف ْ ي اإلس ِ الم ُ ث ْ ل َ م ٌ ة َ ال ي ُ س ُّ د َ ه َ ا ش Editor’s Note ْ ي ٌ ء ِ إ َ ل َ ى ي ْ و ِ م ْ ال ِ ق َ ي َ ام ِ ة The death of a (Muslim) scholar is loss to Islam for which there no compensation until the Day Judgement. Ayatollah Haaj Sheikh Moham- mad Ali Taskhiri, a Scholar of Profound Knowledge and Virtues

4 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

and, as a result, share certain com- “When a true believer who is a ِهّ ِ -mon points that allow them to co- faqih (jurist), dies, it causes irrep َ“و ْاع َت ِص ُم ْوا بِ َح ْب ِل الل َجمیعا َو َال تَ َف َّر ُق ْوا ِ ِهّ َ َ -exist peacefully rather than be at arable damage in the Islamic sys َو ْاذ ُک ُر ْوا ن ْع َم َ ةالل َعلَ ْی ُک ْم إِ ْذ ُک ُنت ْم أ ْع َداء َفألَّ َف بَ ْی َن ُق ُلوبِ ُکم َفأَ ْصب ْح ُتم بِنِعمتِ ِه إِ ْخوانا...” Hold fast, all َtogether,َ ْ toَ Allah’sْ war with each other. tem.” (Usul al-Kafi, 1/38/2; also“ cord, and do not be divided (into Being bestowed with a promi- Concise Mizan al-Hikmah, 454). sects). And remember Allah’s nent personality, whichhad made The efforts of this mujahid and blessing upon you when you were him well-known among the Sunni tireless genius, who has left be- enemies, then He brought your and Shiite communities, Sheikh hind valuable and precious works hearts together, so you became Mohammad Ali Taskhiri came in Quranic, cultural, social, po- brothers with His blessing.” (Holy to be a unique role model in the litical, and economic fieldsas Quran, 3: 103) international arena to the extent well as on the life of the Prophet The term“oneUmmah” (nation/ that the great Sunni scholars had and infallible Imams (as), etc., community) has been used in the come to consider the views and areundoubtedly, a clear testimony Holy Quran in order to encourage opinions of Shiite jurisprudence of the above-mentioned narra- Muslims to have unity. The most comparable with the jurispru- tion. The love for the infallible sensitive issue that the Ahl al-Bayt dence of other Islamic schools of household of the Prophet (pbuh) (as) have emphasized,on the basis thought. The Supreme Leader of was noticeably manifested in the of the Quranic teachings and Pro- the Islamic Revolution hasbeau- depths of the blessed being of phetic tradition, is the unity and tifullystated that: “This mujahid this learned scholarandthat had integrity of the Islamic Ummah scholar was the voice of Islam and made him extensively active to- within the general framework of Shiism” and certainly with his de- wards the promotion of proximity the Islamic world.This continues mise, the Muslim community has among the followers of Islamic to be one of the most important lost a great personality who stood denominations. By attending and issues in today’s Islamic world. for unity and peace and was a participating in scholarly confer- It was also one of the concerns of pioneer in the field of proximity ences and seminars abroad, he the late Ayatollah Taskhiri (1944- amongdifferent Islamic schools of was able to convey the message 2020). He was a true follower of thought. of Islam, the Revolution, and the the Holy Quran and the school of The Noble Prophet of Islam Islamic system with great hum- the Ahl al-Bayt (as), had a glob- (pbuh) has said: bleness and adhering to special -moral values.Certainly, his mi ِ َ“م ُوت العال ِم ُم َصیب ٌة ال ُت َجب ُر و ُث َلم ٌة ال ُت َس ُّد، و ُه َو ,al and international perspective gration (from this world) has ِ ٍ ِ ِ ِ نَ ٌجم طـم َس، و َم ُوت َقبیلَة َأیس ُر من َموت عال ٍم” and had respect for the views and opinions of others. Inspired by the The death of a scholar is an irrepa- caused a big lacuna in the Is- Quranic teachings, he dedicated rable calamity and an irrevocable lamic Ummah,which will not his life to inviting humanity to loss and the end of a star that sets be compensated forvery soon. peace and friendship. Therefore, forever.He then added:It is easier It is hoped that by following the when he spoke of proximity, it did to bear the death of a tribe than unifying ideas of this late schol- not mean denying other beliefs the death of a scholar.” (Kanz al- ar, we will witnessgrowing- and rejecting or accepting them. Ummal, Hadith No. 28858). compassion, solidarity, and He emphasized the commonali- By the same token, Imam Ja’far brotherhood in the world.As ties among Islamic denominations Sadiq has said: Mohammad Asadi Movahhed ِ إذا َمات ُالمؤمن َالفقي ُه ُثل َم في ِاإلسالم ُث َلم ٌ ةال“ -and believed that all human be Managing Director ”يَ ُس ُّدها ٌشيء ings have a common innate-nature

No. 269. September 2020 5 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

Hojjat al-Islam va Al-Moslemin Dr. Mohsen Ghomi, Deputy for International Affairs, Office of the Su- preme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, spoke of Al- lameh Ay atollah Taskhiri’s personality and his efforts

In the Name of God, the Benefi- spite of the physical weakness that had a fundamental role in the es- cent, the Merciful had befallen him after certain age tablishment of the Ahl al-Bayt Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhi- continued to remain active and World Assembly and was appoint- ri was a man of commitment, sin- work hard till the end. Owing to ed as its first Secretary-General. cerity, authenticity, and humility; the depth of his knowledge and his He was also instrumental in the es- a scholar of eminence who was the contributions to fostering and pro- tablishment of the Islamic Culture author of about forty books, had moting proximity among the vari- and Relations Organization and translated more a dozen books into ous Islamic schools of thought, served as its President for seven the Arabic language, and had pre- Ayatollah Taskhiri had come to be years, during which period he did sented over 500 scholarly papers known as the personality of the Is- a lot of service to the world of Is- at different international confer- lamic world in a number of inter- lamic culture. ences and seminars and summits. national summits. May his soul rest in eternal peace He was a man of determination The senior advisor to the Supreme and be showered with God Al- and indefatigable efforts and in Leader of the Islamic Revolution mighty’s divine blessings.

6 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

Dr. Abouzar Ebrahimi Torkaman, the President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Or- ganization Speaks on Allameh Ayatollah Taskhiri, his personality, and his efforts in introducing the Islamic Revolution of Iran and in promoting unity and proximity among Muslims of the world On Ayatollah Taskhiri’s Char- body language and as a result, he He respected the character of the acteristics spokein a way that was pleasant to other party in dialogue and lis- The late Ayatollah Taskhiri was a his audience. tened to them with full attention. scholar, a jurist, and a thinker.He Secondly,the way he interacted Thereis a big difference between had a great passion for Arabic po- with others in the course of confer- listening and hearing. Ayatollah etry and literature, right from the ences would make the otherparty Taskhiri paid full attention to this beginning of his youth, such that realize that he disagreed with his important issue and listened to the some of his poems have been pub- views and not that person. Many a words of different people and re- lished in the form of a book called time when we disagree with some- sponded to them in a soft tone. It is Divan-e She’r. His mastery of the one, we speak in a way that the for this very reason that in his mes- Arabic language and literature person thinks we have a problem sage of condolence on the demise had strengthened his understand- with his personality and not with of Ayatollah Taskhiri the Supreme ing of the Holy Quran. On the his words and speech. Allameh Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei,has other hand, living among the Ar- Taskhiri paid a lot of attention to referred tohim, as the eloquent abs had made him well acquainted this point, which is why he was voice of Islam and Shiism. with their culture, customs, and very popular among the Sunnis. Owing to his moral character and

No. 269. September 2020 7 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ethics, Ayatollah Taskhiri never that this type of mental rigidity, used harsh, annoying, or provoca- which brands others as disbeliev- tive words in his speeches and/ ers and atheists is in no way ser- or interactions and always tried vice to the religion of Islam. to targetthe heart of his audience On the Rights and Status of before their intellect. Interesting- Women from the Viewpoint of ly, the people who read his books Ayatollah Taskhiri and/or papers would ask about Allameh Taskhiri did not be- him in the programs he did not at- lieve in gender superiority and tend. I remember I was the host rather paid attention to the merits of foreign guests at the Sheikh of the people and that is the rea- Mofid Congress in 1992 and was son he appointed the late Dr. Ms. surprised that, right at the airport, Touba Kermani as Iran’s cultural all foreign guests would express their eagerness to meet Ayatollah counsellor to Greece. She was a Taskhiri. learned and scholarly woman with Based on a hadith from the Holy a doctorate in philosophy. In fact, Prophet (pbuh) which says “re- the late Ayatollah had a merito- ligion is nothing but love and af- cratic view of women, and from fections for others if there is no his point of view, there was no dif- love for others, Ayatollah Taskh- ference between men and women ing the various related conference, iri engaged in discussions and when it came to work and social and writing several books and pa- dialogues from a human point of issues. person this subject. view, and love was institutional- On the Ethical Virtues of Alla- He considered intellectual rigidity ized in his very being. meh Taskhiri as a key factor in preventing Is- In spite of his adherence to the Ahl There is a verse in the Holy Quran lamic unity and believedthat some al-Bayt (as) and the Shiite school people in the Islamic world have which says: “Give glad tidings to of thought, he believed in prox- a poor understanding of the text. those who, when an affliction vis- imity among the various Islamic Understanding of ISIS is sacred its them, say: Indeed, we belong to denominations. Ayatollah Taskhiri Allah, and to Him do we indeed defended Islam and Shiism with ignorance. ISIS is a clear example of sacred ignorance. He wanted to return.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse his eloquent, articulate, and per- 156) suasive way of talking. fight against this holy ignorance, Ayatollah Taskhiri’s non-attach- On Allameh Taskhiri’s Activi- which is not in line with the teach- ties on Proximity of Islamic ings of Islam. ment to worldly affairs was his Schools of Thought in the In- This is because when ignorance is praiseworthy feature. A sense of ternational Arena garbedin holiness and sacredness, ownership creates many prob- From among his effective activi- it is very difficult to criticize and/ lems for human beings. But Aya- ties mention may be made of his or correct it. Allameh Taskhiri had tollah Taskhiri was both just and tireless effortsduring his tenure put in a lot of effort - either in his balanced. His other moral virtues as the Secretary-General of the writings or in his speeches and in- included being committed to his World Forum forProximity of Is- teractions with other scholars - to promises, fairness, and encour- lamic Schools of Thought; attend- make the Muslim world realize agement of others.

8 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

nominations through face-to-face Hojjat al-Islam contact with Muslim scholars. Mahdi Imani- His effective activity as the found- er and the first president of the pour, Deputy Islamic Culture and Relations Or- ganization, the Secretary-General President of Sci- of the World Forum for Proximity entific and Cul- of Islamic Schools of Thoughtas well as his scholarly activities in tural Cooperation, international forums, especially Islamic Culture the International Fiqh Academy of Jeddah, as the representative of and Relations Shiite jurists, and dozens of other Organization activities in various fields require long discussions on which books Ayatollah Taskhiri was aninnova- should be written. tive and mujahid jurist at the fore- Ayatollah Taskhiri’s responsibility front of the Islamic Revolution.He in the World Forum for Proxim- was a source of honor and repute- ity of Islamic Schools of Thought forShiism in the world. was a shining chapter in the ac- I believe commemorating the tivities of this pious scholar. The personalityof Ayatollah Taskhiri tery of Quranic subjects also add- same person who was a staunch is a move in the direction of the edto his popularity, and as a result, defender of the Ahl al-Bayt (as) “Second Phase of the Revolution” many Sunni scholars recognized wasalso a herald and a flagbearer Statement with regard to the ful- him as a popular Islamic personal- of Islamic unity in the world, and fillment of Islamic unity and the ity. this had thwarted the efforts of the formation of a new Islamic na- The Supreme Leader referred to enemies toward creating division tion and civilization. Therefore, him as the eloquent voice of Is- in the Islamic world and causing commemorating this personality lam and Shiism; a title that he a riftamong Islamic organizations. is not simply to glorify him butto truly deserved.This is because he I remember a meeting had been keep alive the memory, views and was a good representative of Is- organized by the leader of the thoughts of alearnedscholar. lam and Shiism in various forums, Russian Muftis in Moscow, which Good-naturedness, sincerity, hu- both within and outside the Is- was sponsored by the Qataris, mility, mastery of scholarly topics lamic world, and defended Islam and Ayatollah Taskhiri hadbeen and, more importantly, mastery of and Shiism in all its aspects with invited from Iran. When the Qa- the Arabic language and literature, his eloquent and articulate way of tari scholar was called to the po- making presentations eloquently speaking. dium for the inaugural speech, he and making direct contacts with Ayatollah Taskhiri was over- said:“I do not allow myself to give Muslim scholars were some of the whelmed with determination in the opening speech where Ayatol- characteristics that had made Aya- carrying out his responsibilities lah Taskhiri,a great personality of tollah Taskhiri a popular figure. andtirelessly traveled around the the Islamic world,is present” and Of course,the sincerity of words, world in order to promote and he requested Ayatollah Taskhiri to being open to criticism, and mas- foster the proximity of Islamic de- give the inauguralspeech

No. 269. September 2020 9 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri Who Was Allameh Ayatol- lah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri Ayatollah Haaj Sheikh Moham- the neighborhood.After undergo- mad Ali Taskhiri was borne ing the early years of his educa- in Najaf Ashraf on 9 October tion in this manner he was placed 1944. He was the first son of under the custody of a teacher by Hojjat al-Islam wa Al-Muslemin the name of Mr. Alayi who taught Haaj Sheikh Ali AkbarTaskhiri him the Holy Quran as well as Tonekaboni - a committed and what was being taught at prima- hard-working young man from a ry and secondary schools. Since farming family of the Javaherdeh formal education was not coher- rural area of the Ramsar city of ent and there were no unified Iran - who had migrated to the textbooks available for teaching city of Najaf in pursuit of knowl- primary students or were not, at edge and Islamic sciences and least, commonlyavailable,many lived within the vicinity of the religious families were reluctant Shrine of the first Shiite Imam to send their children to public Ali bin Abi Talib (as). schools.Therefore, Sheikh Ali Allameh Mohammad Ali Taskh- Akbar Tonekaboni did not en- iri’s mother was the learned roll his son in public schools and Ayatollah Taskhiri was one daughter of the late Seyyed Mah- preferred that the young Moham- of the well-known scientific di Emami, a scholar of the Najaf mad Ali should dohis primary and cultural figures of the and secondary education and Seminary andone of Sheikh Ali Islamic world who always learn the Quran in Mr. Alayi’s AkbarTaskhiri’s teacherswho on tried to introduce Shiism home-school. seeing the young Sheikh Ali Ak- correctly and create un- bar’s qualities, efforts and sincer- derstanding and empathy Owing to hard living ityaccepted him as his son-in-law among Muslims. conditions,the young Moham- and married his daughter to him. Having a revolutionary mad Ali also worked in a cloth Being the granddaughter of Aqa- spirit, Ayatollah Taskhiri- shop to help support the fam- zia Iraqi, thegreatusuli scholar, joined the struggle of the ily’s livelihood, and at the same and thinker, she played a great people of Qom against the time, put in great efforts and de- role in the spiritual and religious dependent and authoritar- terminationto continue with his growth of her children, ian monarchial regime of secondary education at aneve- Iran, which quickly spread ning high school, and after a few Early Life and Education to other parts of the country. years, he officially enrolled in The young Mohammad Ali spent “Al-Muntadi Al-Nashr”, which most of his childhood years doing was a cultural and educational his primary education under his institution founded by a number mother and another pious ladyof of learned and knowledgeable

10 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

scholars of the time, such as Al- Higher and Seminary Educa- ulty of Jurisprudence”, and where lameh Mozaffar, the late Seyyed tion the university courses were taught Mohammad Taghi Hakim, the The success of some religious in accordance with the seminary late Sheikh Mohammad Kazemi schools in competing with gov- syllabi, wasthe place where Sheikh Shamshad of India, Ayatollah ernment schools prompted some Mohammad Ali pursued his high- Sheikh Mohammad Taghi Iravani, religious people of Najaf to estab- er education. This was in spite of Seyyed Hadi Fayyaz and several lish a college enabling the Muslim the fact that he had simultaneously other Arab, Iranian, and Indian youth to pursue their higher edu- started his seminary lessonsunder personalities and was at par with cation. This college, which later some prominent scholars of Na- government high schools. became known as “The Najaf Fac- jaf. Sheikh Mohammad Ali was

No. 269. September 2020 11 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

so persevering that he simulta- he was toldthat his eligibility was neously attended the lectures of conditional to passing the exam- the seminary scholars, actively sindifferentsubjects. The mastery participated in collegetoundergo of the young Iranian - who at first the various stages of formal jur- was thought to be Lebanese or isprudential education, and at the Iraqi - over the Arabic language same time workedin the market- and literature thrilled the exam- place to support the family.With iner so much that he immedi- a little reflection, one can - per ately presented him with acloak ceive the will andperseverance of as a prize. In the last years of his a man who hadbecome so strong studies at the Najaf Faculty of and powerful that could work, Jurisprudence, Sheikh Moham- write, travel, participate in vari- mad Ali joined the classes of ous meetings and conferences prominent Islamic scholars such and engage in scholarly discus- as Ayatollah Khoei and Ayatollah sions of religions and denomina- Mohammad Baqir Sadrand un- tions tirelessly in his old age. derwent the highest levels of jur- Over the years he studied logic, isprudential studies.It was during theology, and principles of ju- this period that his revolutionary risprudence in the Najaf Faculty spirit flourishedin the course of of Jurisprudenceunderthe col- attending theteachings of Ayatol- lege professors who were mostly lah Sadr. from amongthe famous Islamic scholars of their time.He also The Beginning of Political studied such seminary subjects Struggles as Lum’ah,Makasib, Kefayah, The last years of Mr. Taskhiri’s Rasa’il and the principles of juris- education at the Najaf Faculty of prudence under such prominent Jurisprudence and his attendance scholars as Seyyed Mohammad in the lectures of grandayatol- Taghi Hakim, the late Khatam lahs on the principles of jurispru- Yazdi, Ayatollah Seyyed Mo- dence coincided with important hammad Raja’i, the late Sheikh political developments in Iraq. A Kazem Tabrizi, Sheikh Mojtaba group led by Hassan al-Bakr and Lankarani and many other great Saddam Hussein staged a coup scholars of those days. d'état against the government of The young Sheikh Taskhirihad the Arif brothers, who had come a powerful command over the to power against Abd al-Karim Arabic language and literature. Qasim (the person who had over- It has been narrated that he once thrownthe monarchy in Iraq) and approached a representative of took control of the power in the Grand Ayatollah Khoeiin order country. The Ba’ath party was to register for benefiting from the ideologically influenced by a monthly financial support, which Christian and ostensibly leftist was about two Iraqi dinars, and individual by the name of Mi-

12 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

chel Aflaq, who laid the founda- tion stone for political thoughts in fighting religion, especially Shiism,the seminaries, and be- lieving men and women. Following theformation of the Dawa Party, which was founded with the consent of Ayatollah Sadr, with the idea of involv- ing the participation of believers in the political destiny of their country and the search for ideas of a religious government, zeal- ous Muslim youth - including the young Mr. Taskhiri, who in those days was a student of Ayatollah Sadr - came to be involved in political activities, especially in such cities as Karbala and Najaf. With the coming to power of the Ba’ath Party and the reinforce- ment of political and social suf- focation in Iraq, the activities of the Dawa Party and its very existence were endangered and its activitiestook the form acam- ouflaged movement. During themonth of Muharram in the early yearsof the Ba’ath party’s rule, Mr. Taskhiri composed an epic poem, which -inspite of its simple and popular format of po- etry - included anti-oppression themes and reflectedupon the love of the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (as) for Imam Husain ibn Ali (as) and quickly spread among the groups mourning the martyrdom of Imam Husain (as). The repressive Ba’athist regime reacted violently to this popular uprising, and in the days that fol- lowed, it arrested the leaders of the Dawa Party, the mourners,

No. 269. September 2020 13 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri and Mr. Taskhiri, and detained them in the worst of prisons in- which the most horrific tortures in the history of mankind were carried out. Mr. Taskhiri spent a long time in prison. He was eventually transferred to a prison called ‘Qasr al-Na- hayah’ to be handed over to the execution squad. Those who know the Taskhiri family have narrated that on hearing this news hisseyyed mother went on the roof of their housein the middle of the night andprayed to God Almighty and also cried out to Hazrat Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet of Islam) and plead- ed to her to save his (Sheikh Mo- hammad Ali’s) life. Following the long cries and moaning of this stressed mother, which had made the whole neighborhood sad, and after a few days, the news of the miraculous freedom of the young Sheikh Mohammad Ali from the ‘Qasr al-Nahayah’ prison and his return home spread throughout the area.

Expulsion from Iraq In 1972, and at the time when the existing tension between the Iraqi and Iranian regimes was escalating, the Ba’athist govern- ment of Iraq decided to expel a large number of Iranians and Iraqis of Iranian origin who had been living in Iraq for decades. Upon making this decision, about one hundred thousand people, including women and children, were left them near the Iranian borders, in order to put

14 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

pressure on the government of theirluggage in the course cover- Iran and the religious seminar- ing the arduous route from Najaf ies of Iraq. This inhuman move, to the Iranian border. It is to be which was carried out abruptly mentioned that the Ba’ath party and by subjecting the expatriates had, in an inhumane act, passeda to pressure, threats, and beatings, law according to which all mem- was also forced on many families bers of the Dawa party were to be of respectful scholars of the Na- arrested, tortured, and executed. jaf Seminary who were leftat the Karan border area without any Sheikh Taskhiri in Qom food and water and in the month In spite of being socially wel- of February, which was in the comed and received by the middle of the cold winter. The people of Iran with love and af- Iranian regime of the time, which fection, especially the learned was neither prepared nor inter- scholars who had beenexpelled ested in accepting some 100,000 from Karbala and Najaf cities of people at that time, prevented Iraq, the existing political and them from entering the country economic conditions were not fa- for many days, and this imposed vorable enough to enable themto difficult conditions on the people easily and quickly manage their who had been displaced from lives and education. Therefore, their homes and had tobear the during the first year of their stay cold weather in the absence of in Qom, the Taskhirifamily had any shelter as well asa shortage to changetheir place of stay elev- of waterand food. Finally, after en times, and this reflectedupon the end of the celebrations of the the difficulties and hardships that Shah’s regime on the occasion of couldbeserious obstacles for a the anniversary of the so-called young scholar to pursue his edu- White Revolution, the displaced cation, research, and religious were allowed to enter the country activities. and were scattered in different One of the activities of Sheikh cities of Kurdistan, Khuzestan, Mohammad Ali at that time was Kermanshah, and Qom. teaching at the educational in- During thecourse of this forced stitute of “Dar Rah-e Hagh”(lit. transfer, the Taskhiri family In the Path of Truth), which had facedanother problem. Sheikh been established by a group of Mohammad Alihad been, once scholars in Qom many years ear- again, sentenced to death by lier with the aim ofdisseminating the Ba’athist regimeof Iraq and religious teachings among the was beinglooked for by its se- masses, especially the youth and curity agents. Thus, in order to published (in small pamphlets) save him from the clutches of articles on religious laws, Is- the Ba’athists,the Sheikh’s fami- lamic ethics, history and current lyhad to hidehim in between issues from the viewpoint of Is-

No. 269. September 2020 15 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

lam in simple language. Sheikh ten about forty books and more Taskhiri began his activitiesin than five hundred papers and I this institute as a teacher ofthe feel that all this is by the grace Arabic language and taught of God Almighty, which was Arabic in a modern way and in achieved through the late Mr. accordance with the needs of Sadr.” the time so that students could In the course of his scientific quickly achieve the necessary endeavor and his search for ability in such areas as conver- more knowledge and wisdom, sation, translation, and reading Allameh Taskhiri also joined scientific texts.This was a very lessons of Martyr Motahhari, valuable service that later on and since he found a great and after the victory of the Is- closeness between the thoughts lamic Revolution came to be of and ideas of Martyr Motahhari significant effect in facilitating and Martyr Sadr, he spent a lot communication between the of time on his lessons. In his revolutionary seminariansand own words: the Muslim people of the world, “There was a lot of similarity especially the Arabic speaking between the teachings ofMar- ones. At the same time, togeth- tyr Motahhari andMartyr Sadr. er with a number of Ayatollah Although theyhad not perhaps Sadr’s students in Qom, Sheikh seen each other,thesetwogreat Mohammad Ali formed a circle thinkers had such close viewsin to discuss the texts on different matters of sociology, moder- religious sciences they could nity, belief issues as well as the get their hands on.Ayatollah general conception of society Seyyed Kazem Haeri, who was that one would think they must one of the students of Martyr have debated each other on Sadr and struggled against the these issues.” Ba’athist regime of Iraq, would Recalling his memories of give a lecture and express his those days, Mr. Taskhirisays: views, and then discussions “One of my good memories would begin. was studying under the late The influence of Martyr Aya- Martyr Motahhari. I studied tollah Sadr’s personality and philosophy and we had inter- thoughts on Ayatollah Taskhiri esting meetings. Mr. Moha- was such that whenever his ghegh, the late Seyyed Ahmad name was mentioned, the ef- (Khomeini), Mr. Shar’i, Mr. fects of ecstasy would appear Taheri Khorramabadi, and Mr. on his face. He himself said: Khaleghi also participated in “I am inspired by Mr. Sadr’s those special meetings. Later views with regard to every line on, he (MartyrMotahhari) start- that I write and every discus- ed a series of classes, includ- sion that I get into. I have writ- ing the philosophy of history,

16 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

which Iattended enthusiasti- on Cultural Affairs of the Is- cally.” lamic World, Passed away on Having command on the Ara- August 19, at the age of 76 due bic language, Mr. Taskhiri to a heart attack. also held classes for foreign Ayatollah Taskhiri was one of students of the Qom Seminary the well-known scientific and during these years. These for- cultural figures of the Islamic eign students included several world who always tried to in- Thai seminarians who are now troduce Shiism correctly and engaged in Islamic activities in create understanding and em- their own country and who re- pathy among Muslims. established their contact with He also played a worthy role in him after the Islamic Revolu- the Islamic Jurisprudence As- tion. He also taught foreign sembly in Jeddah (affiliated to students at a school affiliated the Organization of the Islamic to the house of Ayatollah Gol- Conference) since 1983 as the payegani and also taught the only official representative of philosophy of worship at the Imami Shiism in establishing institute of “Dar Rah-e Hagh”. and promoting the jurispruden- Having a revolutionary spirit, tial principles of Shiism. Ayatollah Taskhiri joined the In the past 20 years, Ayatollah struggle of the people of Qom Taskhiri hadservedas the presi- against the dependent and au- dent of the Islamic Culture and thoritarian monarchial regime Relations Organization, the of Iran, which quickly spread Deputy for International Af- to other parts of the country. fairs of the Office of the Su- Being experienced with such preme Leader, the Secretary- activities, he did not rest until General of the World Forum for the victory of the Islamic Rev- Proximity ofIslamic Schools of olution following which a new Thought, and the Chairman of chapter began in his life and the Board of Trustees of the activities,giving himthe oppor- Center for Religious Studies. tunity to apply his scientific and This Muslim thinker has doz- managerial capabilities, experi- ens of books and hundreds ence, Islamic knowledge, and of articles, written and/or qualities acquired in the adven- translated,to his credit. turous times of childhood and adolescence. Excerpts from the Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Three-Volume Book Taskhiri, Chairman of the Su- “Salagar-e Vahdat- preme Council of the World vaBidari-e Eslami” Forum for Proximity of Islamic (The Messenger of Schools of Thought and Senior Unity and Islamic Advisor to the Supreme Leader Awakening)

No. 269. September 2020 17 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri Condolence Me Upon the sudden de- Ayatollah Mohammad Ali mise of Ayatollah Taskhiri, the advisor of the Su- preme Leader of the Islamic Taskhiri a number of Revolution of Iran on Cultural Muslim and Christian Affairs of the Islamic World personalities of the and the President of the Su- world sent in condolenc- preme Council of the World es messages a few of Forumfor Proximity of the Is- which are quoted below. lamic Schools of Thought,who passed away on 18 August 2020 Abdullah bin Muhammad at the age of 76,had played a bin Abdullah Al-Salemi, pivotal role in the interreli- Minister of Endowments gious dialogue between Islam and Religious Affairs, Sul- and Christianity at national, re- tanate of Oman gional and international levels ssages by Personalities I felt extremely sad to learn- in the past 35 years. about the demise of His He was considered one of the Eminence Sheikh Ayatollah renowned personalities of the Mohammad Ali Taskhiri, Islamic Revolution of Iran who who has accepted the invita- believed in the ideals of the Is- tion of God Almighty. This lamic Revolution and as a com- news is a cause of great sor- mitted believer had begun his row and grief that cannot be activities in this area without relieved in any way except any negative approach toward by being contentwith divine other monotheistic religions. judgment and trusting in the The positions and responsibili- universal grace and mercy ties of Ayatollah Taskhiri had of God Almighty. made him a respectable person- We sympathize and share ality whose absence will be felt this great sorrow, and we ask for a long time. God Almighty for patience I mourn his untimely demise and contentment. May God and offer my sincere and heart- Almighty shower Ayatol- felt condolences to Ayatollah lah Taskhiri’ssoul with His Khamenei, the Supreme Lead- blessings and grant peace, er of the Islamic Revolution, as patience, and endurance to well as his honorable family, his survivors. Indeed, God brothers, and colleagues. is an excellent guardian and May his soul rest in peace. anexcellent helper. The Management of Sabar Is- Archbishop Sebouh lamic Da’wa Group-Uganda Sarkissian, Dioceseof We have learned with utmost the Armenian Prelacy of grief the extremely sad news of Tehran the passing away of the diligent

18 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO divine scholar, the great preacher Abdul-Amir Qabalan, President of the unity of Islamic Ummah, of the Supreme Islamic Shia the educated thinker, a friend to Council of Lebanon Ayatollah Khamenei, Ayatollah Ayatollah Taskhiri, this late Mohammad Ali Taskhiri. scholar, Senior Advisor to the Su- -We belong preme Leader on the Cultural Af“" انا هلل و انا الیه راجعون" to Allah and to Him we shall re- fairs of the Islamic world, and the turn”. former Secretary-General of the We offer our profound, humble, World Forum for Proximity of Is- and heartfelt condolence to His lamic Schools of Thoughts spent Eminence the Supreme Leader most of his life serving the reli- Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khame- gion of Islam and supporting the nei, to the honorable family of rights of the oppressed nations the Late Ayatollah Muhammad and played a significantly out- Ali Taskhiri, to his students and standing role in promoting prox- to the entire followers of Ahl al- imity among Islamic denomina- Bayt (as) around the globe on tions. We have lost a dear brother this tragic loss. with whom we shared thoughts May Allah the Almighty bless and views. We witnessed how Ayatollah Muhammad Ali Taskh- hard he worked in serving Islam iri and grant forbearance to the and spreading its teachings as bereaved family. well as supporting the oppressed We shall continue to pray to Al- people, particularly the Palestin- lah to bestow mercy, forgiveness, ians. This great scholar had also and divine approval for him. researched and wrote extensively on various Islamic sciences and Mufti Dr. Aziz ef. Hasanovic, his demise has been a great loss President of Meshihat of Islam to Islamic and religious centers. Community in Croatia “I testify that the late Ayatol- The European Union of Ahl al- lah Taskhiri struggled for peace Bayt Scholars and respect for people’s beliefs. The demise of the hardworking He spent many years sincerely divine scholar, Ayatollah Sheikh propagating global human val- Mohammad Ali Taskhiri, was ues, which are part of everyone’s very saddening. He was an active beliefs. I had met the late Ayatol- and famous personality at the in- lah many times and testify in this ternational level and a flagbearer world and in the hereafter that he of unity among the Muslims of worked hard for spreading peace, the world. This Union expresses stability, and respect for diver- its heartfelt condolences to the sity of beliefs among human be- Supreme Leader of the Islamic ings.” May God Almighty bless Revolution, religious authori- his soul. ties, and Islamic scholars, espe- cially his family members, for

No. 269. September 2020 19 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri the demise of Ayatollah Taskhiri him. But the memory of all his who was a learned scholar and a goodness and virtues will remain popular personality of the world in the hearts of believing people. of Islam. He prostratedbefore his God a lifetime so that his heavenly spirit The Ehli Beyt Scholars Associa- may fly higher and become an an- tion of Turkey gel of the angels of heaven and We express our heartfelt condo- meet the prophets and saints. lences on the occasion of the sad We express our condolences demise of the learned scholar, to the Supreme Leader, Imam Senior Advisor to the Supreme Khamenei, his esteemed family, Leader, a sincere follower of the his friends and colleagues as well Ahl al-Bayt School of Thought as all the Muslims and free people and a favorite personality among of the world. the followers of this school, Aya- tollah Taskhiri (May Allah Be His Holiness Illia II, Catholicos- Pleased with Him) and pray to Patriarch of All Georgia God Almighty for the long life of We hereby express our deepest our dear learned Leader. condolences over the demise of May Allah’s mercy and blessings Ayatollah Taskhiri, the Senior be showered upon him and he is Advisor to the Supreme Leader resurrected with divine prophets of the Islamic Republic of Iran and friends of Allah. on the Cultural Affairs of the Is- lamic World, the member of the Global Association of Muslim Assembly of Experts, and the Women former Secretary-General of the A man of faith, honor, moral- World Forum for Proximity of ity, sincerity, decency, courage, Islamic Schools of Thought. We struggle, jurisprudence, guardian got to know this great personality of Sharia, and supporter of the in the course ofthe journey of the wilayahbecame celestial. delegationof the Georgian Ortho- He wanted the Islamic Revolu- dox Church to Iran, where he was tion and invested his life for it. He our host and surprised us with his recognized Velayat-e Faqih and special knowledge, love, and hos- stood up for it. He was the voice pitality. of Islam and the Islamic Revo- He took charge of holding a ban- lution. He was a scholar and his quette hosted in honor ofthe vis- knowledge was never a barrier to iting Georgian delegation and his humbleness. He was a man demanded,in the presence of sound soul and struggle.He was hundreds of Muslim religious not a drop but a sea. He was not leaders,that the meal prayer a star but a sky, and yetvery unas- should be said by the visiting pa- suming. triarch; a landmark not only in He left us and everybodymisses Iran-Georgia history but in the

20 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO history of Islam-Christianity rela- mercy and blessings on him and tions. that the good intangible heritage Indeed, such personalities can that he left behind would increase transform the world and eradicate day by day and heaven would be- the wall of enmity between coun- come hiseternal abode. tries and nations. We are deeply saddened by his demise and offer Husein Kavazović the Grand our condolences to the people and Mufti (Reis ul-Ulema) of Bosnia government of the Islamic Re- and Herzegovina public of Iran and the family and Ayatollah Taskhiri was a person- friends of Ayatollah Taskhiri. ality who worked tirelessly on bringing Islamic Ummah and de- Grand Mufti Abu Bakr Saba- nominations closer to each other novic, Muslim Religious Com- and to foster unityin the Muslims munity of the Republic Belarus Ummah.He will always be re- In the Name of Allah, the All-be- membered for these efforts of his. neficent, the All-merciful I ask God Almighty that the ef- Those who, when an affliction forts and services of Ayatollah visits them, say,“Indeed we be- Taskhiri would bring him divine long to Allah, and to Him do we mercy and forgiveness and a indeed return.” commitment for the next genera- The Muslim Religious Commu- tion of Muslims. On behalf of the nity of the Republic of Belarus Islamic community of Bosnia and expresses its condolences on the Herzegovina,I extend our condo- demise and enthronement of the lences andsympathies to Your- wise and thoughtful scholar of Eminence (the Supreme Leader Islam, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali of the Islamic Revolution), the Takhiri. I have had the good for- people of the Islamic Republic of tune ofmeeting with thisgreatman Iran, andthe honorable family of and hear his wise words on solv- Ayatollah Taskhiri. ing many issues, including the proximity of the Islamic denomi- Mufti Rawil Gaynutdin, the nations in various conferences. Grand Mufti of Russia Undoubtedly, his efforts in the We are deeply saddened to learn field of religious thought will last of the demise of Ayatollah Mo- for centuries. His name and the hammad Ali Taskhiri, our dear smile he always had on his face as brother and the close friend of the well as his cherished memory in Russian Muslims. the hearts of Muslims will surely As a religious personality with bring Ayatollah Mohammad Ali undeniable authority, Ayatollah Takhiri divine mercy. Taskhiriwas one of the first peo- The Muslim Religious Commu- ple to extend his fraternal helping nity of the Republic Belarus prays hand to us and to support, in words to God Almighty to bestow His and deeds, the development of the

No. 269. September 2020 21 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

Muslim nation of Russia. when a believer passes away, he Ayatollah Taskhiri was a promi- is happy and everyone around nent religious scholarwhose him cries. depth of knowledge and under- We believe that God Almighty, standing, made him take many by His grace and mercy, will measures to strengthen the prin- compensate for this sorrow and ciples of peaceful coexistence, grief of the Islamic Republic of peace, and mutual respect within Iran, as well as the nation of the the Ummah of the Islamic world Messenger of God (pbuh) just as and to deepen and expand interre- we are confident that every night ligious and inter-civilizational di- is followed by a day. alogues. He was a spiritual leader We share this grief with you so who madea lot of efforts towards that we may reduce the grief in fostering proximity among Is- your chest to some extent.There- lamic schools of thought. fore, in these days of Muharram We greatly appreciate and value and Ashura, we pray to God to the efforts of Ayatollah Sheikh grant you patience and ask him: Mohammad Ali Taskhiri in es- O God, have mercy on Your ser- tablishing and developing reli- vant and our brother, Ayatollah gious, cultural, and educational Mohammad Ali Taskhiri!Make relations between the Muslims of his grave as bright as the sun and Russia and Iran. expand itlike the heavens!Place While expressing our grief, we him among your chosen ones! ask God Almighty to grant pa- And place us under the banner of tience to his family, relatives, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) on the and friends.We share certain- Day of Judgment! lyshare the grief of losing Aya- tollah Taskhiri with the Islamic Damir Mukhetdinov,Executive Ummah. Secretary of the Muslim Inter- national Forum, Russia Dr. Sa’ad Nasofovich, the Grand The Muslim world has suffered a Mufti (Reis ul-Ulema) of Serbia great loss - the earthly life of our With great sadness, we received elder and wise brother Ayatollah the news of the demise of Ayatol- Mohammad Ali Taskhiri has end- lah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri, the ed. He devoted many years of his memberof the Assembly of Ex- life to the activities of the World perts and Senior Advisor to the Forum for Proximity of Islamic Supreme Leader of the Islamic Schools of Thought and was the Revolution of Iran, Ayatollah SeniorAdviser to the Supreme Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on Tues- Leader of Iran on issues of the day, August 18, 2020. Islamic world. Ayatollah Taskhiri There is an old saying thatwhen was loved and respected in the Is- a person is born, he cries and ev- lamic world as a theologian who eryone around him is happy. And made an enormous contribution

22 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO to the intra-Islamic dialogue, by Ayatollah Taskhiri joined the ing thousands of Islamic works encouragingthe representatives eternal position while holding a in various languages to defend of various Islamic sects and mad- book full of knowledge, action, the pure teachings of Islam and hhabs towards working on prox- jihad, morality, loyalty, sacrifice, to spread Islamic beliefs bypro- imity. and constant migration in the viding answers tothe existing Mohammad Ali Taskhiri was well way of God. He was one of the questions and doubts. He was a known among Russian Muslims great axes of the resistance intel- loud voice for bridging the gaps and our brothers in the Common- lectually and culturally and had a among different Islamic denomi- wealth of Independent States. I strong position in this regard. nations for the cause of unity in can confidently say that he loved Ayatollah Taskhiri was an ex- the world of Islam. May God Al- the Russian Ummah because he ample of a hardworking scholar mighty shower his pure soul with invariably responded to the invi- who worked day and night and His vast mercy and blessings. tation of Russian Muslims to take illness and fatigue could not stop part in one or another significant him from working until the last Sahibzada Abul Khair Muham- scientific or theological event. minute. mad Zubair of the National Sol- His last visit to our country took The Hezbollah of Lebanon, idarity Council of Pakistan place due to the invitation of hereby,expresses its condolenc- The late Ayatollah Taskhiri was a Mufti Gainutdin to the VI Inter- es on the demise of Ayatollah leader of the entire Muslim Um- national Scientific and Practical Taskhiri to the Supreme Leader mah. He was calling him the flag Conference “Fakhretdinov Read- of the Islamic Revolution, reli- bearer of Islamic unity and we ings” on the topic “Islam in the gious seminaries, and his family. offer our deep condolences to the Global World: Muslim Heritage Supreme Leader of the Islamic and Intercultural Dialogue” in H.E. Adil Abdul-Mahdi al- Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed September 2019. He invariably Muntafiki, the Ex-Prime Minis- Ali Khamenei, the government delivered a message about peace, ter of Iraq and the people of Iran, and his dialogue, mutual love, and har- Afterspendinga life of jihad esteemed family over his demise. mony. The authority of Ayatollah and long scientific and intel- Ayatollah Taskhiri was a close Taskhiri in the dialogue between lectual endeavors, the great associate of Imam Khomeini in madhhabs and Islamic move- scholar, Ayatollah Mohammad the Islamic Revolution, a preach- ments will certainly be missed. Ali Taskhiri,answered the call er of the unity of Ummah, and a On behalf of the Secretariat of the of his Lord, and departed from sympathetic figure of the entire International Muslim Forum, the this mortal world to his lasting Islamic Ummah.He played the Moscow Islamic Institute, and heavenly abode, by the grace role of reformer in many con- myself, I express sincere condo- of God Almighty. Before be- flicts in the Islamic world. lences on this great loss to the au- ing forcedto leave Iraq, he was Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskh- thorities of the Islamic Republic at the forefront of fighting for iri also visited Pakistan many of Iran, to the entire Iranian na- people’s grievances against the times. He had close ties with the tion, and the family and friends Saddam regime and undertook leaders of the National Solidar- of thisgreat scholar. great scientific and intellectual ity Council, scholars, and other I pray to Allah to accept the soul responsibilities,He even assumed personalities.He was also a close of the deceased and honor it with greater responsibilities through friend of the late President of the His mercy in Eternity. organizing international confer- Council, Qazi Hussain Ahmed. ences and attending international Ayatollah Taskhiri’s services will The Hezbollah of Lebanon forums, supporting and publish- always be remembered.

No. 269. September 2020 23 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

Activities and positions Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution of national affairs for nearly ten years. He engaged Iran, Ayatollah Taskhiri,who had been actively in- in spreading the Islamic religious teachings and volved in doing research and teaching Islamic sci- thoughts among the Muslims of other countries. ences, held several important positions in the area During these years, he had - with the help of his of cultural and Islamic activities. What follows is friends and colleagues - many religious works of a brief introduction to his services in a few of the seminary thinkers translated into different lan- positions he held during the post-Islamic Revolu- guages and sent them to religious centers around tion era. the world. He contacted the religious groups of a 1- Deputy of the Islamic Propagation Organiza- number of countries and connected his organization tion for International Affairs (1981 to 1991) with different religious institutions, mosques, and Being well acquainted with religious circles abroad, influential personalities of those countries. He sent Mr. Taskhiri joined the Islamic Propagation Orga- many scholars and seminarians to Islamic countries nization in 1981 and served as its deputy for inter- and invited many young and interested people to

24 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

Tehran from those countries and the country, and the various as- since its establishment (1995 to in this way made a valuable con- pects of the office’s international 2002) tribution to the dissemination of activities called for organizing the Having a sense of responsibil- Islamic thoughts. Having writ- personnel and setting up a regular ity in this regard and being of ten a book on the ability of the and active system.While attending the view that cultural activities Islamic teachings in adapting to to these requirements and respon- abroad needed to be integrated in the modern conditions of societ- sibilities and performing the du- order to avoid overlapping of ac- ies in the years preceding the Is- ties required of his position, Mr. tivities, Mr. Taskhiri came up with lamic Revolution, in Qom, and Taskhiri, also served as an advisor the suggestion of integrating these hoping to spread and disseminate to the Supreme Leader on the cul- activities under one organization these teachings in today’s world, tural affairs of the Islamic world. and stood firmly by this sugges- Ayatollah Taskhiri was passion- The issue of cultural interaction tion until, eventually, and by a ate about meeting and interact- of the newly established Islamic decree from the Supreme Leader, ing with religious enthusiasts and Republic with other countries was the Islamic Culture and Relations seekers of religious knowledge of the focus of the interest of many Organization was established in the world from different cultures. religious, social, and administra- 1995 by amalgamating the above- This spirit enabled him to fruitful- tive organizations, and officials mentioned government agencies ly communicate and interact with right from the very first days of and organizations. them in accordance with the needs the victory of the Islamic Revo- Owing to several unavoidable is- of different communities. During lution. Many governmental and sues including the affiliation of these years he also served as the non-governmental organizations certain activities to the top man- advisor to the Ministers of Culture entered this field and began activi- agement of different organizations and Islamic Guidance of the time, ties on the basis of their percep- in the country, different sources providing him with his views and tions, facilities, etc. These gov- of budget, different sources of opinions on international cultural ernmental and non-governmental manpower, and different areas issues. organizations included the Minis- of responsibilities, especially in 2- Deputy for International Af- try of Culture and Islamic Guid- terms of attracting and using the fairs, Office of the Supreme ance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, financial resources of those orga- Leader (1991 to 1994) Islamic Propagation Organization, nizations, the task seemed rather Ayatollah Taskhiri was appointed Ministry of Education, Ministry unlikely. In addition, there was as Deputy for International Af- of Higher Education, Iranian Ra- no coherent organization with de- fairs of the Office of the Supreme dio and Television Organization, fined tasks for it. Many days and Leader in 1990 and tried to or- World Assembly of Ahl al-Bayt, weeks were spent by Mr. Taskhiri ganize the international relations World Forum for Proximity of Is- and his colleagues and like-mind- of this office; the office that was lamic Schools of Thoughts, offices ed people on creating the required the point of hope and reference of grand ayatollahs, and publish- structure as well as formulating for all those who aspired to dis- ing and propagation institutions; the objectives and strategies of the seminate and strengthen religious all of which had organized activi- new organization and the duties ideas in the Islamic world. Sensi- ties in the area of international af- of its personnel, without allowing tivity and delicateness of the issue, fairs that did not follow a single any disturbance in its daily affairs the need to provide scientific and policy and, more often than not, and activities. As a result of these scholarly capabilities - by giv- their activities were overlapping. efforts the Islamic Culture and ing importance of the position of 3- President of the Islamic Cul- Relations Organization entered wilayah - both inside and outside ture and Relations Organization the international arena as one of

No. 269. September 2020 25 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri the most important cultural and Perhaps no other responsibil- propagational institutions of the ity except the management of the Islamic world. During the seven World Forum for Proximity of Is- years of Ayatollah Taskhiri’s ser- lamic Schools of Thoughts would vice as the president of this orga- be commensurate with the capa- nization, extraordinary progress bilities and views of a man who was achieved in the fields of pro- had attended the lectures of Al- fessional work, formulation of the lameh Mozaffar on contemporary cultural strategy of the country jurisprudence, Martyr Sadr on abroad, the establishment of the the principles jurisprudence, and required structure, and opening Martyr Motahhari on philosophy new cultural offices abroad as well and had an open mind towards as planning and organizing the ac- the sons of the Islamic Ummah tivities of these offices. and considered the followers of During this period, he published different Islamic denominations hundreds of books in foreign lan- as brothers and capable of ac- guages, held effective and suc- cepting the strong logic of the cessful seminars and meetings, jurisprudence of Ahl al-Bayt, the brought order to relationship and dynamism of Shiite ijtihad, and interaction with cultural person- the strategic path of unity among alities of different countries, and the Muslims of the world. In the directed the official cultural rela- year 2000 C.E. and at the discre- tions between the Islamic Repub- tion and the decree of the Su- lic of Iran and the outside world in preme Leader of the Revolution, a way that would be in alignment Ayatollah Taskhiri was appointed with other policies of the Islamic as the Secretary-General of the Republic of Iran. What was done above organization and took on a in the early years of the Islamic responsibility that reflected upon Culture and Relations Organiza- some parts of his personality and tion could not, perhaps, be achiev- qualities. able by other personalities. On the It is to be noted that the field of one hand, he had to convince ev- the proximity of Islamic schools eryone to be cooperative and, on of thought is one of the most deli- the other hand, this compassion- cate fields of activity and requires ate, thoughtful, and foresighted great efforts on the part of schol- man had to make sure that activi- ars of Islamic schools of thought. ties were carried out in a way that Those engaged in this field, on the would be satisfying for most of the one hand, face the doubts of the influential personalities of the Is- parties to the debates and negotia- lamic Revolution. tions, and on the other hand, face 4- Secretary-General of the World the ideological pressures of the Forum for Proximity of Islamic followers of their own denomi- Schools of Thoughts nations. This has suppressed the

26 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

issue of proximity and resulted in greater suppression of the scholars of this field. However, the stead- fastness of Ayatollah Taskhiri and his perseverance in this regard had a tremendous impact on the world of Islam,which in a way was the greatest reward for his great ser- vice in this area. 5- Senior Advisor to the Supreme Leader on Cultural Affairs of the Islamic World In July 2012 Ayatollah Taskhiri re- tired from the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thoughts and having gathered ample experience in the field of culture during the course of his pervious responsibilities, he was appointed as the Senior Advi- sor to the Supreme Leader on Cul- tural Affairs of the Islamic World and rendered his services in this responsibility until the time of his demise diligently; and this was one of the reasons that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, referred to him as the eloquent voice of Islam and Shiism.

No. 269. September 2020 27 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri Ayatollah Taskhiri’s Views and Thoughts

Ayatollah Allameh Taskhiri had written about forty books and hundreds of papers on different subjects and issues by taking into consideration the requirements of the time and the significant role that these issues play in modern man’s life. We shall briefly discuss some of his views that are of international importance and effects.

On the Philosophy of Hajj dimensions.” To throw light on thishe gives some A Glance at the works and views of Ayatollah examples,which includethe question someone asked Taskhiri, who was aflagbearer of unity ad proxim- Imam Reza (as) about the time of ten days in Hajj;the ity among the Islamic denominations and made a lot question on the performanceof Hajj pilgrimage be- of efforts in interacting with the elite of the Islamic fore Islam asked from Imam Ja’far Sadiq,some of world, would make it possible to perceive his views the sayings of the Commanders of the Faithful (as) on the personal and social effects of Hajj. Reflection and many other hadiths. upon the following three points would throw light After elaborating on his view on the alignment of on his views over the issue. Hajj and Kaaba with the mission of all the divine Ayatollah Taskhiri considered Hajj to be the real- prophets (as), Ayatollah Taskhiri,answers anoth- ization and manifestation of the goals of the divine er question and that is, what were the goals of the prophets and said: “With a little reflection on Is- prophets and how can Hajj help in fulfilling them? lamic texts, it can be seen that throughout history, In response to this question, he says: “more than the concept of Hajj has been related to the trend of anything else the Holy Quran establishes a connec- movement of prophets and their goals in various tion between the goal of the prophets and the gen-

28 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO eral goal of human creation, which the religious people of the world, tween Christians and Muslims, is to reach the highest degrees of especially the Islamic world. To they do not know much about one perfection by passing through the realize this concern, Allameh another’s beliefs and even rituals. different stages of worship and Taskhiri carried out extensive sci- This form of pluralism is called servitude to God Almighty.It then entific, managerial, promotional, negative pluralism, and if religious goes on to say: And I did not cre- and research activities. After elab- minorities enjoy their human and ate the jinn and the humans except oratingon the necessity of peace- cultural rights and are highly ac- that they may worship Me(Adh- ful coexistence and proximity of quainted with each other's culture, Dhaariyaat, 56). Thus, the deeper Islamic denominations, he makes then this pluralism could be called the concepts of servitude in a a reference to fixed and innate hu- positive pluralism. person, the higher the steps to- man values in order to prove the Ayatollah Taskhiri emphasized wards evolution and gets closer possibility of interreligious dia- that religious pluralism should not to absolute perfection. The invita- logue and proximity of denomina- be confused with peaceful coexis- tionextended by the prophets is all tions. Of course, he also believes tence and cooperation amongthe summed up in calling on human in the universality of Islam. Aya- followers of different religions, beings to the service of God and tollah Taskhiri had also dealt with which is a correct, logical and emphasizing the need to reconcile the principles and foundations of moral statement. human life with God’s commands. proximity and the obstacles in the On the Role of the Islamic Civili- All the prophets, with no excep- way of achieving it. zation in the World of the Future tion, repeated this saying of God: After stating the necessity of The following works - books and Worship Allah! You have no other peaceful coexistence and proxim- articles published by Ayatollah god besides Him (Al-Mu’minun: ityamong Islamic denominations, Taskhiri -reflect upon his concern 32). he refers to the expression of fixed for and efforts towards promot- Thus, in the opinion of Ayatollah and innate human values in order ing better understanding among Taskhiri, the Hajj rituals and prac- to prove the possibility of dia- divine religions as well as Islamic tices are closely related to objec- logue between religions and the denominations. tives that were followed by the di- proximity of Islamic denomina- • On Unity and Proximity of Is- vine prophets (as) who were sent tions. Of course, he also believed lamic Schools of Thought. as guides to human beings. He in the universality of Islam. Alla- • Our Mission isCreating Prox- further elaborates that if we were meh Taskhiri has also dealt with imityin Thoughts and Cohesion in to take into consideration the main the principles of proximity and the Action. principles of these objectives we obstacles to it. • Proximityof Denominations and would find that they form the vari- Ayatollah Taskhiri believed that Desirable Rationality. ous dimensions of Islam. two general policies were being • Obstacles to Proximity. On the Philosophy of Peaceful implemented in the contempo- • The Need for Dialogue between Coexistence among followers of rary world: a) pluralism in various the Followers of Abrahamic Reli- different Religions and Proximity fields and b) globalization. He was gions. of Islamic Schools of Thought of the opinion that in its simplest • Notes on the Proximityof De- Ayatollah Taskhiri was a religious form pluralism is nothing new and nominations and Islamic Unity. and international figure who influ- there have many examples of it in • Islamic Schools of Thought from enced many thinkers in the Islam- human history. Differences to Coalition. ic world. His most important intel- He has noted that even though • Methods and Language of Un- lectual and behavioral concern had nearly a thousand years have derstanding and Proximity be- been peaceful coexistenceamong passed since the close contact be- tween Islamic Denominations.

No. 269. September 2020 29 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

• The Dialogue between Islam and grants, and should not leave them ers and accepting the diversity of the West, the Current Situation,and alone. In writing his articles and ideas in societies; the Future Perspective. books, he has tried to take a brief * Treating others peacefully; • Relationship with Others within and yet profound and futuristic al- * Provide a suitable tension-free the Context of Peace is theKey El- lusionslook at the lives of Muslim atmosphere without creating ement of Development. minorities and immigrants, and re- pressure so that healthy dialogue • The Relationship between Islam veal some of the difficulties they can be arranged; and the West and the Duty of Mus- face in their lives. He believed that * Dialogue should take placeinthe lims. if Islamic institutions take care of best possible method. In other On Minorities and their Rights the lives of Muslim minorities and words, a healthy, optimal, and One of the important issues that immigrants, this issue can become tension and conflict-freemethod Allameh Taskhiri paid much at- a global issue and be effective in should be used without resorting tention to was the issue of reli- solving the problems of Muslim to unnecessary arguments. gious minorities in the interna- minorities. In short, Allameh Taskhiri- tional community and the need On Just Peace believed thatthe establishment to care for, protect and strengthen Just peace,from the viewpoint of of just peace calls for purity in the rights of Muslim minorities Allameh Taskhiri, is a discourse human spirit and character. He in non-Muslim countries as well based on religious teachings and emphasized thatit is following asthe religious minorities in Is- human logic and wisdom, which enlightenment and inner reform lamic countries.Many trips to dif- can be pursued by focusing on hu- in man that good relations with ferent countries such as African, man dignity and the truth as well other fellow human beings and European, and Asian countries as justice in all aspects of social justice-based social relations be- and observation and study on the life.He considered peace to be comepossible at different levels. living conditions and human and meaningful within the context and On Human Rights social rights of minorities (includ- framework of justice and that it is Some of the various works writ- ing racial and religious, etc.) had justice, which guarantees perma- ten, presented and/or published made this issue very important to nent and universal peace. by Ayatollah Taskhiri focus on him. He believed that if we know the human rights and include techni- Therefore, at every opportunity, principles and the framework cal legal issues and have a juris- lectures, seminars, and presenta- of a just peace, it can be easily prudential approach.By the same tions of articles in religious and achieved. Undoubtedly, justice is token, he has also some works to scientific forums,he addressed this an absolute value and has a more his credit, which, although not issue and always reminded the comprehensive scope than peace, entitled human rights, are very role and mission of thinkers and and peace is only one of the items muchconcerned with this impor- scholars in looking after the affairs that are accommodatedby justice. tant issue. What is noteworthy is of religious minorities around the He had summarized the frame- that his works are related to the world. work and principles of a just peace human rights issue from the per- In his view, committed Islamic in the following axes and points: spective of Islam. In the present scholars and thinkers, according * Looking for the truth and mov- study, we focus on their published to their divine and human mission, ing on the basis oftruth.This is be- works, which have been com- should not remain silent in the face cause the very foundation of this piled under legal titles and spe- of the bitter and deplorable fate discourse is knowing the truth; cifically to promote human rights of Muslim minorities and immi- * Maintaining the respect of oth- issues. Elsewhere, it is hoped

30 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO that his jurisprudential works will Population and Development or be considered and analyzed from the World Conference on Women the perspective of Islamic human in Beijing and express his views rights. He emphasized that Islam on them either in the relevant sum- is the religion of nature and the mits or in writing.Forexample, in purpose of the prophets is to come the case of the Convention on the and acquaint man with their inner Elimination of All Forms of Dis- treasures; I believe that the great- crimination against Women, while est goal of the prophets is to return proposing three points on the pos- man to his essence, and the great- sibility of joining the convention- est deviation of man is to become heraisedobjection on the articlest- alienated from his essence. He be- hat were contrary to the teachings lieved that the Islamic Declaration of Islam and called for a change of Human Rights raises the issue on these cases in accordance with of nature and faith in its pream- Islamic views.He also specified ble, but the Universal Declaration the religious and legalreservations does not address these important that should be taken into account. issues. Islam also considers the is- (Muslim Women and Global Chal- sue of dignity as the first human lenges: with special reference to- right, which is mentioned in the some International Covenants). Universal Declaration of Human On Islamic Revolution and Imam Rights and the Islamic Declara- Khomeini tion of Human Rights, but there is Being one of the activists in the a difference between the two types course of the Islamic Revolution, of dignity. In the Islamic Declara- Ayatollah Taskhiri believed that tion, man has dignity, but he who the Islamic Revolution followed has divine piety has special dig- three major objectives that were in nity. Ayatollah Taskhiri was of the tution of their country, and it can contradiction to the objectives of opinion that there should be a full be said that one of the challenges the arrogant powers. These three link between legal and philosophi- in implementing this issue is the objectives included a) involve- cal issues in the Universal Decla- lack of political will in Islamic ment of religion in politics, b) ration of Human Rights and went countries. We hope to be able to unity in the Islamic world, and c) on to say: implement Islamic human rights.” the progress of the Islamic world. “I believe that the Organization On Women and their Rights Therefore, in Ayatollah Taskhiri’s of the Islamic Conference has not Ayatollah Taskhiri was one of the opinion the greatest contribution paid the necessary and special at- first Islamic thinkers in the Islamic of Imam Khomeini (ra) to the tention to the issue of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ponder upon world of Islam was Islamic Awak- Declaration of Human Rights. the Convention on the Elimination ening. In his words: “Beyond all Islamic countries considered the of All Forms of Discrimination doubts, Imam Khomeini’s ideals implementation of the Charter of against Women and some other resulted in the victory of the Is- Islamic Human Rights, which was international documents related to lamic Revolution and the emer- approved in Tehran, conditional women’s rights, such as the 1994 gence of awakening among the on its compliance with the consti- Cairo International Conference on Muslim Ummah.”

No. 269. September 2020 31 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri Views on Ayatollah Taskhiri

Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, President, Maulana tions, and, therefore, in my humble opinion, he Azad University, India was a great warrior for peace and understand- I came in to contact with Ayatollah Taskhiri in ing among people.At the time when some peo- Amman, Jordan during a conference which was ple were talking about the Clash of Civilization, organized against Takfiriyat and to create a bet- Ayatollah Taskhiri was the person who was ba- ter understanding among various sections of the sically talking about a cultural and civilizational Muslim sects and I, in the very first meeting, understanding, proximity, and healthy dialogue. was very much impressed by his sincerity of A reflection of which was witnessed in President purpose, his commitment for the unity of Um- Khatami’s address to the United Nation. I have mah, for a better understanding among various gone through Ayatollah Taskhiri’s writings to sects of Muslims, and to shun hate and animos- some extent. But, he was more a man of action ity among Muslims. than mere observation. During the period he served as the Secretary- I cannot forget his love, affection, and kindness General of the World Forum for Proximity of Is- toward me and my wife, which we experienced lamic Schools of Thought, he not only brought in Tehran while attending a conference at his own people but also the countries closer.And that did invitation.Another thing which I cannot forget not merely mean Muslim countries but also the but still cherish the memory of this great man that countries where they are having religious plu- how humble and lovable he was to others. With ralism and have more non-Muslims than Mus- his demise, we not merely lost an individual but lims.For example, he tried to create an interest a bridge among people of religious and cultural in Iranians to understand world religions, other diversities. philosophies, and other cultures.I must say that he did not do that only for Iran but also tried Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Ali Qazi Askar, the rep- to make the intellectual world understand the resentative of the Supreme Leader of the Islam- world citizens.Even though he was physically ic Revolution in Hajj Affairs challenged to some extent, he was very strong In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, in his views, in his actions,and in his observa- the Most Merciful

32 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO

The noble Prophet of Islam (pbuh) is quoted to have said: The death of a scholar is an irreparable calamity and an irrevocable loss and the end of a star that sets for- ever.He then added:It is easier to bear the death of a tribe than the death of a scholar. (Kanz al-Ummal, Hadith No. 28858). The demise of the learned (Islamic) scholar and ju- rist, the late Ayatollah Haaj Sheikh Mohammad Ali Taskhiri was an example of the above saying of the Prophet of Islam (pbuh). He wasa unique personality, whose absence would be felt for a long time. He was a mujtahid in Islamic jurisprudence, he was a thinker and at the same time an intellectual, he was an outstanding speaker, he was a brilliant writer, he was a poet and a literary man, he was a philosopher, he was a mujahid, he was a man of greatbenefits to all sincerity and tried to ensure thefulfillment of their others, he had a tough will and determination. He guidance everywhere. was very patient in the face of hardships and diffi- He had studied under Martyr Ayatollah Seyyed Mo- culties.He stood forthe proximityamong Islamic de- hammad Baqir Sadr and had adopted the qualities nominations and tried with all his might to bring their of that great man. He had qualified in both modern followers closer to each other.He was a man sincer- and seminary sciences and, therefore, it can confi- ity and low-expectations, he never after worldly ma- dently be said that he was an exemplar of the hadith terials.He was very kind and patient and one would “The death of a (Muslim) scholar is a loss to Islam enjoy being in his company during travels.He loved for which there is no compensation until the Day of Islam and the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (pbuh) so Judgement.” He was a self-made man (See Bihar al- much that whenever the name of the dear daughter Anwar, Vol. 2, P. 56). of the Prophet,Hazrat Fatemeh (sa) was mentioned, I knew Ayatollah Taskhiri since before the victory of he burst into tears.He was well-versed with and re- the Islamic Revolution andhad met him in the school spected the protocols of debate and dialogue and of the late Grand Ayatollah Behbahani in Ahvaz.Dur- would never impose anything on others.He was very ing the forty years of my acquaintance with him, I humble and polite and always tried to respect the oth- never saw him speak against anyone or take become er side in the course of debates and discussions. He spiteful towards anyone and seek revenge. stayedaway from political games and he tried toful- Despite the physical problems he had in the last few fill the lofty goals of Islam, the Prophet (pbuh),and years, he was very enthusiastic and active, and as his Ahl al-Bayt (as) and,therefore,never entered any soon as he realized that he had to travel to the far- political group. thest places for something important, he would im- It is quite natural that very few people are in pos- mediately set off. I was with him on many trips and session of all these qualities.And it is for this reason conferences witnessed how scholars and even inter- that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, national political figures respected him.His sayings Ayatollah Khamenei,described him as the voice of and writings were very effective in the Jeddah jur- Islam and Shiism. He believed in Imam Khomeini isprudential assembly. May God have mercy on him (as) and the Supreme Leader of the Revolution with and exalt his position. InshaAllah.

No. 269. September 2020 33 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Diocese of the Ar- possible way through his open-mindedness and pro- menian Prelacy of Tehran gressive views. My friendship with the late Ayatollah Taskhiri dated Ayatollah Taskhiri was one of the first people to con- back to some thirty years ago when I was accom- gratulate my appointment as the Catholicos of the panying Eminence Karekin II, the Catholicos of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran in 1999 and our rela- Armenian Apostolic Churchof Cilicia,in the course tionship, which was based on mutual respect, contin- of his journey to Iran in January 1990. Thereafter, he ued until the time of his sad demise. invited me as one of the speakers of a dialogue pro- Ayatollah Taskhiri also had a close relationship with gram in Greece in 1992 under the title of “Islam and Aram I, the currentleader of the Catholicosate of the Orthodox Christianity”. Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Patience in dialogue with the followers of other re- Church, who always talked about him with full re- ligions was one of the outstanding characteristics of spect and as one of the sincere friends of the Arme- Ayatollah Taskhiri. Those who knew him from close nian Church. would testify that not only was Ayatollah Taskhiri a man of dialogue but was also considered a role mod- Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Hassan Zamani, Di- el in the dialogue between Islam and Christianity as rector of the Socio-Political Office of the Religious well as Islamic Schools of Thought. His positions Seminaries and responsibilities including being the president of Outstanding Personal Characteristics of Ayatollah the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization fol- Taskhiri lowed by the Secretary-General of the World Assem- • During the 30 years of close cooperation with him, bly for Proximity of the Islamic Schools of Thought I noticed certain outstanding characteristics in Aya- are the best proof of this reality. tollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri that may be enumer- He was a sincere and humble personality and his re- ated as follows: spectful interaction with others and his love for his • A very attractive, friendly, sincere, and scholarly- fellow human beings had made him very popular. method of interaction with scholars and leaders of He represented the Islamic Republic of Iran in the divine religions and Islamic denominations; world, and especially the Christian world, in the best • Steadfastness with regards to Islamic beliefs and

34 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO non-deviation from original Islamic stances; • Strong and profound belief in sincerity and the ne- cessity of scholarlydialogue with all religions and denominations and tireless efforts to attend impor- tant scholarly and religious conferences of the world despite physical weakness; • Success in gaining the affection and trust of the scholars of different religions and denominationsin- cluding the Muftis of Al-Azhar and Saudi Arabia as well as the leaders of the Vatican; • Gentlenessofsoul, strong emotions, patience, hu- mility, and forgiveness in the face of adversities and hardship; • A heart full of love for the Ahl al-Bayt of the Proph- et (pbuh) and tearful eyes for the sufferings of the Infallible Imams (as); • Profound belief in Velayat-e-Faqih and absolute Instead, he noted was in pursuit of settling the dis- obedience towards Imam Khomeini (ra) and the Su- agreements and bridging the gap which has led to ill preme Leader; feelings that have developed among the followers of • Magnificent command over Arabic language and different Islamic denominations. literature and ability to composebeautiful poems and masteryofthe delicate mystical points of Sahifa Saj- Mohammad Reza Khoshkhoo, International Direc- jadiyah; and tor of the Secretariat of the World Congress on Ex- • An expertin writingon various fields of Quranic tremist and Takfiri Movements exegesis, hadith, economics, sociology, political sci- Ayatollah Taskhiri was anExemplar of Morality and ences, the life of the Infallible imams (as), and their Humility presentation atinternational conferences. The first time I saw Ayatollah Taskhiriwas at aCon- ference on Imam Khomeini’s Thoughts,held at the Sheikh Ahmad Karimah, Senior Egyptian Profes- Esteghlal Hotel of Tehran almost 30 years ago.Hu- sor of the Al-Azhar University mility, modesty in interacting with foreign and do- What I clearly remember from late Ayatollah Mo- mestic guests, inquiring about their condition, sin- hammad Ali Taskhiri is the particular method he cere conversation with the guests, and making sure founded for conferences, writings, and scientific that their needs are well attended to were some of products when he struggled to reveal the common- the characteristics of this noble personality. I accom- alities between different Islamic denominations. panied him in his meetings with Allameh Fazlullah, Ayatollah Taskhiri had a profound understanding of Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Al-Hakim, and Abu Ali Islam and promoted Islamic teachings. Al-Muhajir Al-Habashi, the leader of Indonesian A strategy pursued by late Ayatollah Taskhiri was Shiites, and some other guests and I learned many giving advice and avoiding conflicts in the same way lessons from his humility and the way he interacted that Imam Shafe’i did. with the guests. Ayatollah Taskhiri endeavored to boost proximity He was a member of the High Council of the Secre- among Muslims and rejected any efforts over con- tariat of the World Congress on Extremist and Takfiri verting Muslims to other Islamic denominations. Movements and also a member of the Secretariat of

No. 269. September 2020 35 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

the International Congress on the Shiite Role in the to with great care because they always exuded a de- Emergence and Development of Islamic Sciences sire to erase differences among Muslims. In 1994, and had a say in the selection of the invitees.As per at the Conference of Islamic Unity, I proposed the the recommendations of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, establishment of the Imam Khomeini Award to the we were going to invite guestsfrom 100 countries an- individuals who, during the year, have contributed dAyatollah Taskhiri was one of the tireless advisors the most to the unity of the Muslims in the world and and guides who knew all the people whose names Ayatollah Taskhiri supported me, but unfortunately were on the list and would give his views on them. At this idea has not yet been realized. the Policy-making Council of the Shiite Congress, he Ayatollah Taskhiri has been an extraordinary orga- emphasized the importance of collecting rare books nizer of conferences for convergence among mad- from the libraries of the world and said: “We should habs (denominations) and Islamic unity. pay attention to the great libraries of the world, Despite the illness ayatollah Taskhiri hasn’t given whether Shiite, Islamic or even non-Islamic, and we up on his personal and historical role in fostering- can even send some groups for the purpose. He fur- proximity among Muslims notwithstanding national, ther emphasized that at times it would be possible to cultural, geographic, and other differences. Thanks get valuable works that are worth spending on. to Ayatollah Taskhiri, among the others, Imam Kho- He was the trueflag-bearer of proximity between Is- meini had the leading position in the Islamic world. lamic denominations in the present age andin its real Ayatollah Taskhiri was a participant in a scientific sense and had great success in attracting the com- symposium in the Islamic Center Zagreb (Zagreb passion of scholars of different Islamic schools of mosque) in 1996where the listeners could get a true thought and even other Abrahamic religions. He be- picture of him. He was in Zagreb twice. lieved that the only possible way for proximity was I was truly honored by the fact that I met him and scholarlydialogueamong religions and denomina- learned a lot from him. tions. Good morals,sincerity in words, indefatigabil- Prof. Zafar Bangash, Director, Institute of Contem- ity, and humility,as well as hundreds of other good porary Islamic Thought, Toronto, Canada qualities,whichcannot be discussed in this short ar- The name of Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri is ticle, were his hallmarks. May his soulrest in eternal synonymous with Muslim unity. Perhaps more than peace,his memory be cherished and his path be fol- any other Islamic scholar in the Muslim world. Aya- lowed by others. tollah Taskhiri has worked tirelessly to reduce dif- ferences among the various Schools of Thought in Mufti Ševko ef. Omerbašić, President of the Meshi- Islam and promote understanding and unity among hat of Bosnia and Herzegovina Muslims. This is not an easy task since most people I have had the chance of meetingAyatollah Moham- hold deeply-entrenched views and are often unable mad Ali Taskhiri at least 20 times. Every time he to see the other’s point of view. impressed me with his rich knowledge of the Ara- As the Secretary-General of the World Forum for bic language. During my entire working life, I have Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, Ayatollah never met a person with such rich knowledge of the Taskhiri holds an extremely important and sensitive Arabic language. He is a true representative of the position in the Muslim world. It is through his tireless I.R. Iran. The high level of the relationship between efforts, despite his failing health, that this organiza- Shiites and Sunnis is one of his great merits. I wit- tion has become known as the best and most well-at- nessed this at the meetings in Cairo, Oman, and Mo- tended forum for scholars of all Schools of Thought rocco. His presentations at conferences were listened in Islam. Through it, Islamic scholars are brought

36 No. 269. September 2020 Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ECHO ECHO together onto a single platform. Ayatollah Taskhiri with great patience. He is a true asset for the Ummah. played a leading role in containing the flames of sec- May Allah reward him for all the good work he has tarian hatred in the Ummah. done for the Ummah, Ameen. In 2006, he was among 38 Muslim intellectuals and scholars that signed an official letter to Pope Bene- Dr. Mahmoud Vaezi, Faculty Member of the Uni- dict XVI in response to his Islamophobic comments versity of Tehran and the Head of the Center of in a speech delivered on September 12, 2006. Higher Studies of the Islamic Revolution The pope’s speech caused great offense among Mus- The Role Model of Interreligious Dialogue lims worldwide. While ordinary Muslims expressed The world of religious and interreligious relations anger through demonstrations, the pope’s attacks on has lost a personalitywhowas not stoppedbyanything Islam and the noble Messenger (saws) needed a more for promoting the rationality and spirituality of the scholarly response. This is where Ayatollah Taskh- Ahl al-Bayt school of thought in the universe and iri’s role was extremely important. With his wide spent his blessed life in creating awareness. A person contacts among Islamic scholars all over the world, who, with divine blessings andright from a young an intellectual response to the pope’s uncalled for age,worked hardand put in a lot of efforts to dis- attacks was delivered. It was signed by 38 leading seminate and spread the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt scholars of the Muslim world, among them Ayatollah school, targeting international gatherings and world Taskhiri. assemblies, and defended its true values against op- He is also a signatory to the Amman Message, a ponents and adversaries, and exemplified himself on declaration signed by 200 leading Islamic scholars the minds of international elites. from more than 50 countries. The Amman Message His personality was a harmonious combination of addressed the following questions at a conference “thought” and “motivation”. The personality and in Amman, Jordan in July 2005: Who is a Muslim? character of our late master, Ayatollah Taskhiri, com- Who has the authority to speak for Islam? The Mes- prised two dimensionsa) knowledge,understanding, sage affirmed the legitimacy of all major schools of ability to analyze of ideas and thoughts, recognition thought and jurisprudence (madhahib), forbade dec- of the foundations of contemporary views and the- larations of apostasy (takfir) against other Muslims, ories and conscious and strategic theorizing; andb) and set forth the qualifications for the issuance of re- practical adherence and true belief in divine values ligious rulings (fatwas), particularly denouncing rul- and beliefs and a strong will in defending them. ings encouraging violent extremism. However, what made this personality superior to his Ayatollah Taskhiri took an active part in these delib- peers and made him unique in the area of contempo- erations that resulted in a landmark declaration put- rary communications was his ability and the art of ting to rest the narrow-minded extremism that had knowing and understanding his audience and apply- engulfed some parts of the Ummah. While the Am- ingspeaking and behavioral techniques and skills. man Message may not have eliminated sectarianism The moral, emotional, strong and rational imageof completely, it was an important step in the right di- that learned master will forever shine on the horizon rection to bring the Ummah back to its divinely pre- of cultural and religious relations, and the name of scribed path of Ummatan Wasata (Surah al-Baqarah, the conquer (Taskhiri) of hearts of the just people and Verse 143). the lovers of the school of moderation will forever He is a leading intellectual and a tireless ambassador remain arole model for the preachers and followers for Muslim unity. The Muslim Ummah needs more of the Ahl al-Bayt school of thought. May his soul scholars like Ayatollah Taskhiri. He meets everyone rest in eternal peace in the company of the Noble with a smile and listens to their concerns and ideas Prophet of Islam (pbuh) and his household (as).

No. 269. September 2020 37 ECHO Special Issue on Allameh Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri

Ayatollah Taskhiri’s Works As mentioned earlier Alla- • Common Hadiths (16 Volumes) Allameh Ibn Maysam In His Com- meh Ayatollah Taskhiri had • The Islamic Awakening Move- mentary on Nahj Al-Balagha written about forty books ment • The Role of Civilization of the and hundreds of papers on • The Pioneers of the School of Islamic Ummah in Tomorrow’s different subjects and issues Proximity in the Principles of Ju- World by taking into consideration risprudence • AReview of the Constitution of the requirements of the time • International Conference of Pop- the Islamic Republic of Iran and the significant role that ulation and Development in Cairo • Muslim Women and Global these issues play in modern • On the Principles of Islam Challenges:A Review of Some In- man’s life. Below is the list • Muslim Minorities in Non-Is- ternational Treaties of some of his books and pa- lamic Countries • Relations of Religious Leaders pers. Most of which had been • Ahl al-Bayt’s Program for Fos- in The EarlyIslamic Centuries presented at different inter- tering Islamic Unity • Relationships of Religious Lead- national seminars, confer- • On Friday Prayers ers and Scholars in the Past (With ences, and summits. It is to • On Monotheism Special Emphasis on Shahid Aw- be noted that most Ayatollah • Muslim Women and Global wal and Shahid Thani) Taskhiri’s books have been Challenges: with Special Refer- • Relationships with Others With- written in the Arabic Lan- ence toSome International Cov- in the Context of Peace; A Key El- guage, some of which have enants ement for Development been translated into Persian • The Relationship between Islam and other languages. Papers: and The West Books: • The Need for Dialogue Among • The Relationship between Islam • Muslim the Followers of the Abrahamic and The West and The Duty of Minorities;Challenges and Religions Muslims Solutions • MeasuresNeeded to Achieve So- • The Relationship between Islam • Ideas onDialogue withOth- cial Security and The West, A Reflection on a ers • Remembering God Is the Way Western Perspective • About Unity and Proxim- to Perfection (A Study of Hadiths • Islamic Uprising and The Media ity of Islamic Schools of Related to Remembering God) • Islamic Uprising and Modernism Thought • Identityand Dangersand Conse- • Islamic Uprising: Causes, Mani- • Our Mission Is Proximityin quences of Extremism festations and Continuity Thoughts, Coherence in Ac- • Equality with Regard to the • Memoirs of A Prisoner from Qasr tion Rights and Duties of Women in al-NahayahPrison ofBaghdad • In the Light of the Consti- The Light of the Charter of Islam- • The Future of the Relation- tution ic Human Rights ship between Islam and The West • Shiite Religious Authority • General Duties of the Govern- with A Special ReviewShirin in the Past and at Present ment in the Field of Economics Hunter’sBook the Book “The Fu- • Concise Exegesis of the • The Status of Muslim Women ture of Islam and The West” as Holy Quran (in partnership and Their Role in Society Well asAbul Kalam Azad’s Views with Sheikh Saeed Nomani) • Conscience Opposes Insulting and His Share in Disseminating • On Islamic Economics Religious Sanctities Islamic Teachings in India • Wilayah in the Holy Quran • Manifestations of Balance in The • Terrorist Incidents, Issues Sur- • Dialogue with Self and Iranian Constitution rounding It, And Humane Treat- Others • A Glance at the Introduction of ment

38 No. 269. September 2020 ECHO