| The interaction and communication of religious scholars and jurisprudents in the era of the Holy Prophet (S) and infallible Imams (a.s.) have been one of the points of strength causing Islam and the culture of Ahlul-Bayt, peace be upon them, to spread. In the era of occultation also, the religious authorities, scholars and their representatives are the standard bearers and forerunners of communication facilitating the relationship among Shiite seminaries. In fact, meetings, scientific conferences, seminars and gatherings held in the seminaries and in cultural atmospheres cause Shi'ism culture to be spread and expanded. For this reason, in his meeting with Ayatollah Shaykh Hussein Bashir Najafi (may Allah grant him long life), Ayatollah Bahrul Ulum Mirdamadi underscored the need for close ties and cooperation among the seminaries. He also said that it is necessary that the Islamic seminary of Najaf should have close relations with the Islamic seminary of Isfahan. In his meeting with the Ayatollah, he extended his formal invitation to the Ayatollah's son to visit the Islamic seminary of Isfahan. Thanking Ayatollah Bahrul Ulum for his invitation to Isfahan, grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi termed the communication and relations between Najaf and Isfahan seminaries to be owing to the blessed attention of the Imam of Age, may Allah hasten his reappearance. He praised His Eminence for his endeavor to expand scientific programs for clerics and students of the Islamic seminary. Hojjatoleslam Shaykh Ali Najafi (may Allah grant him long life) was welcomed Sunday 27 Aban 1390 at Shahid Behishti Int'l Airport by a number of scholars and representatives of Vali Asr (atf) World Center. In his journey to Isfahan, Shykh Ali Najafi visited Allamah Baqir Majlisi's grave and those of some other scholars. He attended a banquet which was organized by Vali Asr (atf) World Center with many scholars, teachers and students of the Islamic seminary of Isfahan in attendance. Upon his arrival at the Center, the manager of Vali Asr (atf) World Center, Dr. Sayyid Mohsen Qaimfard welcomed the grand Ayatollah's son and said that the program was held to honor the high position of the religious authority. Then Hojjatoleslam Shaykh Hasan Zohri addressed the gathering and highlighted the lofty position of Shia religious authority during the period of occultation. He made mention of the scientific and ideological programs launched grand and prominent religious authorities such as Grand Ayatollah Shaykh Ishaq al-Fayyadh, grand Ayatollah Sistani and grand Ayatollah Hakim to revive the Islamic Seminary of Najaf. Hojjatoleslam Shaykh Ali Najafi conveyed the greetings of the grand religious authority (his father) to the gathering and expressed happiness at the meeting attended by Isfahan seminary students and teachers. He thanked the head and custodian of Vali Asr (atf) World Center for inviting him to Isfahan and making the arrangements for his scientific and cultural visit to the city. The program came to an end with lamentation and mourning for the fourth Imam, Imam Zainul Abedeen, peace be upon him. |