Reviving a Visionary: The Political Thought of Allameh Naeini and its Contemporary Relevance
In a significant meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, highlighted the enduring intellectual legacy of the distinguished scholar, Allameh Naeini, praising him as a towering scientific and spiritual pillar of the historic Najaf seminary.
A Legacy of Scholarship and Innovation
Ayatollah Khamenei detailed the multifaceted personality of Allameh Naeini, emphasizing his specialized contributions. The Leader noted that Naeini’s prominent characteristic was his systematic and intellectually disciplined approach to structuring the science of principles (Usul), marked by numerous powerful and groundbreaking innovations. The training of outstanding students was also cited as a key feature of his scholarly impact.
The Exceptional Political Thinker
A central point of the discussion was what sets Allameh Naeini apart as an exceptional figure among religious authorities: his profound political thought. Ayatollah Khamenei underscored that this thought is masterfully encapsulated in Naeini’s valuable, yet historically overlooked, book, Tanbih al-Ummah (Admonition to the Nation).
Pillars of a Just Governance System
The Leader elaborated on the core tenets of Naeini’s political ideology. He stated that a belief in establishing an Islamic government based on guardianship (Wilayah), in opposition to despotism, was a fundamental pillar of Naeini’s framework. According to this vision, the government and all its officials must be subject to national oversight and be accountable to the people.
This necessitates, Ayatollah Khamenei explained, the formation of an assembly of representatives through public elections, tasked with legislation and supervision. Furthermore, the legitimacy of the laws passed by this assembly would be contingent upon the approval of prominent religious jurists and scholars.
A Vision Realized
Crucially, Ayatollah Khamenei articulated that the framework envisioned by Allameh Naeini—a popular and Islamic government—is, in contemporary terms, the very essence of the Islamic Republic. The Leader also addressed the historical context, noting that the constitutional movement supported by Naeini and the scholars of Najaf was a support for establishing a government of justice and removing dictatorship. This, he clarified, was fundamentally different from the version of constitutionalism imposed by foreign powers in Iran, which led to division and tragic events.
The meeting also included a report from Ayatollah A’rafi, head of the Seminaries, on the plans and programs for the upcoming international conference commemorating Allameh Naeini.