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Ayatullah al-`Uzma al-Hajj ash-Shaykh Lutfullah as-Safi,
a renowned Faqhi, Scholar of Islam and one of the
greatest thinkers of our time, was born in the year
1337 Hijri (1917) in the city of Gulpaygan, Iran.
1. His Parents
His
father, the late Ayatullah Akhund Mulla Muhammad al-Jawad
as-Safi (b.1867) was a wellknown 'Alim and an 'Arif.
He, along with being a specialist in Islamic
studies, was also a researcher, writer and a teacher
in various fields of Islamic sciences such as: Fiqh,
Usul, Kalam, Akhlaq, Hadith, and other areas. He was
also well versed in Poetry, and Calligraphy.
On
the one side, his Taqwa, love for the Wilayat (of
the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon all of them)), and the
excellence in Akhlaq of this great man, and his firm
position of upholding the concept of "Amr bil Ma'ruf
wa Nahi anil Munkar" (Enjoining the Good and
Forbidding the Evil), and taking a distinct stance
against those who had deviant thoughts, the
non-religious people, and the oppressors and
despotic rulers of his time on another side had a
tremendous effect on his son.
The
setting of the sun on the life of this great
scholar, was on the 25th of Rajab, in the year 1958,
which corresponded to the night of the Shahadat of
the 7th Imam, Musa al-Kazim ('a).
His
mother was Fatima, a noble woman, poet, and a lover
of the Ahlul-Bayt (peace be upon all of them) and
the daughter of Ayatullah Akhund Mullah Muhammad
'Ali - the roommate and study partner of the late
Ayatullah al-Uzma Mirza Shirazi (May Allah raise his
status).
Sincerity, piety, bravery, frankness and
outspokenness, patience in the upbringing of her
children, the remembrance of Allah, recitation of
Dua', and Salatul Lail are some of the particular
spiritual and ethical traits of this now deceased
woman.
In
reality, Agha Safi Gulpaygani, inherited his love
and sincerity for the Ahlul Bait (peace be upon all
of them) from parents like this.
2. His Studies
Ayatullah al-'Uzma as-Safi, while in his youth,
stepped into the garden of knowledge. He started his
primary Arabic studies in the city of Gulpaygan
(Iran) under the tutelage of the great Scholar,
Marhum Akhund Mullah Abul Qasim, better known as "Qutb".
He continued his studies in the fields of Arabic,
Kalam, Tafsir of the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and Usul
until the end of Suth (the second major level of
Islamic studies) in this city. During this period,
he was also being taught by his humble father,
Ayatullah Akhund Mullah Muhammad al-Jawad as-Safi in
the above mentioned sciences of Islam.
In
the year 1940, Ayatullah as-Safi left the city of
Gulpaygan, which, at that time for him, was his own
world, with its sweet memories of the time spent as
a youth, and love and pleasure he felt being around
his loving father and mother. This was a move, that
until today, he still feels upset about having to
make, but none the less, with all the difficulties
involved, he made the migration to the city of Qum.
It was here in Qum that he would take part in the
classes being offered by the greatest Scholars of
the Hauza Ilmiyyah of Qum, and the place where he
would be able to continue on the road of completing
his studies and research in Islam.
A
few years later, Ayatullah as-Safi made the journey
to Najaf al-Ashraf and for one year, took part in
the lessons being offered by the Great Maraja' of
that religious institution. The exceptional power of
understanding, and the struggle and seriousness in
pursuing his studies were some of the reasons that
the great teachers in Qum and Najaf paid special
attention to him.
Some of his teachers while in Najaf al-Ashraf
1.
Ayatullah al-Uzma ash-Saykh Muhammad Kadhim Shirazi
(d. 1367)
2.
Ayatullah al-Uzma as-Sayyid Jamal ad-Din Gulpaygani
(d. 1377)
3.
Ayatullah al-Uzma ash-Shaykh Muhammad 'Ali Kadhimi
(d. 1364)
After studying in the city of Najaf, Hadhrat
Ayatullah Lutfullah as-Safi returned to Qum. It was
there, that for more than fifteen years, he attended
classes on Akhlaq and 'Irfan, then being taught by
the former Marja' of the Shi'a world, Hadhrat
Ayatullah al-'Uzma al-Burujerdi (May Allah raise his
Status).
It
was at this time that Ayatullah as-Safi was chosen
to be one of the special advisors to the late
Ayatullah al-Burujerdi, and was also one of the few
selected people who worked on answering the
religious questions that were being sent in by the
Muqallidin of the late Ayatullah.
Ayatullah al-Burujerdi, after recognizing the level
of knowledge and the ability that Ayatullah as-Safi
possessed, then decided to keep him in charge of
answering the important and sensitive questions that
were coming into the Late Marja's office in the
fields of Fiqh, and Kalam.
It
was also through the encouragement of Ayatullah
al-Burujerdi that ash-Shaikh as-Safi was able to
compile the valuable book, or rather an encyclopedia
in the study of the 12th Imam, al-Mahdi ('a), which
later took on the name of "Muktakhab al-Athar fi
Imam Thani al-'Ashar".
Some of his teachers while in Qum
1.
Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Hajj as-Sayyid Muhammad Taqi
Khansari (d. 1371)
2.
Ayatullah al-Uzma as-Sayyid Muhammad Hujjat Kuhkamri
(d. 1372)
3.
Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Hajj as-Sayyid Muhammad Sadr
ad-Din Sadr 'Amili (d. 1373)
4.
Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Hajj as-Sayyid Muhammad Hussein
Burujerdi (d. 1375)
5.
Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Hajj as-Sayyid Muhammad Reda
Gulpaygani (d. 1414)
4. Specialties of Ayatullah al-'Uzma as-Safi
Taqwa, Ikhlas (Sincerity), Tawakkul (Reliance on
Allah), frankness in speech, "Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi
anil Munkar" (Enjoining the Good and Forbidding the
Evil) are some of the important spiritual and
ethical aspects of this Faqhii.
His
presence and existance is a boundaryless ocean of
love for the Pure Lights of the Sinless Progeny of
the Prophet ('a), and every morning, after his
Salat, after the recitation of Dua' al-Ahad, those
around him hear his heart crying out in love for the
Hidden Imam, Sahih al-Asr wa al-Zaman, with the
plea:
"Hurry up, Hurry up, O' My Master, O' Master of the
Time!"
It
has also been noted that on Friday afternoons, he
can be spotted in Masjid al-Jamkaran, which is just
outside the holy City of Qum, sitting among the
faithful lovers of Imam al-Mahdi ('a) engrossed in
prayers.
Some of the academic achievements of this scholar
include teaching and research in various fields of
Islamic Studies, such as Fiqh, Usul, Kalam, Hadith,
Rijal and other areas. It suffices us to mention
that along with all of this; he is also the author
of over 80 valuable books, both in Farsi and Arabic,
of which some have been translated into various
languages.
Ayatullah as-Safi, during his studies in the Hauza
of Qum, was ranked with high esteem as one of the
greatest scholars by leading figures of the Muslim
world, such as: Sayyid Jamal ad-Din al-Gulpaygani,
Ayatullah al-Burujerdi, Imam al-Khumayni, and Sayyid
Muhammad Rida al-Gulpaygani, and various others.
Some 45 years ago, on the 3rd of Jumad al-Awal,
Ayatullah al-Udma al-Hajj as-Sayyid Jamal ad-Din
al-Gulpaygani, one of the biggest and most well
known Marja' of his time in Najaf al-Ashraf,
bestowed the highest honor on Ayatullah as-Safi by
announcing his reaching to the level of Ijtihad. Not
only did he confirm Ayatullah al-Uzma as-Safi's
reaching to this level, but in the letter which he
wrote, which is still available today, he went on to
say that Ayatullah as-Safi Gulpaygani was at the
highest level of Ijtihad - in comparsion to the
other scholars of his time. This is the final level
in Islamic studies, where, after completion, a
person is allowed to make his own independent
decisions in matters of Islamic law.
For
many years, Ayatullah as-Safi, during the lifetime
of Marhum Ayatullah Burujerdi, and even after his
death, was one of the few people who were
responsible for taking the exams of the students in
the Hauza. These included the students who were at
the highest level of their studies, including those
involved in the studies known as 'B'ath al-Kharij'
(the final level of Islamic studies, after which, if
successfully completed, entittles a person to
formulate his or her own opinion on Islamic matters,
in the light of the Qur'an and Sunnah).
It
should be noted that a large number of the
Mujtahidin and teachers who are presently in the
Hauza 'Ilmiyyah of Qum have taken their exams at the
hands of this noble scholar.
This valuable Faqhi, in addition to what has already
been mentioned, has also done extensive research in
the area of Arabic Syntax (the rules of Arabic
Grammar), and in the History of Islam and Iran. He
is also well acquainted with the various forms of
poetry, and is well versed in composing verses of
poetry.
Even today, this learned Marja', with all the
responsibilities that lie on his shoulders, still
finds the time to keep himself informed on a day to
day basis of the news of the world, with special
attention taken to the news of the world of Islam,
by all means and methods at his disposal.
With the large amount of information on history and
politics that is continuously being passed on to
him, and with his ability to be able to analyze all
the events that are occurring in the world today in
their respective regions, it is no wonder that he is
often referred to as "THE Scholar of our Time."
Before the victory of the Islamic Revolution of
Iran, Ayatullah as-Safi's presence in the various
areas of struggle and opposition against the Shah's
regime was well known. It was with the confiscation
and banning of one of his books by the Shah's secret
police, known as the SAVAK, that added to the
friction between this Faqhi and the former
Government.
Ultimately, the printing of some of the most
important books that Ayatullah al-'Uzma as-Safi had
written, in defense of the teachings of the Shi'a'
were banned (in Iran). At the same time, the Leaders
of some of the Arab countries, who were working hand
in hand with paid-off authors that were in the hands
of the Colonialists, and who were not able to hide
their anger and hatred from these conscious writings
which had the potential of awakening others, were
ultimately forced to ban his books.
With the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran
in 1979, Ayatullah as-Safi, on behalf of the Late
Imam al-Khumayni, was placed in charge of the "Shura
Negahban" or the "Council of Guardians of the
Islamic Revolution". For eight years as the
Secretary General of the "Council of Guardians", he
had provided his valuable assistance to establishing
and preserving social order in Iran, and to the
service of the people of this nation, in guarding
the sanctity of Islam and the Qur'an. During this
eight years, not even once did he entertain any sort
of doubt or uncertainty in his mind concerning his
role in the Government.
Ayatullah al-'Uzma al-Hajj ash-Shaykh Lutfullah
as-Safi al-Gulpaygani, who, over 20 years ago,
possessed all the conditions necessary for
Marja'iyat, generously and nobly passed it by.
With the untimely demise of his teacher, the Late
Ayatullah al-'Uzma as-Sayyid Muhammad Rida
al-Gulpaygani in 1993, ash-Shaykh as-Safi was
flooded with requests from the 'Ulama and people all
over the world to accept the responsibility of
guiding the Shi'a world. Finally, after repeated
requests, he humbly accepted the Marja'iyat, and
today, is counted as one of the leading and
outstanding Marja', and one of the main pillars of
the Hauza Ilmiyyah of Qum.
The
leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Ayatullah
al-Uzma as-Sayyid Ruhullah al-Musawi al-Khumayni
(May Allah raise his status) had personally told
Agha Safi Gulpaygani that he is constantly praying
for him and in addition, he never forgets to pray
for him in his Salat al-Lail.
The
great scholar, and Marja' Taqlid of the Shi'a world,
the late Ayatullah al-Uzma as-Sayyid al-Hajj
Muhammad Rida al-Gulpaygani (May Allah raise his
status), in regards to Ayatullah as-Safi
al-Gulpaygani had written the following in his will
to his family:
"...Any time you need the permission of a Faqihi
(for religious issues), refer to Ayatullah Agha Hajj
Shaykh Lutfullah Safi, since, without doubt, I
consider him to be a Mujtahid, and 'Adil."
One
of the most well known teachers in the Hauza
'Ilmiyyah of Qum, who has written countless books on
topics ranging from Usul al-Fiqh, 'Aqaid, History
and other areas many of which have been translated
into English, Urdu, and other languages, Ayatullah
al-Hajj Mirza Ja'far Subhani, at the funeral
ceremony of the late Ayatullah al-Uzma as-Sayyid
Muhammad Rida Gulpaygani, said the following about
Agha Safi :
"...A person whom, in his life, has continously been
busy with the pen, writing and offering his services
to Islam - one who is counted as of the 'Arifs and
upright 'Ulama, and one whom just looking at his
face, is reminded of Allah (SWT)..."
5. A sample of his writings
To
date, this Marja' Taqlid and scholar of Islam has
over 100 books to his name, some of which are:
1. Muntakhab al-Athar Fi al-Imam ath-Thani Ashar
2. Imamate and Mahdiviat
3. Glimpses of the greatness of al-Hussain (Peace be
Upon Him)
4. Divinity in Nahjul Balagha
5. Tawdhiul Masail
6. Manasik Hajj (Farsi)
7. Manasik Hajj (Arabic)
8. Belief in al-Mahdi (Arabic)
9. Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar
10. Medical Questions and Answers
11. The History of the Shi'a Hauza
12. The Epic of Karbala
13. The Good Tidings of Peace and Security
14. Answers to Ten Questions regarding al-Imam
al-Mahdi
15. A Discussion regarding famous Hadith of the
Splitting of the Muslim Ummah into 73 Sects
16. The Qur'an : Protected from Corruption
17. The Call of Islam from Europe
18. Discussion concerning the Ayah of Tathir (33:33)
19. The Month of Ramadan in History
20. The Necessity of Islamic Government or Wilayat
al-Fuqaha during the 'Asr al-Ghaybah
21. The Relationship and Connection between the
World and Imam az-Zaman (Peace be Upon Him)
22. Tafsir of Ayah al-Fitrah (30:30)
23. Answers to questions from a Muslim Woman
24. A Reply to "The Belief of Mahdiism in Shi'a
Imamia" (Reply to the doctorate thesis written by
Mr. Abdul-Aziz Sachedina)
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