Grand Ayatullah Shirazi Highlights Moral Integrity, Self-Purification as Core Duties of Religious Scholars Ahead of Ramadan

Grand Ayatullah Shirazi Highlights Moral Integrity, Self-Purification as Core Duties of Religious Scholars Ahead of Ramadan
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Senior Shiite Marja Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi has stressed that religious scholars and preachers bear a profound responsibility in guiding society, emphasizing moral integrity, self-purification, and adherence to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) as central obligations, particularly ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Supreme Marja made the remarks during a gathering of religious preachers, outreach activists, and seminary students held at his residence in the holy city of Qom on Saturday evening, 14 February 2026 (25 Sha‘ban 1447 AH), ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

His Eminence described Holy Ramadan as a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal, religious outreach, and service to society, urging preachers to prepare carefully for their responsibilities during the holy month. He underlined that the role of scholars is not only influential but also critical, as their actions and shortcomings can directly affect the moral condition of the community.

In his address, the Supreme Marja highlighted wara‘ (piety and moral restraint) as one of the most important virtues to be cultivated during Holy Ramadan, calling on individuals to strive to be among the most ethically upright members of their communities by observing both obligatory and recommended religious duties.

He also encouraged the study of the life and character of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family), noting that understanding prophetic ethics fosters piety and self-discipline, while warning that noble religious values can be distorted if not practiced sincerely. Grand Ayatullah Shirazi further urged believers to engage in self-examination, assess the strength of their faith, and guard against hypocrisy.

Addressing family life, he stressed that religious values should be reflected in daily behavior, parenting, and personal conduct, adding that spiritual purity begins in the heart and manifests in actions. He also warned that many Muslim societies retain the name of Islam while neglecting its practical teachings.

The gathering concluded with renewed calls for scholars and preachers to use Ramadan to promote ethical awareness, religious knowledge, and social responsibility, reinforcing faith-based values through thoughtful and relevant engagement with contemporary challenges.