Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Urges Scholars and Preachers to Guide People Toward God Through Good Example
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Urges Scholars and Preachers to Guide People Toward God Through Good Example
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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husayni al-Shirazi has called on religious scholars, distinguished clerics, preachers, and teachers to fulfil their religious and moral responsibilities in guiding society, emphasizing that their words and conduct should bring people closer to Almighty God and strengthen their faith rather than distance them from religion.
In an address to religious scholars, His Eminence stressed the importance of righteous deeds and having a positive influence on the lives of others. He warned against being satisfied with religious titles and scholarly status without making a sincere effort to reform society, guide people away from wrongdoing, and help them overcome moral and spiritual challenges.
Addressing scholars, preachers, and teachers, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi cautioned: “Beware lest the Day of Judgment arrive when a man from among the marketplace traders has saved someone from theft, helped put his life in order, and prevented him from falling at a decisive moment, while I and others like me, despite all our titles and responsibilities, have been deprived of such an opportunity.”
He further warned against falling short in fulfilling religious duties, saying: “Beware lest that man surpass us and advance ahead of us.” His remarks highlighted the importance of taking the initiative to guide others and improve their lives, regardless of a person’s social standing or scholarly position.
His Eminence also warned that a religious scholar’s words or behaviour must never become a reason for weakening another person’s faith or distancing them from Almighty God. He emphasized that the responsibilities of religious scholars extend beyond teaching and public speaking to include setting a practical moral example that reflects the teachings of Islam.
According to his guidance, scholars and clerics should ensure that those who interact with them, listen to their words, and observe their conduct become more devoted to Almighty God and more firmly committed to their faith.
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi connected this responsibility to following the example of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, stating: “If we believe that Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, is the Lantern of Guidance, then we must strive to become a means of guiding others as well, and not, God forbid, a cause of their misguidance.”
