Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Some Young People Distance Themselves from Religion Due to Lack of Knowledge, Not Defiance

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Some Young People Distance Themselves from Religion Due to Lack of Knowledge, Not Defiance
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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi (may Allah prolong his life) has emphasized that some young people’s growing distance from religion and their involvement in intellectual and doctrinal deviations do not necessarily stem from deliberate opposition to religious teachings. Rather, many are influenced by misconceptions and incorrect beliefs because of a lack of knowledge and proper understanding, rather than intentional rejection or defiance.

The Grand Ayatollah explained that just as human societies suffer from various physical illnesses, some of which can be severe or fatal, they also face intellectual, scientific, and doctrinal ailments. Such problems can affect individuals without their deliberate choice or intention, particularly young people who may be exposed to misleading ideas and inaccurate interpretations of religious teachings.

Comparing intellectual and doctrinal deviations to physical illnesses, His Eminence stressed that ignorance and exposure to misconceptions should not automatically be interpreted as deliberate deviation or stubbornness in rejecting the truth. He noted that some young people, particularly within Shia communities, may appear distant from religion simply because they lack an accurate understanding of its teachings.

He stated: “The young people whom we see today distancing themselves from religion are neither negligent nor defiant; rather, they are unaware of religion.”