Message to the Commemoration Assembly of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Passing of Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi (may his soul be sanctified)

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

It is a great pleasure that the dedication and perseverance of the believers in this assembly and you, the honorable attendees, are devoted to renewing the memory and elevating the mention of the great and unparalleled jurist whose blessings and fruitful life were not confined to his own time and the field of jurisprudence. Like a shining sun, he illuminated various Islamic sciences, research methods, and the general life of Muslims during and after his time. Islamic scholars and the world of Islam still benefit from the blessed effects of his fruitful life and his fifteen-year leadership and complete authority. This esteemed and unparalleled figure, the general Shiite authority of his time and the teacher of contemporary jurists and authorities, was Grand Ayatollah Haj Agha Hossein Boroujerdi (may God elevate his status and raise his banners).

His knowledge, piety, sincerity, insight, magnanimity, wisdom, innovation, comprehensive vision, tirelessness, and many other rare and precious qualities created such a multi-dimensional and great personality that is rarely found among renowned jurists with leadership. He was an innovator of a new method in jurisprudence and a stylist in men and hadith studies, and he excelled in teaching, training students, and collective education. His broad vision extended beyond the borders of the Qom seminary, the seminaries, the framework of Iran, and the Shiite world, casting light on the Islamic world and all Muslim sects. His leadership encompassed not only the management of educational and livelihood affairs of the seminaries but also their political and ethical issues, and not only the affairs of the seminaries but also religious matters and Islamic rituals throughout the country and internationally. The seminary under his leadership became a nurturing ground and birthplace for new ideas and brilliant talents, which later laid the foundation for the clerical movement and the great and glorious Islamic Revolution led by the great renewer of Islam, Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified).

Despite all this, in the overall personality of that great man, what shone and was most striking was the sincerity and piety he employed in all his affairs.

Now, thirty years after the passing of the late Grand Ayatollah Boroujerdi (may his soul be sanctified), thanks to the Islamic Republic system, his memory and tribute are being honored. It is appropriate that the seminaries and their scientific leaders do not suffice with this tribute but also pursue and complete the scientific and research methods of that great man, which still retain their freshness, and advance the wheel of Islamic jurisprudence.

I pray to Almighty God for the elevation of the ranks of that esteemed scholar and the success of the honorable gentlemen under the attention of His Holiness Baqiyatullah (may my soul be sacrificed for him).

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

1991-04-28