In a cordial and scholarly meeting, the President of Baqir al-Olum University held discussions with Professor Dr. Farid Esack, a distinguished scholar in Islamic Studies. The meeting emphasized the necessity of expanding genuine, in-depth, and impactful academic dialogue with thinkers from the Islamic world and beyond. It was regarded as a starting point for serious and comprehensive academic cooperation.

At the outset of the meeting, Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Dr. Rafiei Alavi, President of Baqir al-Olum University, welcomed the presence of Dr. Farid Esack and described the meeting as a prelude to the formation of sustainable and international academic cooperation. He emphasized the importance of intellectual engagement that goes beyond formal and ceremonial relations.

Professor Farid Esack, in his remarks at the meeting, underscored the necessity of opening spaces for dialogue and scholarly engagement with thinkers around the world. He stated that in order to advance Islamic thought and strengthen the trajectory of Islamic civilization, it is essential to avoid one-sided and performative programs and instead demonstrate readiness to engage in rigorous, in-depth, and critical dialogue with diverse intellectual and ideological currents. He further noted that such dialogues should encompass all approaches—from Shiʿa to Sunni traditions, from classical to modern thinkers, and even evolutionary perspectives—so that, through this intellectual diversity, new horizons may be opened for the Islamic world.

Continuing the meeting, the President of Baqir al-Olum University reiterated the need to avoid performative activities, noting that scholarly dialogues become fruitful only when they are designed and implemented in a genuine, continuous, and impactful manner, and when they lead to knowledge production, academic synergy, and the addressing of fundamental issues facing the Islamic world.

Invitation to Professor Farid Esack to Join the Honorary Faculty of Baqir al-Olum University

In the final part of the meeting, Dr. Rafiei Alavi invited Professor Farid Esack to accept membership on the editorial board of one of Baqir al-Olum University’s academic journals. It was also proposed that he assume the role of Editor-in-Chief of an international scholarly journal to be jointly published by Iran and South Africa, with a focus on shared issues and themes of the Islamic world.

In addition, Professor Farid Esack was invited to accept honorary faculty membership at Baqir al-Olum University, with the aim of facilitating the continuation of academic relations, scholarly exchange, and the systematic utilization of the academic capacities of both parties.

The meeting was held in a cordial and interactive atmosphere, with both parties emphasizing the continuation of dialogues and the transformation of these interactions into effective and sustainable academic cooperation.