At the beginning of his speech at the opening ceremony of the Second International Conference on Quran and Science, Dr. Mohammad Javad Larijani expressed his gratitude to the respected colleagues at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Dr. Allameh-Hoda for hosting and organizing this conference. He then presented his main discussion, which was summarized in three main parts: a theoretical introduction, presentation of two examples, and finally the fatwa of His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei regarding “scientific jihad.”
Dr. Larijani explained that any scientific use of the Quran must be based on the principle of divine guidance, noting that the Quran is one of the tools of divine guidance, and that guidance itself is one of humanity’s fundamental needs in all actions, including scientific activities. Citing the four-stage theory of Shahid Thani regarding divine guidance, he outlined these stages as follows:
- Development of “receptacle” (intellectual and inferential capacity):
The first stage involves strengthening ordinary reason (cognition) and human logical and reasoning abilities. This stage forms the foundation that prepares individuals to receive divine guidance. - Seeking signs in the universe:
The world is full of divine signs, and having a searching mindset to find these signs is an important step in the path of guidance. This process is exciting and full of new discoveries. - Using religious sources (Quran, verses, teachings of Imams and saints):
At this stage, through utilizing the Quran, narrations, and teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (AS), one gains access to deeper signs that guide them in the path of science and truth-seeking. - Direct divine guidance:
Sometimes during scientific activities, a sudden spark forms in the researcher’s mind, indicating special divine guidance. This stage represents the peak of the researcher’s spiritual and scientific connection with the divine source.
Dr. Larijani then referred to verses from Surah Talaq and Surah Fussilat to present two examples of how to scientifically benefit from the Quran. This section demonstrated how deep reflection on verses can lead to scientific and philosophical concepts.
In the final part, Dr. Larijani referred to a meeting between the Institute of Fundamental Research and the Supreme Leader before the COVID era, quoting his fatwa about scientific jihad as follows:
“As a jurist, I want to give you a fatwa about scientific jihad, not merely as encouragement or motivation, but as a jurisprudentially based fatwa. Scientific jihad has its own special conditions. The condition for jihad is presence in the field of struggle and confrontation; otherwise, although the effort is valuable, it cannot be considered jihad. In today’s world, the field of science is a vast battlefield, and if researchers enter this field with jihadi intention, their work is exactly like jihad fi sabilillah, precisely like someone fighting on the battlefield. This jihad may even lead to martyrdom.”
He also emphasized that having a jihadi intention in science is a key factor in attracting divine guidance, as God states in the Quran: “We will surely guide them to Our ways” (29:69).
Dr. Larijani’s speech combined theoretical foundations, concrete examples, and emphasis on the role of scientific jihad in advancing knowledge through Quranic inspiration. By referencing Shahid Thani’s views and the Leader’s fatwas, he demonstrated that learning and research, when accompanied by divine intention and jihadi spirit, is not merely an intellectual activity but a great form of worship that paves the way for special divine guidance.