ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Eternal Manifestations ‘Allāmah as a Student ** ** Story n. 1 Allāmah Tabātabā’ī narrates an account of the early days of his studies in the following manner: In the early days of my studies, when I was occupied with studying Sarf and Nahw, I did not have a deep desire to continue my studies. As a result however much I studied I did not fully understand [the material]. I passed four years in this manner.

Then one day Divine favor grabbed a hold of me and changed me and I felt a sense of infatuation and restlessness in relation to gaining knowledge, such that from that day onwards until my studies came to a completion approximately 18 years later, I never once felt tired or reluctant when it came to learning and thinking, and I completely forgot both the beauty and the unsightliness of the world. I ended all dealings I had with those who were not part of the scholarly and academic tradition.

I satisfied myself with the least possible amount of time for eating, sleeping and other necessities of life, and spent the rest of my time in my studies. It was very common, especially in spring and summer, for me to study from night until dawn. I would always study the following day’s lesson from before. If a problem arose I would solve it even if it meant exerting myself to the utmost degree, so that when I would attend class I would be aware of what the teacher presented.

I would never take an issue or a problem to the teacher. ‘Allāmah Tabātabā’ī Story n. 2 Allāmah Tabātabā’ī describes his entrance into Najaf and the beginning of his studies in the following manner: When I left Tabriz for Najaf with the intention of continuing my studies of Islamic sciences, I was unaware of the situation in Najaf. I didn’t know where to go and what to do.

On the way there I was in constant thought of what I should study and whose student I should become, and what path and route I should choose so that I might become the source of Divine pleasure and acceptance. When I reached the entrance of the holy city of Najaf, I turned towards the dome and court of Amīr ul-Muminīn and said: “O Alī! I have come in your presence so that I might continue my studies, but I do not know which path to take, and what program to choose.

I want you to guide me to that in which there is goodness and moral soundness.” I [then] rented a place, and took up residence there.