Saeed Ziaei-Far

Professor at Seminary and University

Saeed Ziaei-Far, born in 1342 SH (1963/1964 CE) in Kashan, Iran, is a contemporary Shiite cleric, jurist, and researcher specializing in the philosophy of jurisprudence (Fiqh), philosophy of Uṣūl, jurisprudential schools, theological foundations of ijtihad, and the governmental approach to jurisprudence. He is an Associate Professor at the Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy and a faculty member of the Research Institute of Jurisprudence and Law of this Academy, and currently also serves as the Research Deputy of the Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy. Ziaei-Far began his seminary studies in 1359 SH (1980/1981 CE) alongside his fourth year of high school in Kashan, and after obtaining his diploma in mathematics and physics in 1360 SH (1981/1982 CE), he entered the Qom Seminary. He completed the intermediate level (Sath) in 1366 SH (1987/1988 CE) and participated in advanced courses (Dars-e Kharij) in jurisprudence and principles for fourteen years. He benefited from the presence of prominent teachers such as Ayatollah Mirza Javad Tabrizi, Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani, Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, and Ayatollah Sayyid Kazem Haeri, and also studied theology and philosophy for several years. He received his Level 4 seminary degree in 1384 SH (2005/2006 CE) and obtained his master's degree in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Qom in 1376 SH (1997/1998 CE). He began teaching at the Qom Seminary in 1362 SH (1983/1984 CE) and has since taught standard seminary courses (Levels 1 to 3), research methodology, philosophy of jurisprudence, philosophy of political jurisprudence, jurisprudential schools, and Islamic teachings at numerous centers such as Jamiat al-Zahra, Al-Mustafa International University, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tarbiat Moallem University of Tehran, University of Kashan, and the University of Religions and Denominations. Among his executive records are the management of the research group "Philosophy of Jurisprudence and Islamic Law" at the Research Institute of Jurisprudence and Law (1377–1390 SH / 1998–2011 CE), management of research projects of this institute, membership in the scientific council of the Jurisprudence Group of Jamiat al-Zahra, and the scientific council of the Higher School of Jurisprudence and Principles, director of the major research project of the Research Center of the Secretariat of the Assembly of Experts, and head of education at the Institute for the Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini's Works in the Qom office. Ziaei-Far is the originator of the theory of "Philosophy of the Science of Jurisprudence," in which he examines the science of jurisprudence from the outside and analyzes its foundations, structure, and objectives. He also emphasizes "the place of theological foundations in ijtihad" and believes that theological views have a direct impact on the principles of jurisprudence and the process of deriving religious rulings. Another of his approaches is the "governmental approach to jurisprudence," in which he addresses the relationship between jurisprudence and government and the application of jurisprudential rulings in the administration of society. Among his prominent works are: Philosophy of the Science of Jurisprudence (published by the Research Institute of Seminary and University and SAMT, 1392 SH / 2013–2014 CE, selected at the 17th Book of the Year of the Seminary Research Award in 1390 SH / 2011–2012 CE), The Place of Theological Foundations in Ijtihad (Bustan-e Ketab, fourth edition), Existing and Desirable Uṣūlī Schools: With Emphasis on the Thoughts of Muhaqqiq Behbahani and Muhaddith Astarabadi (Research Institute of Seminary and University, 1402 SH / 2023–2024 CE), The Impact of Ethics on Ijtihad, An Introduction to Jurisprudential School Studies, The Jurisprudential School of Imam Khomeini, The Jurisprudential-Political Thoughts of Imam Khomeini, Roots and Consequences of Caution in Ijtihad and Ifta, The Governmental Approach in Jurisprudence, and Methods of Utilizing the Objectives of Religion in Ijtihad. Two books, The Jurisprudential School of Imam Khomeini and Philosophy of the Science of Jurisprudence, have been translated into Arabic. He has been a member of the Farabi International Festival, a member of the academic board and evaluator of research and articles for festivals, seminars, and congresses, and has published numerous articles in scholarly-research journals such as Naqd wa Nazar, Fiqh, Philosophical-Theological Researches, Jurisprudential and Uṣūlī Inquiries, and Political Science.