During the opening ceremony of the “Wisdom House of Quran,” Ayatollah Mohammedi Araqi, Member of the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership, highlighted the event’s spiritual and intellectual significance. He expressed his deep gratitude to the organizers and specifically acknowledged Seyed Mostafa Daryabari, the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pretoria, for his pivotal role in establishing the center. Praising the name of the center, Araqi remarked, “Wisdom is indeed a reflection of the essence of this great initiative.”

Ayatollah Araqi also acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, including Mansour Shakib Mehr, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the representatives of the Syrian Embassy in South Africa. Araqi shared a gift from the Quran, reminding the audience of its timeless wisdom, stating, “The Quran is a spiritual treasury for all Muslims and mankind. Whenever you face temptation, conflict, or darkness, turn to the Quran for guidance.” He also addressed the current plight of oppressed nations, particularly the Palestinian people, attributing their suffering to a detachment from divine guidance: “We see the racial Zionists claiming they are a chosen nation, committing genocide and killing innocent people. The oppression of Palestinians stems from our distance from the Quran. To regain our honor, dignity, and independence, we must return to its teachings.”

During the event, Seyed Mostafa Daryabari introduced Ayatollah Ahmed Muballiqi, President of the Majilis Islamic Studies Centre in Qum, as a distinguished scholar renowned for his work in comparative Islamic studies, with research that is highly respected, even among Sunni Islamic scholars.

Ayatollah Muballiqi delivered a profound speech detailing the relationship between the Quran and wisdom, saying, *”I am grateful for the establishment of this House of Quran, a truly innovative idea. Allah says in the Quranic verses that He teaches you the Book and Hikmah (wisdom) together. Wisdom and the Quran are inseparable. We must bring wisdom into our lives through the study of the Quran. Without reading the Quran, we cannot possess true wisdom.”*

He emphasized the need to implement wisdom in daily life, stating, “Our reference to the Quran must be rooted in wisdom. The Quran is a miracle, and we cannot attain wisdom in our lives without it. We must approach the Quran rationally, or we will fail to understand it.”

Ayatollah Muballiqi also criticized the misinterpretation of the Quran by extremist groups, such as Daesh, noting, “The problem today is that some groups, like Daesh, interpret the Quran without reason and make grave mistakes. They kill people, destroy homes, and even mosques, murdering fellow Muslims because they do not understand the Quran properly.”

He concluded by underscoring the importance of a rational and wise approach to the Quran, saying, “Our failure to benefit from the Quran stems from not approaching it with wisdom”.

South African author and scholar Mphutlane wa Bofelo emphasized the profound significance of Quranic teachings and praised the Islamic Republic of Iran’s contribution to advancing these teachings in South Africa.

Addressing the audience, wa Bofelo stated, “Respected elders, leaders, brothers in Islam, Assalamualaikum. I am grateful to be invited to this occasion where we are celebrating an institution dedicated to the study of the Quran.” He highlighted the importance of Iran’s gift to South Africa, explaining that the institution reflects the Islamic Republic’s deep understanding of the Quran and its role in shaping society.

Wa Bofelo delved into the various names by which the Quran refers to itself, noting, “The Quran means ‘the reading’ or ‘recital,’ indicating that it is a book to be read and recited for guidance. It is a means of establishing a close connection with Allah and gaining a deeper understanding of both the exoteric and esoteric meanings behind natural and social phenomena.” He referenced Quranic verses that describe the natural world as signs of Allah’s existence.

He further explained the Quran’s self-referential names, stating, “The Quran refers to itself as Al Furqan, the criterion, Al Kitab, the book of divine knowledge, revelation, guidance, light, healing, clear evidence, and admonition.” Reflecting on these names, wa Bofelo emphasized the importance of establishing a Quranic institution in a country like South Africa, which is grappling with social, political, and economic challenges stemming from moral decay and a departure from truth and justice.

Wa Bofelo also underscored Iran’s unique understanding of the Quran and its pivotal role in shaping the Islamic Revolution. “What is important about Iran is that it read the Quran, understood the Quran, and built a revolution and a state based on the Quran. At a political level, they modeled what we have learned from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.”

He concluded by highlighting the significance of this institution as a gift from Iran to South Africa, a country in need of “a higher, elevated understanding of the message of the Quran,” and one of the nations with a growing number of people embracing Islam.