Introducing the Book *The Life and Thought of Martyr Ayatollah Dr. Mohammad Hosseini Beheshti*

Fortunately, after three years of continuous effort and follow-up, the valuable book The Life and Thought of Martyr Ayatollah Dr. Mohammad Hosseini Beheshti has been adorned with the ornament of publication. The story of compiling this book began with a visit by the former president of Islamic Azad University, Dr. Hamid Mirzadeh, and the university's board of directors to the "Yadegar-e Beheshtian" Museum on the seventh of Tir, 1392 (June 28, 2013). During that visit, the then-president of the university emphasized the importance of introducing the thought and behavioral models of Martyr Beheshti to the faculty, students, and staff of Islamic Azad University and expressed readiness for any cooperation in this regard. From his side, proposals were also put forward in this direction, including the formation of Martyr Beheshti student associations. Given that for years, enthusiasts seeking to become acquainted with the thought of Martyr Beheshti had been requesting a structured reading program of his works through repeated contacts with the Foundation for the Publication of the Works and Thoughts of Martyr Ayatollah Dr. Beheshti, it was suggested that the formation of Martyr Beheshti student associations at the university should, firstly, be voluntary, and secondly, begin with book-reading sessions and critiques of his works.

In addition, Islamic Azad University intended to offer a two-credit course for students in this field. In this regard, it was also suggested that, firstly, the said course be optional, and secondly, a suitable textbook be prepared for it. In the same meeting, it was decided that the Foundation would undertake the preparation of the book's text. A few months later, the Najafabad branch of Islamic Azad University proposed holding an international conference to introduce the thought of Martyr Beheshti to the Foundation. After numerous consultative meetings with various officials of the said branch and the university's central organization, it was decided to first proceed with holding a national conference hosted by the Najafabad branch with the participation of other volunteer branches, and since the Faculty of Law was the main proponent, and also considering the needs of the audience, it was decided to hold a conference titled "Right-Based Life: The Rights of the Nation in the Thought of Martyr Beheshti." Meanwhile, the Khomeinishahr branch and the Khorasgan branch of Islamic Azad University also proposed cooperation in carrying out research projects and services in this field. Among the research projects proposed by the Khorasgan branch was support for the plan to compile the aforementioned textbook, the title of which was also approved and, after signing contracts, appointing scientific supervisors, and forming a scientific council, was set in motion.

 

Considering the various domains of Martyr Beheshti's intellectual system and the scholarly backgrounds of researchers, the Foundation invited academic and seminary experts, and after holding numerous meetings aimed at coordinating the compilation of its various chapters, the authorship and compilation of each chapter was assigned to a recognized researcher: The Preface (covering the life and times of Martyr Beheshti) to Dr. Seyed Alireza Hosseini Beheshti; The Method of Understanding Islam to Dr. Meysam Mohammadi; Humanity in the Thought of Martyr Beheshti to Dr. Abbas Manouchehri; Beheshti, Ethics, and the Foundations of Ethics to Dr. Abolghasem Fanaei; The Innate-Nature-Centric Approach in the Educational Thought of Martyr Beheshti to Dr. Mohammad Delbari; Party and Party Governance in Beheshti's Thought to Hojjat al-Islam Dr. Davoud Feirahi; Principles and Foundations of Government in the Thought of Martyr Beheshti to Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Soroush Mahallati; The Islamic Approach to Development to Dr. Farshad Momeni; and Money, Banking, and Usury to Dr. Hassan Sobhani.

Over time, some other approved research projects were also completed and delivered, which will be explained in their proper place. However, regarding the conference, although its collection of articles has been gathered and compiled and will be published in the near future, considering the financial and economic hardships that the people, including the students of this land, have endured, at the Foundation's suggestion, its holding was forgone and it was deemed sufficient to merely publish the aforementioned projects.

The present book has been structured and compiled as a textbook in both content and form, comprising the main text, classroom activities, discussion questions, introductions to recommended resources for further study, and explanations about the thinkers referenced in each chapter. The book's layout was carried out by Salman Raees-Abdollahi in this same manner, and after editing and the authors' approval, it was published in collaboration with Rowzaneh Publications.

We hope this book will assist all those interested, whether individually, collectively, or in a classroom setting, in becoming acquainted with the intellectual system of Martyr Ayatollah Dr. Beheshti. We also hope that in the not-too-distant future, with the completion of the publication of the martyr's collected works, additional chapters—including his exegetical approach and his views on women and the family—will be added in subsequent editions. In closing, it is fitting to express our gratitude to all those involved in this monumental research project, whose names would make this text far too lengthy to list.

To obtain this book, please refer to the link below or the sales representatives of this foundation:

The Life and Thought of Martyr Ayatollah Dr. Mohammad Hosseini Beheshti