Reza Babaei

Reza Babaei, born on 21 May 1964 in Qazvin and died on 6 April 2020 in Qom, was a writer, religious studies scholar, literary critic, Rumi scholar, and writing instructor. After completing his education in Qazvin, he entered the Islamic seminary and continued his seminary studies to advanced levels. From the early 1990s, he also taught philosophy, mystical texts, and Persian and Arabic literature at educational institutions and universities. In reports on his death, Babaei was remembered as a writer and researcher of religion and literature, with cancer cited as the cause of death.

Babaei was among the figures who forged a link between religious studies, literature, and the teaching of Persian prose. A significant part of his renown stems from his writing classes and books, especially Better Writing, which is known as a textbook for correct, plain, and elegant writing.

The main focus of Reza Babaei's work can be summarized in three areas: rational religious studies, mystical literature, and the teaching of writing. In religious studies, he paid particular attention to the relationship of religion with reason, ethics, humanism, and contemporary life. In literature, he was especially conversant with mystical texts and Rumi, striving to make the language of mysticism clearer for the modern reader.

In prose, Babaei was an advocate of simplicity, clarity, precision, and the avoidance of linguistic pedantry. His importance lay not only in authoring books but also in nurturing writers and writing enthusiasts. Conducting dozens of writing workshops in Qom, Tehran, and other cities is a key aspect of his legacy.