Message from the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO on the Anniversary of the Demise of Allameh Tabataba’i

On the occasion of the anniversary of the demise of Allameh Seyyed Mohammad Hossein Tabataba’i, the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO announced that, at UNESCO’s recent session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2025, the centenary of this eminent scholar’s scientific and intellectual activity was included in UNESCO’s list of anniversaries for 2026–2027, following a proposal by the Islamic Republic of Iran and approval by UNESCO Member States.

Allameh Tabataba’i, a sage, philosopher, Qur’anic exegete, Islamic scholar, and one of the most prominent Shiite thinkers of the 14th and 15th centuries AH, devoted his blessed life, from childhood until his final days, to knowledge, faith, research, and the education of distinguished students. His extensive scholarly works in Quranic exegesis, philosophy, ethics, theology, and theoretical mysticism have secured a lasting place for him in Islamic thought. His monumental Al-Mizan, the result of twenty years of sustained effort, is regarded as one of the most important and comprehensive Quranic commentaries of the contemporary era and as an encyclopaedia of intellectual, historical, philosophical, and social knowledge.

Among the most significant events in Allameh Tabataba’i’s intellectual life were his philosophical discussions with the French philosopher Henri Corbin. This intellectual circle, which took shape in Tehran and Qom, played an important role in introducing the intellectual heritage of Shiism to the Western world. These sessions, attended by prominent scholars of philosophy and theology, gave rise to profound discussions on Iranian–Islamic wisdom, interpretation, comparative philosophy, and the place of Iranian spiritual thought.

In commemorating this important recognition, the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO described the inclusion of the centenary of Allameh Tabataba’i’s active scholarly life as a source of pride for the Iranian nation and emphasized that the thought and scholarly example of this eminent religious philosopher continue to influence Iran’s academic and cultural life. The Commission also expressed its hope that Allameh Tabataba’i’s memory and path would endure among those devoted to knowledge and truth.

With the hope that, through divine grace, the light of Allameh Tabataba’i’s wisdom will continue to inspire future generations, this text concludes with a verse attributed to him:

“I did not find my own way to the source of the sun; I was but a speck of dust, and Your love lifted me high.”