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Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardestani
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Who is Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardestani? Professor at Mofid University, comparative religion researcher, and critic of traditional narratives.29 July 2026Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardestani is a Shiite cleric, a prominent researcher in comparative religion and theology, a retir…Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardestani was sentenced to six years in prison, a fine, and defrocking (removal of clerical attire).12 June 2026If the sheikh objects, this verdict can be reviewed again by the Special Clerical Court of Appeal.The Spinoza of Iran? | The Future of Islam in the Islamic Republic featuring Haj Sheikh Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardestani, Scholar of Religions, Retired Professor at Mofid University, and Former Member of the Assembly of Teachers and Scholars of the Qom 30 December 2025In a frank and candid conversation with Haj Sheikh Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardestani, we have explored the fundamental cha…Soleimani Ardestani: This system has not achieved its goals and has caused severe damage to both the religion and the worldly lives of the people.19 December 2025I believe in fundamental reforms.Soleimani Ardestani: I do not believe in clerical rule.19 December 2025It is possible that when the "white smoke" emerges, it will be completely contrary to our expectations.Soleimani Ardestani: You will not be able to speak to these people about religious government for the next few hundred years!19 December 2025Perhaps if a personality like Mr. Khatami were to become a temporary leader [for a transition to democracy], the people…Soleimani Ardestani: Among the current clergy, I do not see anyone who possesses the competence to govern the country.19 December 2025The clergy currently do not even have the competence to preach in mosques!Soleimani Ardestani: I am very optimistic about the Iranian nation.19 December 2025The people weigh the country's best interests and make decisions rationally.Soleimani Ardestani: It is not clear what will emerge from this very Assembly of Experts 24 hours after the passing of the current Leader.19 December 2025A hypocritical society cannot be predicted.Soleimani Ardestani: If Mr. Khamenei changes his approach, I too will become his supporter.18 December 2025With this current direction, I am not optimistic [about reaching the third leadership].Soleimani Ardestani: Islam no longer holds a place in the minds of the majority of our society's youth today.18 December 2025For these 46 years, we have been paying the price for a single mistake (the occupation of the U.S. Embassy).Soleimani Ardestani: What is being interpreted as Velayat-e Faqih today is a catastrophe!18 December 2025Throughout history, the majority of Shiite jurists believed that something called Velayat-e Faqih (in the sense of the…Soleimani Ardastani: The Islamic Republic has been transformed into an individual rule (or a one-person government).15 December 2025I believe there is no such thing as an Islamic Government!Soleimani Ardastani: Ayatollah Mesbah (Yazdi) was fiercely in favor of individual rule (authoritarian rule/monocracy).15 December 2025Among traditional scholars, Ayatollah Mesbah (Yazdi) had the worst reaction (or attitude/approach) toward the new human…Soleimani Ardastani: The Leader told Mr. Mesbah (Yazdi) that he is the Motahhari of our time!15 December 2025The only commonality I see between these two people is that both of their turbans are white!Soleimani Ardastani: The Islamic Republic's interpretation (reading) of Islam is an unprecedented interpretation.14 December 2025In this interpretation, a republic has been formed in which the people have no role whatsoever (are powerless).Soleimani Ardastani: The security offices the Special Clerical Court, and so on, have had one achievement, and that is fostering hypocrisy!14 December 2025[These agencies] have turned human beings into hypocrites who speak according to the government's wishes, but their bel…Soleimani Ardastani: Someone on television portrayed Imam Ali and the Prophet as ill-tempered and disagreeable; yet, not a single voice was raised from the seminary !14 December 2025When ethics disappear, commitment also disappears; this is how corruption becomes widespread and institutionalized.Soleimani Ardastani: I was prepared for the insults and accusations.14 December 2025My hypothesis was that the reading (interpretation) presented of Shia Islam destroys ethics.Soleimani Ardastani: Whenever religion has taken charge of government, it has been harmed itself.14 December 2025What I have seen in these 48 years is completely consistent with my studies in the history of religions.Watch: Spinoza of Iran? | The Future of Islam in the Islamic Republic featuring Haj Sheikh Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardastani13 December 2025Researcher of religions, retired professor at Mofid University, and former member of the Assembly of Lecturers and Rese…Listen | Spinoza of Iran? | The Future of Islam in the Islamic Republic | Conversation with Abdolrahim Soleimani Ardastani12 December 2025Listen, unfiltered, on Abdi Media's Castbox.
