TEHRAN -- Concurrent with Molla Sadra Day (May 22), a seminar in honor of this great Iranian philosopher and scholar is to be inaugurated today at the Cultural Center of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Molla Sadra is one of the most prominent Islamic philosophers, who was born in the 16th century A.D. in Shiraz. He was named Mohammad but they called him Sadreddin or Sadra. Later, he became famous as Molla Sadra, and was even given the title of Sadr al-Mota'allehin (foremost among philosophers).

The young Sadra managed to acquire all the sciences of his time during a very short period of time. He could soon find two of the best teachers of the time, Sheikh Baha and Mir Damad. These two scholars have a brilliant record in history and are considered two of the most distinguished scientists and political figures of their time. Molla Sadra completed his education under the supervision of these two great scholars.

His best and most important books were written during this period. In the last decade of his life, Molla Sadra returned to Shiraz and started teaching in a school specially built for him by the ruler of the city. He wrote some commentaries on the Qoran and hadith during this time. In 1648 A.D. he fell sick on his way to the Hajj pilgrimage in Basra, Iraq, and passed away. He was buried in the holy city of Najaf, where Imam Ali's shrine is located.

Organized by Sadra Islamic Philosophy Foundation, university professors and scholars will present and discuss articles on the School of Sadreddin and many other related topics during the one-day seminar.