The 1959 birth of Alireza Arafi in Meybod marked the start of a career that spanned Islamic jurisprudence, academic leadership, and national governance. As a prominent Shia cleric and legal scholar, he rose to hold critical positions within the Islamic Republic of Iran, navigating both the state's religious seminaries and its highest political councils during periods of instability.
Academic and Theological Foundation
Arafi completed his early schooling in Qom before attending the Qom Hawza to pursue advanced religious studies. His academic training included mathematics, philosophy, and the mastery of Persian, Arabic, and Laki. Throughout his education, he studied under various established figures, including Ali Meshkini, Morteza Motahhari, and Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi. This background enabled him to attain the rank of mujtahid and produce over 20 books and articles focused on Islamic philosophy and jurisprudence.
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From 2008 to 2018, Arafi served as president of Al-Mustafa International University, an institution dedicated to the study of Shia Islam. He oversaw significant educational operations, reporting that 80,000 students graduated from the university during his tenure. In 2016, his responsibilities expanded when he was appointed head of Iran's nationwide seminaries. His career also included roles as the Friday Prayer Imam of Qom starting in 2015, and earlier, as the Friday prayer leader of Meybod in 1992.
Political Integration and National Office
Arafi's political trajectory moved toward the central organs of the Iranian state following his increased public profile after 1989. He joined the Guardian Council in 2019, a body tasked with reviewing legislation and supervising national elections. By 2022, he became a member of the Assembly of Experts.
The Interim Leadership Council
Following the death of Ali Khamenei on 28 February 2026, Arafi was named to a three-member Interim Leadership Council alongside Masoud Pezeshkian and Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i. Acting as the paramount leadership of Iran, the council managed the country's affairs until the election of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader. Despite public speculation and misinformation regarding his safety during the period of conflict, Arafi continued to perform his state duties throughout this transition.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Meybod, Iran
- Education: Qom Hawza
- Guardian Council member since: 2019
- Assembly of Experts member since: 2022
- Head of Iran's seminaries since: 2016
- President of Al-Mustafa International University: 2008-2018
- Languages spoken: Persian, Arabic, Laki
- Publications: Over 20 books and articles
Questions readers ask
What is Alireza Arafi's primary academic background?
He is an Islamic jurist and legal scholar who completed his training at the Qom Hawza.
What was the function of the Interim Leadership Council?
It acted as the paramount leadership body of Iran following the death of Ali Khamenei until the election of a successor.
