Treasury of Happiness

About Treasury of Happiness

The Godly scholar and ascetic mystic, His Eminence Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Ali Sa'adat Parvar (Pahlevani Tehrani) (may God sanctify his secret), was born in 1305 SH (1346 AH), coinciding with the birthday of the Commander of the Faithful, Amir al-Mu'minin (AS). He was born into a religious family. Due to the unsuitability of the educational and ethical environment in the newly established schools of Tehran at that time, he went to the "Amin al-Dawlah" Mosque and studied under the late Aqa Mirza Abu al-Qasim Maktabdar, learning common books of that era such as "Fara'id al-Adab" and Saadi's "Gulistan." He also learned Quranic recitation, Tajweed, and some geometry in the same mosque. In addition, he studied Arabic literature and the books "Al-Ma'alim," "Al-Qawanin," and "Al-Lum'ah" in the presence of the late Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Ali Akbar Burhan (may God sanctify his secret).

In his youth, he connected with the moral scholar, the late Hajj Sheikh Mohammad Hossein Zahed (may God sanctify his secret), joined his ethical study circles, and gained many ethical and spiritual benefits from his companionship.

The fervor and desire to visit the Holy Shrines (Atabat) had agitated his eager heart, so much so that he constantly supplicated to God for the opportunity to perform this pilgrimage.

God (Blessed and Exalted is He) answered this inner request and heartfelt desire. Thus, he, along with about twenty students and friends, accompanied by Ayatollah Burhan (may God sanctify his secret), who had been granted the opportunity to visit the Family of God (AS), set out for the beloved land.

Some time after returning from this spiritual journey, the late Ayatollah Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret) migrated to Qom to continue his studies and self-purification. He attended the classes of great teachers such as Imam Khomeini (may God sanctify his secret), Grand Ayatollah Borujerdi (may God sanctify his secret), Grand Ayatollah Najafi Mar'ashi (may God sanctify his secret), Ayatollah Shahid Saduqi (may God sanctify his secret), and Ayatollah Sultani (may God sanctify his secret), thereby perfecting his scholarly ranks.

The pivotal and destiny-shaping point in his spiritual and religious life was his acquaintance and connection with the perfect mystic, master of both transmitted and rational sciences, and witness to divine truths, Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret). After meeting him, he saw in this unique personality the fulfillment of his long-standing spiritual and monotheistic aspirations. His passion, eagerness, and seriousness led Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret) to finally accept him as a spiritual and religious disciple. Thus, the pure soul, enchanted spirit, and clean heart of Ayatollah Pahlevani Tehrani (may God sanctify his secret) were dedicated to this Godly scholar, spiritual elder, and religious guide. Step by step, the alchemical breath of Allamah (may God sanctify his secret) guided this talented student to the stations of Monotheism (Tawhid), enabling him to conquer the peaks of the true knowledge of the Infallible and Pure Household of the Prophet (AS). Indeed, it can be said that the spiritual character and monotheistic conduct of Master Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret) were profoundly shaped by the monotheistic conduct, educational system, and gnoseological framework of Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret), based on the Quran and Sunnah. After many years of self-purification, engagement in scientific and practical spiritual exercises, and benefiting from the presence of Allamah (may God sanctify his secret), Ayatollah Pahlevani Tehrani (may God sanctify his secret) himself became one of the torchbearers of this noble educational and purificatory school—a school that ultimately traces back to the late Akhund Mulla Husayn Quli Hamadani (may God sanctify his secret), the perfect mystic who combined knowledge, action, and spiritual witnessing. Great figures such as Aqa Mirza Javad Maliki, Sheikh Mohammad Bahari, Aqa Sayyid Ahmad Karbala'i, and Aqa Sayyid Ali Qadi (may God be pleased with them all) were part of this lineage. Through their comprehensive understanding and deep reflection on the knowledge of the Ahlulbayt (AS), they left behind a very profound monotheistic and guiding current in the seminaries of Najaf and Qom, such that each of them is among the brightest and most renowned individuals of this noble monotheistic and purificatory chain.

His Eminence Ayatollah Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret) was among the great, pious scholars who, with eagerness, high determination, and steadfastness, stepped onto the spiritual path and the mystical journey, settling firmly in the station of Monotheism.

Master Pahlevani Tehrani (may God sanctify his secret) paid special attention to the self-purification and spiritual conduct (Sayr wa Suluk) of students, dedicating his blessed life to this divine responsibility. On this path, which is the path of the Prophets and Saints, he spared no effort or struggle.

His high determination reached such a level that even in his old age and during illness, he never suspended his spiritual conduct, lessons, or spiritual sessions. Until the last days of his blessed life, he continued to educate his students with divine enthusiasm, commitment, and indescribable love and affection.

It is worth mentioning that his educational system, following his great teachers, was not limited to common ethical issues. Rather, as mentioned, his method, via the late Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret), ultimately leads to the educational and monotheistic school of the late Akhund Mulla Husayn Quli Hamadani (may God sanctify his secret), who focused on experiential and objective Monotheism.

Of course, these important matters require further elaboration and sufficient explanation elsewhere. Those familiar with such topics and true Islamologists should, as much as possible, clarify the boundaries, foundations, and scientific and practical basis of this right path and luminous method for enthusiasts and those interested in spiritual conduct, especially talented youth, so that charlatans and devilish figures do not find room to maneuver.

In the private sessions of Master Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret), the explanation and interpretation of the Hadiths and supplications of the Infallible and Pure Household (AS) were predominantly based on books like "Bihar al-Anwar" and "Iqbal al-A'mal." Additionally, the mystical ghazals of the Diwan of "Lisan al-Ghayb" by Khwajah Hafez Shirazi (may God sanctify his secret) and the words of the people of gnosis were read and explained by him as appropriate. In these luminous sessions, an atmosphere of spiritual fragrance and purity was created that transported participants from the material realm to the spiritual realm, from the earthly to the heavenly, removing the dust of heedlessness from their hearts.

In addition to educating and purifying prepared souls, Ayatollah Pahlevani Tehrani (may God sanctify his secret) left behind precious and invaluable works in the field of throne-like knowledge and Monotheism, some of which have been published. We hope that his other works will soon be made available to lovers and enthusiasts of spiritual conduct and monotheistic knowledge, so that the soul-enchanted and those longing for the meeting with the Divine Friend may be quenched by their pure drink.

It is noteworthy that one of the most valuable services of Master Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret) was preserving and keeping alive, through his valuable writings, a significant portion of the "scientific effusions and spiritual capital" and "gnostic, educational, and behavioral teachings" of his teacher, Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret). The importance and value of his work become even clearer when we realize that the effusions and teachings of Allamah (may God sanctify his secret) are considered part of the Shia's oral spiritual heritage.

Finally, it must be recalled that although His Eminence Ayatollah Pahlevani Tehrani (may God sanctify his secret) was not, in the contemporary sense, a political figure and did not engage in political or executive affairs, firstly, he believed that the strength and survival of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic lay in strengthening and solidifying the scientific and practical foundations of the seminaries, and he spared no effort in this regard. Secondly, he always reiterated his devotion, sincerity, and love for his teacher and spiritual guide, Imam Khomeini (may God sanctify his secret). Furthermore, after the Imam's demise, he maintained his devotion and connection with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei (may his shadow remain high), always recommending and urging support and obedience to him. He could not tolerate, nor remain silent against, any opposition, indifference, or weakening of the system and leadership.

After many years of complete attention to the Holy Divine Essence, scientific and practical spiritual exercises, waking before dawn for worship, tearful mystical supplications, purity of soul, asceticism, passionate burning love, and dedicating himself to writing and educating souls, the late Ayatollah Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret) answered the call of God Almighty at the appointed time of meeting with the Eternal Beloved. He passed away at dawn on Thursday, 12 Shawwal 1425 AH, corresponding to 5 Azar 1383 SH. His celestial soul ascended to the highest seat in Paradise (Sidrat al-Muntaha) and joined the divine saints. "Peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised alive."

Message from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution (may his shadow remain high) on the Occasion of the Demise of Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Ali Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret)

(In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)

To the Honorable Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, Hajj Sheikh Hassan Aqa Pahlevani Tehrani (may his blessings endure),

I received with regret and sorrow the news of the demise of your honorable brother, the practicing scholar, pious and God-fearing mystic, the late Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, Hajj Sheikh Ali Aqa Pahlevani Tehrani.

That great figure spent his pure and blessed life, accompanied by a blessed struggle, in teaching and promoting divine and monotheistic knowledge, and was a model of purity and sincerity.

I hope that God's grace and favor, and the forgiveness and mercy He has promised to His righteous servants, encompass this pure and unblemished servant.

I sincerely offer my condolences to you and his honorable and respected family.

Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of God.

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

7/9/1383 (November 27, 2004)

Introduction to the Written Works of Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Ali Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret)

His Eminence Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Ali Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret) has various works, which are introduced below:

1. Jamal-e Aftab va Aftab-e Har Nazar (The Beauty of the Sun and the Sun of Every Gaze)

This precious work, containing an explanation of the ghazals of Khwajah Hafez (may God sanctify his secret), was authored with reference to "Verses, Narrations, and Supplications," "the author's spiritual experiences and states," and "quotations from the sessions of the late Allamah (may God sanctify his secret)."

2. Raz-e Del (Secret of the Heart)

This valuable book is a transcription of the statements and interpretation of Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret) on the book "Gulshan-e Raz" by the researching mystic Sheikh Mahmoud Shabistari (may God sanctify his secret), delivered in private mystical and ethical sessions held by His Eminence Allamah (may God sanctify his secret).

3. Pasdaran-e Harim-e Eshq (Guardians of the Sanctuary of Love) - Kalimat-e Urafa (Words of the Mystics)

This work, whose initial plan and compilation were undertaken in the presence of the late Allamah (may God sanctify his secret) and under his guidance, is a valuable collection in 10 volumes. It includes educational and monotheistic sayings of the people of gnosis and great mystics of the Islamic world (from the early days of Islam to the contemporary era).

4. Nur-e Hedayat (Light of Guidance)

This beautiful and unique work is an explanation of important parts of the supplications, munajat (intimate conversations with God), and pilgrimages written by the Master of Vigilance, Sayyid ibn Tawus (may God sanctify his secret), under the title "Iqbal al-A'mal." This precious work of the master, like his other works, contains precise and profound monotheistic and educational issues, as well as practical spiritual conduct.

5. Sirr al-Isra' (The Secret of the Night Journey)

This rare and precious book is an explanation of the Hadith of Mi'raj (Ascension) of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). In this precious commentary, the learned author has incorporated a vast amount of monotheistic knowledge and issues related to spiritual conduct, education, and ethics, supported by scholarly statements based on the Quran and narrations from the Infallible and Pure Household (AS). The original text is in Arabic, and fortunately, it has been translated into Persian by Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, Sayyid Mohammad Javad Vaziri (may God honor him).

6. Jalveh-ye Nur (Manifestation of Light)

This work concerns the recognition of the status and luminous station of Hazrat Siddiqah Tahirah (Fatimah al-Zahra, peace be upon her). In this book, glimpses of her spiritual and religious stations are depicted.

7. Forugh-e Shahadat (Radiance of Martyrdom)

This work is a unique study and delicate research on the guiding and monotheistic effects of the eternal movement of the Master of Martyrs, Imam Husayn (peace be upon him).

8. Al-Shumus al-Mudi'ah fi al-Ghaybah wa al-Zuhur wa al-Raj'ah (The Shining Suns regarding Occultation, Appearance, and Return)

Written in Arabic, this book discusses His Holiness Baqiyatullah al-A'zam, Imam al-Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance). It examines various issues related to him, events of different periods of occultation and appearance, the issue of Raj'ah (Return), etc.

9. Samaraat-e Hayat (Fruits of Life)

The throne-like, precious, and diverse discussions in this book reveal another aspect of the scientific and mystical personality of the late Allamah Tabataba'i (may God have mercy on him), demonstrating his comprehensiveness in various Islamic sciences, which may not be evident in his other works. The honorable author has rightly named the book "Samaraat-e Hayat" (Fruits of Life).

This unique and invaluable book is the result of questions and answers exchanged between the late Allamah Tabataba'i (may God have mercy on him) and some of his gnoseological or spiritual companions in private sessions. The axis of these sessions and most of the questions and requests came from Master Sa'adat Parvar (may God have mercy on him). These blessed and fruitful sessions continued for many years. The precious and valuable gnoseological, ethical, and monotheistic questions and answers from these sessions were carefully collected, organized, and categorized by Ayatollah Pahlevani Tehrani (may God have mercy on him). This collection of Islamic knowledge is truly rare in its kind and extremely valuable. We hope it will soon be published in a precious edition and made available to enthusiasts and lovers of pure Muhammadian gnosis (peace be upon him and his family).

10. Pandnameh-ye Sa'adat (Epistle of Happiness)

This treatise is presented to lovers of self-purification and people of vigilance. As the context of the "Epistle of Happiness" indicates, all its contents are derived from the Holy Quran and the words of the guides of religion, i.e., the Infallible Household (AS). In addition to being based on the Book and the Progeny, these admonitions are the result of the spiritual and purificatory experiences of this champion of Monotheism and asceticism.

11. Rasa'il Irfaniyah (Mystical Treatises)

This precious collection contains eleven mystical treatises, mostly written by Ayatollah Sa'adat Parvar (Pahlevani Tehrani), while some were researched and verified by him. They are adorned with his scholarly footnotes and those of Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret). These treatises include: "Risalah al-Sayr wa al-Suluk" attributed to Bahr al-Ulum, "Risalah al-Nur wa al-Wahdah" (Treatise on Light and Unity), the sayings of Ayatollah Behjat, "Risalah al-Wasaya" (Treatise on Wills), letters, a biography of Ayatollah Qadi, the instruction manual given by Ayatollah Mirza Javad Aqa Maliki Tabrizi to Ayatollah Mohammad Hossein Isfahani Kompani, selections from the Diwan of Ibn Farid, "Mantiq al-Tayr" (Language of the Birds) appended with the story of Sheikh San'an and "Tuhfat al-Arifah."

About the Office for Organizing and Publishing the Works of Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Ali Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret)

After the demise of that great figure, and in accordance with his repeated will and recommendations to supervise the preparation process of unpublished works (including editing, translation, rewriting, and ensuring no alteration or distortion of content), his household established an office dedicated to organizing and publishing the works of Ayatollah Sa'adat Parvar (may God sanctify his secret).

The objectives of establishing this office include: "Collecting, preserving, and protecting works," "Studying, researching, and investigating works," "Preparing and publishing the collection of works in written and electronic formats," "Teaching and promoting the master's (may God sanctify his secret) principles and thoughts," "Continuous supervision over anything compiled or translated in his name," "Preserving and maintaining manuscript copies of his compositions and other writings," "Translating works into living world languages," "Collecting, indexing, and archiving collections of articles and speeches," "Collecting and recording the memories of his companions and students," and "Collecting and archiving various photographs as well as audio and visual works related to him."

Content review of the works after preparation is conducted under the supervision of one of the master's close companions and a prominent student of the late Allamah Tabataba'i (may God sanctify his secret), while research affairs are carried out by a number of Ayatollah Pahlevani Tehrani's (may God sanctify his secret) students.

It is noted that any summarization, translation, explanation, extraction, or reproduction of his works (whether in print, publication, software production, or electronic use of texts) is permissible only with written permission from this office.

About the Software

In the "Ganj-e Sa'adat" (Treasure of Happiness) software, the full text of 11 book titles in 37 volumes from the works of the Divine Mystic and Ayatullah al-Haqq, Hajj Sheikh Ali Sa'adat Parvar (Pahlevani Tehrani) (may God sanctify his secret), is provided in Persian and Arabic. Topics available for exploration and access in this digital library include: Explanation of the Hadith of Mi'raj, Explanation of the Knowledge of Supplications, Mystical Commentary on Hafez's Diwan, Spiritual Virtues of Fatimah al-Zahra (AS), Secrets of the Martyrdom of Sayyid al-Shuhada (AS), Mahdism, Words of the Mystics, Commentary on the Poem "Gulshan-e Raz," Etiquette of the Path, and Ethical Wills.

The books presented in this program are:

"Sirr al-Isra'" (Explanation of the Hadith of Mi'raj), "Nur-e Hedayat" (Explanation of key segments of supplications based on the book "Iqbal"), "Jamal-e Aftab" (Commentary on the Diwan of Hafez Shirazi), "Jalveh-ye Nur" (A Glimpse of the Spiritual Virtues of Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (AS)), "Forugh-e Shahadat" (Secrets of the Martyrdom of Sayyid al-Shuhada (AS)), "Al-Shumus al-Mudi'ah fi al-Ghaybah wa al-Zuhur wa al-Raj'ah," "Zuhur-e Nur" (Translation of "Al-Shumus al-Mudi'ah"), "Pasdaran-e Harim-e Eshq" (Words of the Mystics), "Raz-e Del" (Commentary on the poem "Gulshan-e Raz"), "Rasa'il Irfaniyah" (Collection of Eleven Mystical Treatises), and "Pandnameh-ye Sa'adat" (His Ethical Wills).

It is mentioned that other books by that Godly mystic are in the process of publication and will be presented in the next version of this software, including:

* "Quran va Fitrat" (Quran and Innate Nature): A work written in the field of Quranic and monotheistic knowledge.

* "Samaraat-e Hayat" (Fruits of Life): This work reveals another aspect of the scientific and mystical personality of the late Allamah Tabataba'i (may God have mercy on him) and demonstrates his scientific comprehensiveness in various Islamic sciences. This valuable book is the result of questions and answers exchanged between the late Allamah (may God have mercy on him) and some of his gnoseological or spiritual companions in his private sessions. The axis of these questions and requests was predominantly from the late Master Sa'adat Parvar (may God have mercy on him).

Program Capabilities

The Library is the main capability of the program, and its important sections include the following:

1. Display

In this section, one can access all works available in the program; the full text of the books existing in the software and the features related to each section are displayed. Selecting tree and selective indexes and their bidirectional connection with the text can be counted among the important features of the Display section. Using distinct colors for each text, selecting the book title, volume, and page, and expanding the text and index pages are also features of the Display section. In the Display part, it is also possible to compare two texts simultaneously and restrict the scope of books, chapters, and headings. To facilitate research while studying sources, 10 dictionary titles have been made available to researchers in this section, which can be utilized via the "Dictionary" option.

2. Search

This section allows users to search simply and advancedly within the phrases and words of the texts available in the program. Accessing desired texts via volume and page numbers, and creating or modifying personal search scopes, are other capabilities of this section. The "Pattern Making" (Elgo-sazi) feature is another ability of the Search section, where, by utilizing the input line, one can generate a list of words containing specific letters.

3. Quran

Another capability of this program is the dedication of a separate section for displaying the text of the Holy Quran and its Persian translation, offered in two parts: "Display" and "Search." In the Display part, the user can access the full text of the Quran along with its Persian translation. In the Search part, the capability to research the words of the Holy Quran through various methods has been provided.

4. Gallery

Another part of the program is the Gallery, dedicated to displaying 96 images related to his lifetime and funeral procession, along with 7 audio clips and 3 video clips related to him.