Story 1
‘Allāma was refined, kind,
chaste, humble, sincere, lacking desire, patient, sweet and a great companion.
For 30 years I was with ‘Allāma, attending his classes, participating in
his private Thursday night and Friday sessions, and benefiting from his
presence as much as I could. Not once during this time do I remember him ever
becoming angry or yelling at one of his students or speaking harshly or
insulting anyone.
He used to teach his classes
calmly and quietly, never raising his voice. He became familiar and made
friends with others very quickly. He was so friendly with everyone, even a new
student, that one might have thought they were two dear friends. He listened to
everyone and always displayed signs of love and friendship. He was incredibly
humble…and did not give importance to the number of his students, sometimes
agreeing to teach only two or three individuals.
In private sessions he would
normally remain quiet and calm. If he was asked a question, he would answer,
and if not, he would maintain his silence. Occasionally if someone would refer
to him as a Professor (Ustād), he would say, “I do not like this
title. We have gathered here as colleagues in thought so that we might discover
the truths of Islam”.
‘Allāma was very well
mannered, listening to every individual and never interrupting anyone. If he
heard the truth he would acknowledge it. He would avoid argumentative
discussions, but willingly answer any sincere questions asked of him.
Ayatullah Ibrāhīm
Amīnī
Story 2
‘Allāma
Tabātabā’ī’s manner was one that conformed completely to the
Qur’ān. Perhaps it can be said that his behavior had become the
Qur’ān. Every verse that God has placed in the Qur’ān describing a
perfect human being (Insāne Kāmil), we found it in
‘Allāma’s behavior to the extent that it is possible to be seen in an
individual. His gatherings were those of perfect Islāmic etiquette and
Godly character. It was rare for him to commit even an action which, without
being a sin, was not the best course of action to take (tarke ūla).
He never mentioned someone’s name with ill-feeling, nor anyone’s bad
characteristics, and tried to always pray for the well-being of others.
Ayatullah Jawādī
Āmulī
Story 3
‘Allāma
Tabātabā’ī was extremely kind and sentimental. He never forgot
his friends and always kept in touch with them. He acted benevolently with his
private students, and was attached to and familiar with them, and inquired
about the situation of those who had moved to other cities.
Ayatullah Ibrāhīm
Amīnī
Story 4
One of the outstanding
characteristics of my father was his close relationship with his students –
especially Āghā Mutahharī. He himself used to say: every time I
sit with my friends, it is as if the entire world lights up in my view. Truly I
take pleasure [from their company].
‘Allāma’s daughter, Najma
As-Sādāt Tabātabā’ī
Story 5
‘Allāma used to speak very
little, and he also used to advise others to speak less. He regarded speaking a
lot as a sign of a weak intellect. He talked very simply and in such a manner
that sometimes people used to believe he was a regular individual, and not a
scholar and a philosopher.
‘Allāma’s daughter