In Shiite tradition, the act of placing the turban on a student marks a crucial transition in a seminary student’s life. It signifies not only a visible change in appearance but also an assumption of responsibility. The turban symbolizes commitment to religious scholarship, moral conduct, and service to the community. When this ritual takes place on the birthday of Imam Ali (AS), it carries additional meaning, as Imam Ali is regarded as the embodiment of knowledge, justice, and devotion to God.
The ceremonies held at the homes of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi and Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani brought together clerics, students, and invited guests. Recitations from the Quran, speeches highlighting the virtues of Imam Ali, and prayers for the success of the new students formed the core of the event. Such gatherings also reinforce the close relationship between senior religious authorities and younger generations of seminarians, emphasizing mentorship and continuity within the clerical establishment.
