A Summary of the Biography of the Late Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani:
Mohammad Ali Haghighat (Pen name, Semnani), son of Javad, was born in Semnan in 1929 (1308 SH). He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown. He then continued his education at a teacher training college, where he graduated in physical education. After receiving his diploma, he was drafted into military service and was stationed in Dezful as a third lieutenant, where he spent his entire service period. Upon completing his service, he returned to his hometown with cherished memories and experiences. In Semnan, he was employed by the Ministry of Education and worked as a physical education teacher in various high schools. Throughout his life, even after marriage, Haghighat (Semnani) remained close to his family and was always a source of support for them. While teaching and engaging in cultural activities, he continued his studies and obtained a literary diploma. He then moved to Tehran to further his education, enrolling at the University of Tehran, where he studied archaeology.
While teaching in schools in Tehran, Haghighat (Semnani) graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1961 (1340 SH). During this time, he was promoted from teacher to school principal. In his hometown of Semnan, he married Parvin Torabi, and they had two sons, Nader and Dariush. He taught at various schools for many years and later served as the principal of a high school in the Baharestan district of Tehran. He was appointed several times as the head of the High School diploma exam department in Tehran and completed his work with pride and success. He remained the principal of the same high school in Tehran until his retirement from the Ministry of Education.
Haghighat (Semnani) held a special reverence for the late Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh and was a dedicated follower of his. He also collaborated closely with Khalil Maleki and Dr. Khanji in the Third Force movement. During his stay in the United States, he was elected as one of the 21 members of the Central Council of the National Front of Iran. One of his significant research works was on the nationalization of the oil industry, which holds great value. During his retirement, Haghighat (Semnani) remained active and productive, passionate about Iranian culture and literature. He spent some time researching the story of Khosrow and Shirin by Nezami, producing valuable work.
Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani’s book "Persian Poetry Proverbs" is now considered a reference in Persian literature. Due to the high demand and readers' interest in the first edition, the late Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani dedicated his final years to completing the second edition of this significant and lasting work, which is now available to readers. In the preface to this book, Professor Mohammad Ali Eslami Nodoushan writes: "In my opinion, Mr. Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani has authored a valuable book on 'Persian Poetry Proverbs'. This book illustrates well the connection between common proverbs and Persian poetry, the flow of thought from the streets and markets to the poet's mind, and vice versa, from the poet's solitude to the hustle and bustle of the city… These types of books help Iranians to better understand themselves, and we need to look beyond our daily lives and recognize ourselves in the mirror of the past."
For many years, the late Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani published articles under the title "A Sheaf from Every Harvest" in the Peyam Ashna magazine. Subscribers followed and read these articles with great interest every month. In addition to Peyam Ashna, he also contributed numerous literary and historical articles to the magazines Negin and Iranshahr. In 1963 and 1964 (1342 and 1343 SH), he won first place in a major competition on the Shahnameh, held on national television among 32 Shahnameh scholars in Iran, and received the grand prize in literature.
Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani conducted fascinating research on the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, to which he was deeply attached. One of his relentless pursuits in this regard was translating the rhymed stories of the Shahnameh into prose. He continued working on the Shahnameh until the end of his life, and the result of his efforts was the valuable book "Shahnameh, the Shield of Persian Language Victory," with a preface by the esteemed Professor Dr. Mir Jalaleddin Kazzazi.
The late Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani passed away on the evening of Saturday, June 23, 2018, at his home, in the arms of his son and daughter-in-law. After his passing, his family endeavored to publish the results of his tireless work in the final years of his valuable life, in the form of three books: "Persian Poetry Proverbs", "Shahnameh, the Shield of Persian Language Victory," and “A cluster from each Harvest” serve as precious and lasting legacies presented to Iranians and friends of Iran worldwide. The late Mohammad Ali Haghighat Semnani was laid to rest on the evening of Saturday, June 23, 2018.