In the Name of Godthe Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
“Knowledge is the leader of action, and action follows it. The blessed are inspired through it.”(Musnad of Imam al-Riḍā, vol. 1, p. 7)
Without doubt, one of the most important religious strategies—and one of the foremost duties of its custodians in clarifying the position and efficacy of religion—is to correctly understand social issues and challenges and to seek scholarly, rational answers rooted in the teachings of the Divine Revelation. In this regard, the unparalleled role of Imam ʿAlī ibn Mūsā al-Riḍā (peace be upon him), the noble descendant of the Prophet of Mercy (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), in promoting intellectual and spiritual discourse, and his unique position in elevating Iranian-Islamic culture and civilization, has always been evident.
Certainly, genuine devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) cannot be realized without reflection upon their sublime divine teachings nor without presenting them in appealing scholarly and cultural forms to the spiritually thirsty members of society. Thus, many current challenges can be traced to the insufficient scholarly articulation and dissemination of these sacred teachings. Imam al-Riḍā (peace be upon him) beautifully emphasized the necessity of a precise understanding and contemporary presentation of their words when he said:
“If people knew the beauty of our speech, they would surely follow us.” (Mīzān al-Ḥikmah, vol. 8, no. 13797)
On the other hand, Imam ʿAlī ibn Mūsā al-Riḍā (peace be upon him) has explained the dimensions, effects, and characteristics of knowledge, as well as the necessity of acquiring and researching it, as follows:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim; therefore, seek knowledge from its proper source and from its people.
Acquiring knowledge in the way of God is a good deed; seeking it is worship; scholarly discussion is glorification and praise of the Almighty.
Acting upon knowledge is striving in the path of God; teaching it to those who are unaware is charity; and giving it to those worthy of it brings one near to God.
Knowledge is the signpost of what is lawful and unlawful, the marker of paths leading to Paradise, a companion in times of fear, and a friend in times of loneliness. It is a speaker in solitude, a guide in hardship, a defensive force against enemies, and an adornment among friends.
Through knowledge, God elevates peoples and appoints them as leaders in goodness. Others follow their example and benefit from their noble conduct.
Knowledge revives the heart against ignorance, illuminates the eyes amidst darkness, and strengthens the body against weakness.
Through knowledge, God is obeyed and worshipped, kinship is maintained, and the lawful is distinguished from the unlawful.
Knowledge leads action, and action follows knowledge. The blessed benefit from it, while the wretched are deprived of it. Blessed, therefore, is the one whom God has not deprived of knowledge.”
(Musnad of Imam al-Riḍā, vol. 1, p. 7)
Given the above introduction and in view of current societal issues, we believe that the concept of production leap is not limited merely to goods and services. The deep, strategic, and scholarly outlook of the Supreme Leader (may God preserve him) emphasizes the crucial role of all institutions and individuals—especially innovative researchers and experts—in this endeavor.
In this context, what connection is more profound than the production of applied knowledge and extraction of scientific and practical strategies based on the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to address the challenges facing a religious society? Therefore, it is essential to create scholarly platforms in which religious and academic elites, caretakers, and executive bodies participate synergistically. As a fundamental monotheistic and doctrinal principle, we seek to quench our intellectual thirst at the shore of the boundless ocean of the knowledge of the Household of the Prophet—particularly Imam ʿAlī ibn Mūsā al-Riḍā (peace be upon him). For this reason, and through divine assistance and the blessings of the Ahl al-Bayt, the International Secretariat of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) and Contemporary Sciences has been established. One of its most significant undertakings is the launch of this research journal.
Imam Reza (a.s.), Communications, and Religious Propagation (Strategies for Promoting Religion)
Imam Reza (a.s.) and Strategies for Employment and Economics
Imam Reza (a.s.) and Law
Imam Reza (a.s.), Educational Sciences, and Psychology (System of Religious Education)
Imam Reza (a.s.) and Medical Sciences (Health and Hygiene Strategies)
Imam Reza (a.s.) and Political Sciences (Strategies for Civilizational Development)
Imam Reza (a.s.) and Management Sciences (Individual and Social Management)
Imam Reza (a.s.), Art, and Architecture
Documentation and modeling of significant and influential programs and actions undertaken in holy shrines and sacred religious sites.
(Focusing on managerial, economic, legal, architectural, religious, educational, health, endowment-efficiency, and poverty-alleviation initiatives.)
Given that many Qur’anic verses and narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) contain insights related to various natural and human sciences, it is necessary that:
Interdisciplinary research be conducted to better understand and explain these verses and narrations.
Qur’anic and hadith-based scientific teachings be re-examined to guide the foundations of contemporary human sciences.
Certain verses and narrations—which contain scientific truths yet undiscovered by modern science—be identified and expressed within the academic language of each discipline, enabling new interdisciplinary research.
Such studies help resolve alleged contradictions between scientific findings and religious texts.
Interdisciplinary research respond to emerging human needs and address new questions.
These studies make religion more effective and functional in the contemporary era by allowing graduates of various disciplines to collaborate with Qur’anic and hadith scholars, thereby integrating Islamic perspectives into different sciences.
Interdisciplinary studies will contribute to demonstrating the scientific miraculousness of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.).
These researches can support existing academic fields or lead to the development of new applied interdisciplinary programs that meet the needs of today’s society.
The mission of this research journal and its related studies may be summarized as follows:
“Organizing interdisciplinary research in Qur’an, Hadith, natural sciences, and human sciences in order to clarify scientific verses and narrations, employ their teachings to guide the foundations and objectives of scholarly disciplines, produce human sciences rooted in Islamic teachings, address contemporary human questions, and resolve alleged contradictions through scientific explanation.”