The first international conference of directors of educational and research centres in the field of Islamic sciences and studies was held over two consecutive days, on the January 25th and 26th, in the morning and afternoon sessions at the Sheikh Mofid Hall of Qom University.

This conference aimed to identify the capacities and opportunities available in Islamic studies centres around the world, the necessity of creating a cohesive network among Islamic studies centres, to outline the achievements of Iranian scientific centres in the field of Islamic studies, and to clarify the gaps, deficiencies, and needs present in this domain. Approximately 40 scholars and many directors from Islamic studies centres in 17 countries attended this event.

On the first day of the conference, after the recitation of the Holy Quran and the performance of the national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hojjat-al-Islam Dr Ahmad Hossein Sharifi, president of Qom University, delivered a speech. After welcoming the participants and attendees, he highlighted the importance of recognizing each other’s educational and research capacities in Islamic sciences for scientific and cultural collaboration, identifying educational, research, and cultural gaps and deficiencies to help address them, and laying the groundwork for creating a network of Islamic studies centres to establish a strong front for understanding and promoting Islamic thought in the contemporary world.

Hojjat-al-Islam Sharifi emphasized that individual and isolated activities cannot effectively counter the comprehensive soft war waged by the West against Islam. He considered such activities and conferences as solutions that would lead to synergy, stating that familiarity among Islamic studies centres with each other’s capacities and concerns is a prerequisite for such efforts.

Following this, on the first day of the conference, Hojjat-al-Islam Dr Imani Pour, head of the Islamic Culture and Communication Organization; Dr Rabbani, director general of scientific and academic cooperation at the same organization; Hojjat-al-Islam A’arafi, director general of seminaries; Dr Mohammad Rafiq Shin, president of the Islamic University of Russia; and Gazy Cansow, president of the Faculty of Islamic Knowledge at the Islamic University of Lebanon, delivered speeches.

Hojjat-al-Islam Dr Imani Pour stated at this conference that in today’s complex world, due to the rapid pace of emerging changes, a correct and scholarly understanding of religion and transforming issues faced by the Islamic community into concerns for academic institutions are deemed very important. This recognition can significantly contribute to acknowledging the practical role of Islamic sciences in addressing challenges faced by societies. This essential task must necessarily be organized through exchanging experiences and achievements and increasing participation and synergy among academic institutions, especially among Islamic countries.

Ayatollah Alireza A’arafi, director of seminaries across the country, also emphasized the need to utilize new technologies in Islamic studies. He mentioned that in today’s world, post-religious perspectives have gained traction and are valued; however, they are sometimes given excessive credibility or are overlooked at times. Comparative studies in this area are also significant. Studies of religions and sects hold great importance and can open new avenues. Therefore, they should be expanded to solve issues and open horizons. In sciences and knowledge, scientific developments and technologies must be reflected with the necessary scrutiny and care. New technological developments are more than just tools; they have created new dimensions where we currently face weaknesses.

Following this conference, after a short break for refreshments for attendees, a session on “The Transformation of Quranic Sciences in Iran After the Islamic Revolution” (held by Al-Mustafa International University) and a session on “Applied Theology” (held by Tehran University) were conducted with experts present. In these specialized sessions, each official and university president introduced their respective universities and discussed the topics at hand.

In a scientific session involving representatives from Islamic universities held at Qom University during the international conference for directors of Islamic studies centres a representative from Zaytuna University in Tunisia elaborated on this Quranic centre’s activities, stating: “Zaytuna University has three independent educational and research groups focused on Quranic studies.”

He continued: “This centre is connected with numerous academic institutions within the Islamic world; students and scholars exchanges, as well as joint scientific projects, are among the collaborative efforts with Zaytuna University. The current world requires cultural cooperation among religions; this conference can serve as a starting point for transforming research diplomacy within the Islamic world and its intellectuals.”

Continuing in this session, Dr Khaliya Haidra, a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Literature and Humanities at Sheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, spoke about the research and Quranic activities in Senegal, stating that this university offers various programs related to Islamic and Quranic studies, including Islamic philosophy.

After the morning sessions concluded, the afternoon program of the first day of the conference began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Specialized sessions on Islamic Economics in Iran After the Revolution (Qom University) and Islamic Law (Shahid Motahari University) were held, where each expert presented their opinions on the topics of these sessions.

Following a break for the attendees, a session on Islamic Philosophy and Wisdom (Research Institute of Wisdom and Philosophy of Iran) and a specialized session on Islamic Management and Governance (Imam Sadiq University) were also conducted.

Hojjat-al-Islam Dr Ahmad Hossein Sharifi, president of Qom University, stated at the closing of this conference: “We are striving to pursue the research activities of the Islamic world in an intertwined and converging network; creating scientific convergence under Islamic unity in the relationship among the Islamic community is influential. Various scientific events have been held in the past, but events that bring together managers and legal personalities from scientific centres around the world are rarely organized.”

After performing the Maghrib and Isha prayers, a session on open dialogues was held at this conference, concluding the first day of the conference for directors of Islamic sciences and studies centres at Qom University.

On the second day of the conference, in the morning session, guests visited the Computer Center for Islamic Sciences and Religious Studies (University of Religions and Denominations). Following a speech by one of the international guests, a session on Lifestyle, Women, and Family  (Seminary and University Research Institute) was held.

On the afternoon of the second day of the conference for directors of Islamic centres, a session on Jurisprudence (Qom Seminary) took place. After speeches from several guests, a session on Contemporary Jurisprudence, Islamic Sciences, and New Islamic Civilization was held, and the final statement of the conference was read. After performing the Maghrib and Isha prayers, an open discussion was also conducted, thus concluding the second day of this conference.

It Is noteworthy that on the third day of the conference, February 8^th, guests visited Ayatollah Marashi’s Library from 8:00 to 9:30 AM. Following that, they travelled to Kashan to visit its ancient and cultural centres during the one-day excursion from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The conference for directors of Islamic centers concluded after three days on January 27, 2025, with nearly 40 thinkers from 17 countries in attendance.