Journal of Razavi Culture

Communication Approach of Imam Reza(AS) from Medina to Marw

Karim Khanmohammadi; Mohadeseh Yousefi

Volume 2, Issue 8 , March 2015, , Pages 105-135

Abstract

  Today is the era of human communication, and lack of attention to proper communication with others is the root of many cultural-social problems in the society. Paying attention to life ...  Read More Today is the era of human communication, and lack of attention to proper communication with others is the root of many cultural-social problems in the society. Paying attention to life style of Ahl al-bayt (PBUH) and following their behaviors and life styles can always guide us to a desired pattern, right life style and proper communication with others. Among the history of Shia’s changes, Imam Reza’s (PBUH) journey to Iran is undoubtedly one of the most important events. Although this journey took place due to Al-Ma'mun’s (Abbasid caliph) insistence, it actually led to good effects and consequences for Iran.The present study tries to investigate the communication approach of Imam Reza (PBUH) from Medina to Marw through the analytical study of Berlo's model of human communication as a theorist in the field of communication. According to this model, four main characteristics of the communicator, i.e. communication skill, attitudes, knowledge, and cultural-social status are obvious in his behavior during this journey.

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Multiplication (Takasur) and its Effect on Life According to Razavi Sireh (Conduct)

mohammad ali taherynejad

Volume 2, Issue 8 , March 2015, , Pages 137-159

Abstract

  The capital and accumulation in the human community have led to destructive issues in every era. The impact and extent of the damage caused by such immense social disease have become ...  Read More The capital and accumulation in the human community have led to destructive issues in every era. The impact and extent of the damage caused by such immense social disease have become further profound today by means of modern instruments, computational calculations, mechanization of production/consumption equipment. One instance of ominous achievement can be the widespread wars and instabilities at every social aspect through capital accumulation and establishment of a capitalist system. This essay intends to examine, in a descriptive-analytical method, the capitalist system and multiplication from a conceptual perspective depicting Quranic examples, i.e. greediness, sense of superiority and outdoing others in accumulation of wealth, as well as oral and practical Sireh of Imam Reza (AS) generally taking into account the criteria of multiplication and its materialistic/spiritual effects. Scrutiny into the Razavi Sireh and narratives demonstrate that excessive valuation of human ownership, monopoly, hoarding and wrong approach to acquiring wealth are among the key criteria of multiplication mentioned in religious teachings. On the other hand, committing usury, using short weights for sale, exploitation and luxury are deemed as materialistic consequences, while quitting good conduct for gaining higher profits, irresponsibility and neglecting the Doom's Day are regarded as the spiritual consequences of the multiplication in human life.

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Behavioral Factors to Building Effective Communication in Speech and Behavior of Imam Reza (AS)

Ali Khayyat; Ali Janfaza

Volume 2, Issue 8 , March 2015, , Pages 161-184

Abstract

  Impeccable Imams (AS) as those who are in charge of explaining revelation, have communicated in an effective way in speech and behavior with their audiences. Surveying their traditions, ...  Read More Impeccable Imams (AS) as those who are in charge of explaining revelation, have communicated in an effective way in speech and behavior with their audiences. Surveying their traditions, we can infer and classify these methods in different situations of communicating messages. The purpose of this paper is to extract and classify some behavioral factors of effective communications in the speech and conduct of Imam Reza (AS). These factors not only can be found in moral chapters of traditions of Imam Reza(AS) but also in all other chapters. It is emphasized that the era of leadership of Imam Reza (AS) especially with the variety of the three different eras and variety of audiences can be as an example for the behavior of authorities. In this article which is written in the library style, several factors such as the use of non-verbal cues, transfer the indirect message, courtesy and mutual respect, company, harmony of word and deed, tactfulness in deed, speaking and silence and close communication can be noted.Company, preparing background for main message, the priority of the situation and classifying communication are other Behavioral factors in Razavi traditions.

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Semiotics of the Noble Hadith of Selselah Al-Zahab

Mohammad Kazem Forghani Allah Abadi; mohammad aghaei; mohammadreza fathimehr

Volume 2, Issue 7 , November 2014, , Pages 33-52

Abstract

  Considering the special historical context in which Imam Reza (AS) lived ,the hadiths narrated by the Imam is of especial significance, among which the hadith of Selselah Al-Zahab (The ...  Read More Considering the special historical context in which Imam Reza (AS) lived ,the hadiths narrated by the Imam is of especial significance, among which the hadith of Selselah Al-Zahab (The Golden Hierarchy) is of great eloquence and attractiveness. The necessity of scrutinizing the statements of Imam Reza (AS) is an important issue that had often been carried out from mystical point of view over the past centuries. Given the significant advance in Western Linguistics, it sounds necessary to reexamine the Hadiths through the concepts borrowd forom Semiotics and Text Linguistics. The current study thus sets out to explore the The Golden Hierarchy hadith thorough the lens of semiotics . The main research question here is: “What are the structural and cohesive features the Hadith in terms of contextual formation and the factors involved in it?” Using the concepts borrowed form semiotics in the form of operationalized concepts of Halliday’s linguistic analysis approach, this paper examines the structural features and the textual integrity of this noble hadith. The results of the study indicate that the text of this noble hadith is at the highest possible level of Halliday’s analytical perspective in terms of all textual cohesive elements.

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Exploring Imam Reza’s Educational Methods on Establishing Islamic Lifestyle Based on the Content Analysis of the Prayers of Imam Reza's Supplications

Mohammad Janipour; Ali Soroori Majd

Volume 2, Issue 7 , November 2014, , Pages 53-79

Abstract

  One of the main tasks of the Imams (AS) was the promotion of Islamic teachings, paving the way for strengthening these teachings and educating the Islamic community to attain perfection ...  Read More One of the main tasks of the Imams (AS) was the promotion of Islamic teachings, paving the way for strengthening these teachings and educating the Islamic community to attain perfection and salvation. Undoubtedly, this strategy had been carried out through several measures, one of which was through teaching prayers and its promotion on different occasions so that the  Islamic lifestyle be established among the public. Through systematic and analytical study of the propositions expressed in the prayers of Imam Reza (AS), this study aims to reexamin and deduce the functions of this religious and innate instrument for educating individuals in the Islamic community and to elaborate on educative methods of the Imam (AS) for the guidance of people and the Islamic community that is the very realization of an Islamic lifestyle. Therefore first, using content analysis method, the expressive forms and orientations of each of the prayers of Imam Reza were extracted and categorized by their subjects. Then, we analyze them to identify the ideological structures governing these prayers and to discover educational strategies which could be used in our own educational system  and ultimately to promote the Islamic lifestyle.

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The Obstacles of and Solutions for Strengthening the Family from Razavi Teachings and Lifestyle viewpoint

esmaeil kharestani; Fatemeh Seyfi

Volume 2, Issue 7 , November 2014, , Pages 107-144

Abstract

  The function of family as a social unit has an undeniable role in establishing the social interactions and reactions; thus if constructive and well-functioning, the family will ensure ...  Read More The function of family as a social unit has an undeniable role in establishing the social interactions and reactions; thus if constructive and well-functioning, the family will ensure the health and happiness of a society. Under the influence of healthy relationships governing the family, the individuals learn how to constructively communicate and interacte with society. On the contrary, the more the family has a bad and chaotic functioning, the more threatened the health of a society will be. This study which is a descriptive research carried out based on document analysis, is mainly aimed at exploring the obstacles of and solutions for strengthening the family as an institution from the perspective of Razavi teachings and lifestyle. Regarding the subject and method of the research mentioned above, all relevant information and references of the subject were collected and the research findings were analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study indicate that adhering to religious teachings and following the infallible Imams’ lifestyle and thoughts are significant barriers against the obstacles facing the strengthening of family. To strengthen the ties between family members, an emotional atmosphere should be provided and the legitimate needs and demands of the parties should be understood. Putting the teachings of Islam, especially the lifestyle and teachings of Imam Reza (AS) into practice directly controls the individual behaviors and indirectly strengthens the family ties through improving relationships among family members.

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The Spiritual Lifestyle of Imam Reza (AS): A Model for Mental Peace

Mojtaba Akhavan Armaki; Masoumeh Na'lchi

Volume 2, Issue 7 , November 2014, , Pages 145-195

Abstract

  One of the striking features of the personality of Imam Reza (AS) was his deep spiritual relationship with Allah which is manifested in his plentiful worships and piety. He observed ...  Read More One of the striking features of the personality of Imam Reza (AS) was his deep spiritual relationship with Allah which is manifested in his plentiful worships and piety. He observed certain moral principles during his lifetime and indeed, following his spiritual lifestyle, the human can receive certain mental and spiritual relaxation. This study, taking the life of Imam Reza (AS) into consideration, tries to address such question as “How did the eighth Imam (AS) live with ultimate peace of mind?” The results of the study indicate that by following the eighth Imam’s spiritual lifestyle, man will rely on Allah and by maintaining patience when facing problems, he will be satisfied with what Allah has destined for him. He will thus take life easy and reaches peace of mind accordingly. The methodology of this paper is qualitative and based on descriptive and analytical approach.

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Introducing Specific Petroglyphs attributed to Imam Reza(AS) in Yazd

Fatemeh Danesh Yazdi

Volume 2, Issue 7 , November 2014, , Pages 181-195

Abstract

  The remaining monuments and the works from the historic travel of Imam Reza(AS) to Iran such as footprint locations, mosques, inscriptions,petroglyphs, coins, etc. have kept the Razavi ...  Read More The remaining monuments and the works from the historic travel of Imam Reza(AS) to Iran such as footprint locations, mosques, inscriptions,petroglyphs, coins, etc. have kept the Razavi culture alive throughout history. The petroglyphs erected in Imam Reza(AS) footprint locations are among the most valuable religious works that in addition to documenting such migration, give us much information about the historical events. Investigating the footprint locations of Imam Reza(AS) and reevaluating the erected petroglyphs there, we can determine the exact immigration route of Imam Reza(AS) in Iran and to realize the significance of such petroglyphs in the Shiite movement in Yazd. Given that Imam Reza (AS) had some short stays in Yazd and its suburbs (Abarkooh, Kharanegh, Dehshir, Farashah, etc.) on his journey to Marv, this paper used library and field studies to investigate those monuments in Yazd which were blessed by the Imam’s presence, known as "Footprint Locations of Imam Reza (AS)”. 

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The Etiquette of Being and Hosting A Guest in Imam Reza’s Teachings and Lifestyle

Reza Vatandoust

Volume 2, Issue 6 , September 2014, , Pages 60-75

Abstract

  Knowing Imam Reza’s theoretical as well as practical logic not only will make us familiar with the Imam’s unique character, but also is necessary to be applied in our individual ...  Read More Knowing Imam Reza’s theoretical as well as practical logic not only will make us familiar with the Imam’s unique character, but also is necessary to be applied in our individual as well as social areas of life. Among these considerable areas in our social life is being and hosting a guest. Therefore, we are required to know about Imam Reza’s lifestyle and advices in this regard in order to adapt our lifestyle to the Imam’s. This article is to elaborate on some of Imam Reza’s etiquette of being and hosting a guest in order to benefit from his teachings with this regard.

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The Main Belief Deficiencies Influential in Advancing the Monotheistic Discourse in the Age of Imam Reza (AS)

Seyyed Mohammad Kazem Tabatabaie; Najmeh RashidiKia

Volume 2, Issue 6 , September 2014, , Pages 76-108

Abstract

  The process of understanding and interpreting the hadiths of infallible Imams (AS) has a close relationship with knowing about intellectual, historical and cultural contexts surrounding ...  Read More The process of understanding and interpreting the hadiths of infallible Imams (AS) has a close relationship with knowing about intellectual, historical and cultural contexts surrounding the Imam. This article is to introduce the main belief deficiencies as one of the contexts of narrating hadiths on Tawheed (God’s unity) by Imam Reza (AS). Having penetrated to cultural layers of the society and creating challenges in the Age of Imam Reza (AS), these deficiencies had an undeniable influence on the heritage of Imam Reza’s hadiths. Knowing the deficiencies can help us to better understand Imam Reza’s teachings on Tawheed. In order to do this, we derived belief deficiencies of the age in a descriptive, library method. Results of this research show that denying the existence of God and doubting in His existence, Tashbih (likening anything to God), Tajsim (incarnation), etc. are among the main belief deficiencies in the age of Imam Reza (AS).

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The Heritage of Imam Reza’s Exegesis on Ayat-ul-Ahkam

Hamid Hussein Nejad Muhammad Abadi

Volume 2, Issue 6 , September 2014, , Pages 134-173

Abstract

  ‘Ayat-ul-Ahkam’ is applied to verses of the Holy Quran upon which, or with the help of other verses, Islamic rulings can be deduced. As one of the main Islamic issues, these ...  Read More ‘Ayat-ul-Ahkam’ is applied to verses of the Holy Quran upon which, or with the help of other verses, Islamic rulings can be deduced. As one of the main Islamic issues, these verses have been subject to many debates throughout centuries. According to Allah’s saying, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) is the first ever exegete of the Holy Quran who has a duty to interpret verses of the Quran, including Ayat-ul-Ahkam, for the people. After the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) also made exegesis on Ayat-ul-Ahkam. The great number of hadiths by the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) shows that they had a big concern for explaining Islamic rulings. Furthermore, they had a big concern for the authority of the Quran and the necessity to benefit from its teachings. These two conclude that Ayat-ul-Ahkam has been of high importance in the view of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS). In order to attract the attention of researchers to Imam Reza’s valuable heritage of exegesis, this article tries to discuss parts of this heritage on Ayat-ul-Ahkam in terms of the Quran exegesis not Islamic jurisprudence.

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Internal Infrastructures for Effective Communication in the hadiths of Imam Reza (AS)

Ali Janfaza; Ali Khayyat

Volume 2, Issue 5 , June 2014, , Pages 34-64

Abstract

  As those clarifying the divine revelation, Infallible Imams (AS) have been tending to communicate to the audience in an influential manner, both in sayings and doings. The communication ...  Read More As those clarifying the divine revelation, Infallible Imams (AS) have been tending to communicate to the audience in an influential manner, both in sayings and doings. The communication methods can be deduced and categorized by studying their hadiths.This article aims to deduce and categorize some of the factors and internal infrastructures for effective communication in Imam Reza’s sayings and deeds. The factors can be found in his various hadith subjects, not merely in hadiths on manners.It is noted that the age of Imam Reza’s Imamate, especially being in three different situations with their own different audiences, can be an example for leaders’ behavior in our age.Under a few subtitles, the article takes elements such as faith and trust in God, creating spiritual and inner preparedness to communicate with the audience, and intention as infrastructures for communication. Then we dealt with getting previous knowledge and information which includes sub-categories.Some infrastructures are internal, arising from each person’s characteristics, while some others can be obtained through positive thinking, considering values, creating confidence, saying good words, active listening and appropriate use of blame and anger.

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The Element of Love in Razavi Culture

Ali Soroori Majd

Volume 2, Issue 5 , June 2014, , Pages 66-86

Abstract

  The element of love is one of the lost things to the modern man, a loss to human societies. With developing the industrial life and human’s increasing preoccupations, spiritual ...  Read More The element of love is one of the lost things to the modern man, a loss to human societies. With developing the industrial life and human’s increasing preoccupations, spiritual and innate aspects of life are being neglected. The Razavi culture, which is the same culture of Quran and Itrat (Ahllul-Bayt), can fill in the gaps.This article deals with the question that ‘what the dimensions of love in Razavi culture is’. Obviously, our main emphasis is on Theoretical and Practical Wisdom (hikmah) acquired from Razavi teachings, so that we can portray a monotheistic and loving relationship between human being and God, then with other creatures. With an analytical-descriptive method and library referencing way of collecting information, the article has a problem-centred approach to the issue.

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Theology in Imam Reza’s Hadiths

Ahmad Ali Ghane

Volume 2, Issue 5 , June 2014, , Pages 88-110

Abstract

  God’s unity (Tawheed) is one of the most fundamental beliefs of a Muslim. All prophets and their divine successors made any efforts to strengthen this creed among people, whose ...  Read More God’s unity (Tawheed) is one of the most fundamental beliefs of a Muslim. All prophets and their divine successors made any efforts to strengthen this creed among people, whose their first and last purpose being taking human beings to theoretical as well as practical divine unity. In this article, we seek help from hadiths by Imam Reza (AS) in order to remind part of misunderstandings of some Islamic sects in this regard as well as correct them by referring to hadiths by holy Imams especially Imam Reza (AS).

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The Imamate of Imam Reza (AS), an Obvious Continuation of the Imamate of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

Abolfazl Khoshmanesh

Volume 2, Issue 5 , June 2014, , Pages 112-140

Abstract

  the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is described in the Quran by various characteristics, including an ‘ascendant father and forefather’, ‘father of many descendants and nations’ ...  Read More the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is described in the Quran by various characteristics, including an ‘ascendant father and forefather’, ‘father of many descendants and nations’ and ‘having crucial invocations and invitations’. He is the prophet of several arguments and an intellectual leader, revered by many nations and religions. The Quran quotes the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as invoking to God to bestow him with a believing seed and a truthful tongue in his generation. Surely his request is accepted.According to the Quran and hadiths, the Prophet Ibrahim’s generation continued into the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and his Ahlul-Bayt (AS), including Imam Reza (AS) and the following four Imams. However, the situation of Imam Reza (AS) is unique among other Imams and his Imamate is very critical in terms of time, place and status. Same as the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Imam Reza (AS) carries a high status in religious debates and reasoning based on innate knowledge. Both figures are born in two cradles of civilizations and thus, their invitations gained political and civilizational aspects.Thus article is going to have a comparative analysis of the lifestyle (seerah) of these two figures and talk about the logic and wisdom seen in their work in the history of prophethood and Imamate.

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An Analytical Look at Imam Reza’s Correction of People’s Theology

Reza Akbari

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2014, , Pages 8-25

Abstract

  A glance at Razavi narratives shows that Imam Reza rectified people’s false beliefs regarding God. Most people had humanly perceptions of divine attributes. For them, God would ...  Read More A glance at Razavi narratives shows that Imam Reza rectified people’s false beliefs regarding God. Most people had humanly perceptions of divine attributes. For them, God would become angry the way men did. Negating anthropomorphism of God, Imam Reza defined attributes such as guile, ridicule, ruse, knowledge, etc in a way that they would not create any imperfection in God. Besides, a practical method is evident for proof of God in Razavi narratives. He also answered the question of secrecy and divine Ehtejab and ascribed it to human sins. Today in religious philosophy, discussions such as proof of God, language of religion and divine secrecy are among the most dynamic ones and various theories are presented about them. These indicate that taking into account the Prophet (PBUH) and Imams’ narratives including Razavi ones can provide grounds for more accurate presentation of theoretical beliefs in modern language.

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Imam Reza’s Position Toward Alavian’s Political Movements During the Abbasid

jalal Dorakhsheh; Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini Faegh

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2014, , Pages 26-57

Abstract

  One of Shia’s most important questions is Imams’ positions toward Alavian’s political movements against various Abbasid caliphs. This article examines the contexts ...  Read More One of Shia’s most important questions is Imams’ positions toward Alavian’s political movements against various Abbasid caliphs. This article examines the contexts for the rise of Abbasid and the situations under their Caliphate. It also explores Imam Reza’s position toward Alavian political movements. To analyze Imam Reza’s position, an understanding of political and historical conditions during the Abbasid and the situation of Alavian during this period is required. Thus, Alavian’s most important political movements since the rise of the Abbasid (including Mansour’s caliphate and the uprising of Nafs Zakia, establishment of advocacy organization, Hadi’s caliphate and the uprising of Hossein-ibn-Ali-Ibn-Hassan, Haroun’s caliphate and the foundation of Edrissian government, Alavian during Amin’s and Mamoun’s caliphates) as well as Imams’ positions toward these movements are explored. At the end of this discussion, Alavian’s movements during Imam Reza’s Imamate are particularly explored.

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A Communication Study on Razavi Festival

Majid Mobini

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2014, , Pages 58-77

Abstract

  Imam Reza Cultural and Artistic Festival is held annually with the presence of national and international participants in various fields. Its blogging field can be a suitable subject ...  Read More Imam Reza Cultural and Artistic Festival is held annually with the presence of national and international participants in various fields. Its blogging field can be a suitable subject for communication study. This article first explores blogging section in Razavi Festival and introduces density of information resulting from large number of blogs as damage. It then examines and analyses the presented criteria and shows that message and its subsidiary indicators are ignored by officials in charge and as a result, some blogs that are not rich enough in terms of content are awarded as the select ones which has led to a gap between the elite youth and such festivals.

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Imam Hussein and Ashura Epic in Razavi Culture

Mohammad Reza Javaheri

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2014, , Pages 78-109

Abstract

  Ahl-al-Bayt’s behavior and speech are the best source for understanding the true nature of Ashura, Imam Hussein’s personality aspects and the duties of Muslims and Shiites. ...  Read More Ahl-al-Bayt’s behavior and speech are the best source for understanding the true nature of Ashura, Imam Hussein’s personality aspects and the duties of Muslims and Shiites. Imam Reza endeavored a lot to reveal religious identity, Ashura lessons and messages and duties and responsibilities of Muslims. Therefore, Razavi Hadiths regarding Ashura are credible and reliable sources for studying and benefiting from the revolution of Ashura. With a descriptive-analytical method, this article seeks to reveal aspects to Imam Hussein’s personality and the responsibilities of Muslims regarding him according to Imam Reza’s Hadiths. Translations and analyses of these Hadiths are presented into two categories of “Imam Hussein’s Characteristics” and “Responsibilities and Duties of Imam Hussein’s Followers” and offered to researchers of Imam Hussein’s uprising. The purpose of this article is to recognize Imam Hussein’s epic according to Imam Reza’s Hadiths in reliable hadith sources, to model Imam Hussein’s words and actions and to move in the direction of growth and perfection. 

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Imam Reza’s Confrontation with the Mentality and Action of Waqifite

seyyed Abdolkarim Hassan pour

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2014, , Pages 144-169

Abstract

  Although it was not an unprecedented issue to name a person from Ahl-al-Bayt as the last Imam and Expected Mahdi, a group of Shiites considered Imam Kazem (PBUH) as Expected Mahgi and ...  Read More Although it was not an unprecedented issue to name a person from Ahl-al-Bayt as the last Imam and Expected Mahdi, a group of Shiites considered Imam Kazem (PBUH) as Expected Mahgi and Qa’em and thus rejected his demise and refused to accept Imam Reza as the next Imam. They were known as Waqifite. Since they posed a serious threat to Shia’s noble mentality, Imam Reza paid special attention to them and allocated much time and effort to deal with their issue. Thus, analyzing the nature of this incident and those involved has been a subject of interest for the researchers and analysts of Islamic studies. Although remarkable and valuable literature has so far been authored regarding introducing this faction, an analysis on the mutual relations and positions between Imam Reza and Waqifite is less accounted for. With descriptive -analytical method and in library-collection manner, this article examines the issue of Waqifite on two main bases: 1) What Waqifite is and who they are; 2) how Imam Reza confronted them.

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The Concept of Politics in the Doctrine of Imama Reza

Asghar Eftekhari

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2013, , Pages 7-27

Abstract

  The fact that politics is a science formed in the framework of the principles of beliefs as well as the conditions and requirements of the time leads us to believe that there doesn’t ...  Read More The fact that politics is a science formed in the framework of the principles of beliefs as well as the conditions and requirements of the time leads us to believe that there doesn’t exist unique treatments of this science in the outside world and that’s why we witness various approaches and theories in this regard given different conditions and schools of thought. Citing the principles and basics of the Razavi School that result from Imam Reza’s menology, the author of this article seeks to find an answer to the question, “What does politics mean in Islamic discourse?” To achieve this goal, the author introduces a theoretical framework that analyzes politics in four levels of ontology, epistemology, teleology and methodology. Analysis of Imam Reza’s menology reveals that in Razavi School of thought, politics is not the science of power, but the science of felicity. Thus, one can claim that the Islamic pattern for politics (based on Razavi School of Thought) can be an alternative theory to the current secular political science.

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The Relationship between Jurisprudence and Ethics in the Teachings of Imam Reza (A.S)

Ahmad Pakatchi

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2013, , Pages 28-49

Abstract

  The relation between jurisprudence and ethics has long been a subject for contemplation for religious scholars. Also, in today’s circumstances, due to broad social and cultural ...  Read More The relation between jurisprudence and ethics has long been a subject for contemplation for religious scholars. Also, in today’s circumstances, due to broad social and cultural changes that have taken place in the life of the mankind as well as in his lifestyle, the need to expand jurisprudence and to honor the position of ethics in social life is inevitably felt. Among the Imams (Peace Be upon Them), it seems that due to the social and cultural conditions that existed during his time, Imam Reza paid particular attention to jurisprudence and ethics and addressed their different aspects deeply. In this regard, it can be concluded that spectral attitude towards religious necessities, attention to religious causes and the ethical and human origins of religious rulings as well as emphasis on religious discipline along with other forms of addressing Sharia issues which are obvious in Imam Reza’s Hadiths are solid bases for the alliance of jurisprudence and ethics in his teachings and a thorough understanding of them can provide an efficient pattern for us to review our issues in the current world.

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Imam Reza’s(A.S) Discourse of Successorship: In_between “Bio-Power” and “Bio-Politics” approaches

Hassan Bashir

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2013, , Pages 49-87

Abstract

  The issue of Imam Reza’s becoming al-Ma’mun’s successor, offered by al-Ma’mun himself, is an important historical events highly associated with issues including ...  Read More The issue of Imam Reza’s becoming al-Ma’mun’s successor, offered by al-Ma’mun himself, is an important historical events highly associated with issues including Imamate, sovereignty and Islamic rule and requires special discourse analysis. Al-Ma’mun’s era was a particular period in Abbasid history which experienced different political-social and cultural-religious flows and therefore requires a succession-based discourse. This article seeks to analyze the succession discourse as an effective issue in presenting viewpoints regarding “domination” and “contraption” based on “bio-power” and “bio-politics” approaches. It also evaluates al-Ma’mun’s treatment (domination approach) and Imam Reza’s treatment (contraption approach) based on this discourse and through PEDAM method.

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Principles of Debate and Open-mindedness with Regard to Imam Reza’s (A.S) Debates

Abbas Musallayeepour; Maryam Salimi

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2013, , Pages 89-115

Abstract

  Among the methods for explanation of religious teachings in Ahl-el-Bayt’s school of thought against the mentality of opponents were the arguments and debates conducted by Imams ...  Read More Among the methods for explanation of religious teachings in Ahl-el-Bayt’s school of thought against the mentality of opponents were the arguments and debates conducted by Imams and their trained students along the history. With a contemplating eye, this article seeks to answer the question “what are the most important principles for debates and open-mindedness from Imam Reza’s point of view?”. Results indicate that principles for debate include thorough knowledge regarding various religions and schools of thought, expression of rational principles and criteria, liberalism and a science-oriented nature that’s familiar with various sciences while the most important principles for open-mindedness include pure intention, respect for thinkers, scientific equity and avoiding issues such as hastily judgment, myth-orientation and cult of personality, neo-phobia and neo-philia, foreignism and self-inferiority, partisan and factional interests and attachment to political governance. These functional principles can set a pattern for conducting a sound and ethics-oriented debate among thinkers from various religions across the world. This way, it’s safe to say that open-mindedness will not lead to behaviors which eventually result in a decline in human values.

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Discourse Analysis of Imam Reza's Debates

Hassan Majidi

Volume 1, Issue 2 , September 2013, , Pages 9-39

Abstract

  One of the main characteristics of Imam Reza's menology was his encounters with the representatives of other religions in the context of debates which turned into an arena for protecting ...  Read More One of the main characteristics of Imam Reza's menology was his encounters with the representatives of other religions in the context of debates which turned into an arena for protecting Islamic ideologies, Imamate, Shia's legitimate beliefs and especially his rightfulness and competency to Imamate and Caliphate while al-Ma'mun –the Abbasid Caliph- sought to benefit from such debates otherwise. His solid arguments, citation to first-hand sources of Abrahamic religions and full knowledge over the languages and interpretations of Holy Scriptures are among the most amazing features of these debates which led to Imam Reza's victory and the other party's failure at the end of each debate.This article answers questions including: Discourse-analysis speaking, how are Imam Reza's debates analyzed? What aspects of the both parties of such debates are revealed during these analyses? What are the characteristics and capacities of Imam Reza's debates in terms of verbal communication and religious propagation?By answering these questions, this paper seeks to view these debates differently and examine them critically by applying critical discourse analysis in form of variables and functional items. Exploring Imam Reza's debates with the representatives of other religions and sects with an eye on words, perspective, metaphor, historical coherence, citation and structural emphasis indicates that though proving his rightfulness and rejecting the other party's claims, Imam Reza avoided unethical dispute and used such debates as a platform to prove Imamate and the Holy Prophet's Seal of Prophecy through precision, accuracy, politeness and respect.

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