Journal of Razavi Culture

Abstract The pilgrimage to sacred places is considered one of the highest forms of worship and an exceptional opportunity for the purification of the soul and the spiritual training of the pilgrim. It also serves as a renewal of the covenant with the divine saints on the path of the sacred goal of monotheism. Religious studies on pilgrimage indicate that visiting the family of infallibility and purity (peace be upon them) has certain conditions under which true pilgrimage gains meaning and leads to the growth and advancement of both the individual and the Islamic community along three axes: self-cultivation, transformation of others, and civilization building. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method, examining both the documentary and interpretative aspects of the narration “‘Aarifan bi Haqqih,”)Knowledge of the Rights of the Imam) attributed to Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) regarding the pilgrimage to Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him), It demonstrates that this narration is sound in terms of its chain of transmission. To fully comprehend the blessings of visiting the infallible, one must acquire true knowledge of the Imam. Understanding his rights entails believing in his obligation to be obeyed, recognizing him as God’s proof over creation, and acknowledging him as the intermediary of divine sustenance, among other aspects.  

Abstract The holy shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) is regarded as the most sacred pilgrimage site for Muslim Iranians, offering profound and transformative experiences for its visitors. Given its significant status, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the pilgrims experiences of visitors to this sacred place. The abundance of research necessitates a systematic pilgrims, which this article aims to provide. For this purpose, 155 articles related to Imam Reza (A.S.) and pilgrimage were identified, from which 10 articles specifically focusing on the typology of pilgrims were extracted. These articles were analyzed from various perspectives, including research methodology, data collection methods, sample populations, objectives, and pilgrimage typologies. Ultimately, the study investigates the underlying causes of diversity in pilgrimage patterns and types among pilgrims to Imam Reza (A.S.), addressing the central question of this article while providing a comprehensive framework for categorizing the diverse forms of pilgrims. The findings indicate that: (a) the predominant methodology employed in these studies is phenomenology; (b) data collection methods mainly rely on in-depth interviews with pilgrims, alongside anthropological approaches, observations, lived experiences of the authors, and analyses of personal writings, petitions, and travelogues; (c) the minimum sample size is six and the maximum is thirty participants; (d) the common aim among most authors is to examine and understand the act of pilgrimage from the perspectives of pilgrims to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) and their typologies; (e) typologies of pilgrims are presented in various forms reflecting the diverse viewpoints of the authors. Some categorize pilgrims based on faith patterns, while others distinguish them according to service utilization, religious experience, and modernization. From the perspective of faith patterns, pilgrimage styles are divided into doctrinal, traditional, intellectual, ritualistic, circumstantial, functional, and meaningful categories. Regarding modernization, pilgrimage types include virtual, female, metropolitan, traditional, and modern categories; and in terms of service utilization, pilgrims are classified into low-frequency non-individual travelers or semi-institutional tourists, high-cost short-term travelers or semi-institutional tourists, and low-cost high-frequency non-institutional tourists.

Abstract By the development of the sociology of religion, pilgrimage as a social religious activity has also received the attention of social science researchers. In the phenomenological approach creatively, activists experience the principle of social action, and this lived experience emerges in the consciousness of others in an inter-subjective way. This research was conducted with the aim of understanding the knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of pilgrims and how to construct the phenomenon of pilgrimage and understand the meaning of the experience of pilgrimage by paying attention to the inter-subjective sharing of the pilgrims of the shrine of Imam Riḍā (pbuh) based on a phenomenological approach. The main technique used in this research is the interview, and a situation has been created for the pilgrim to describe his view of the experienced world using his own language and words. Interviews were conducted based on the religiosity conceptual model of Shojaizand with 5 samples of men with different personality types and the following results were obtained: Pilgrimage has cognitive, emotional and practical aspects. Pilgrims in the cognitive dimension seek to gain knowledge about the Imam and recognize the fact that the Imam is a mediator to reach his god; therefore, they pay attention to the Imam’s kindness towards them. In the emotional dimension, the pilgrimage brings a sense of peace and humility through individual and collective worship in the shrine of Imam Riḍā (pbuh) and the observance of morals by the pilgrims as much as possible. In the practical aspect, pilgrims demonstrate their adherence to the law by performing certain rituals and paying attention to individual and collective tasks.  

Abstract Visiting religious places is one of the common programs in the trips of diplomats and officials of Muslim countries when visiting other Islamic countries. The tomb of the 8th Shiite Imam in the holy city of Mashhad, which is considered the most important pilgrimage site in Iran, has hosted dozens of Sunni statesmen in the last century. This research, which was carried out using a descriptive and analytical method, seeks to find the reasons for the visit of the mentioned officials to Razavi's shrine. The findings show that the Sufi tendencies of some Muslim statesmen are one of the reasons for their visit to the holy shrine of the 8th Imam (as). Some Muslim politicians such as: Zahir Shah, Abul Kalam Azad, Imran Khan, Abdullah Vad, Benazir Bhutto, etc., from countries such as: Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Senegal, etc., have gone to Mashhad when they were in Iran with the motivation of visiting Imam Riḍā (as). In their homeland, these people were famous for supporting Sufism or belonging to schools such as Suhravardiyyeh, Qadiriyyeh, Naqshbandiyyeh, Cheshtiyyeh and Moridiyyeh, and there are numerous reports of their visit to the shrines of Sofia. With this explanation, it seems that the mentioned political officials have visited Imam Riḍā's tomb because of their belief or respect for the position of Imam Riḍā (as) in the Sufi dynasties. In this context, it can be expected that the shrine of Imam Riḍā (as) can be effective as a reference point for improving and strengthening political and cultural relations.

Abstract Pilgrimage and religious tourism, despite common opportunities for convergence and companionship, have fundamental differences in basis, function and social consequences. This has led to various controversies in policy making. The current study seeks to know the current state of the policies of Āstān Quds Razavi in relation to pilgrimage and religious tourism. And finally, based on the overall perception of the current state of these policies, it seeks to obtain a list of priorities regarding the favorable state of Āstān's policies and services in the field of pilgrimage and religious tourism; utilizing documentary methods and qualitative interviews with experts, policy makers and implementers of religious tourism and pilgrimage in gathering information and also analyzing the data obtained from it using the qualitative content analysis method led to the conclusion that not only the issue of religious tourism in policies of Razavi's Āstān Quds has not been taken into consideration, but no relation between tourism and pilgrimage has been established in these policies. Among the problems and issues of policies in the field of pilgrimage, we can mention the effectiveness of pilgrimage and the continuity of communication with pilgrims, the realization of pilgrimage with knowledge and the promotion of its customs and rituals, the increasing participation of people in pilgrimage services and the removal of deprivation, etc. Also, among the priorities, things like "creating convergence between tourism and pilgrimage and taking advantage of tourism capacities along the pilgrimage and preserving the meaning core of pilgrimage and expanding it in the services of the shrine and pilgrimage city are worth mentioning.

Abstract Since the Safavid era, the privileged religious status of Āstān Quds Razavi had influenced its political performance. With the collapse of the Safavid government, state rulers such as Khorasan were weakened and dismissed and preparations were made for the autonomy of urban elders, including the guardian of the court of Imam Reza (as). Based on this, the current research is trying to find an answer to the question, what was the position of Āstān Quds Razavi in Afshariah period? In response, we come to the conclusion that during the Afshariah period, chaos and pervasive social insecurity on the one hand caused the confiscation of the property of the court of the 8th Shiite Imam (as) by the claimants of the monarchy; and on the other hand, it provided the basis for seeking help from different classes of society, even rulers in the form of pilgrimage, residence, burial and construction measures. This research, with the historical approach and the method of collecting historical library and documentary data from historical first-hand sources, after describing and classifying various aspects of the location of Āstān Quds Razavi, analyzes and interprets these features and its various political and social effects.

Abstract This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the content of children's prayers in purified Razavi Shrine. In order to achieve this goal, the child's understanding of the concepts related to the content of prayer such as pilgrimage, prayer and Imam Riḍā (as) was investigated. The statistical population in this survey were all children aged 6 to 11 who were present in the Holy Shrine at the time of the research. Considering gender and age diversity and with theoretical understanding, the research sample reached 100 people. The research method used is content analysis and interview research tool. Sampling was by available and random method. The content of their prayers show that material and worldly wishes are much higher than spiritual wishes. Comparing the content of prayers in different ages does not show much difference and the content of material and worldly prayers is more in all ages. Also, the results showed that children are mostly in the exchangeist functionalist category.

Abstract Every year, a significant number of Shiites in the last days of the month of Ṣafar, especially from the anniversary of the death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the martyrdom of Imam Hasan (as), from the 28th of Ṣafar to the day of the martyrdom of Imam Riḍā (as), the 30th of Ṣafar, go on foot to Mashhad al-Riḍā. This ritual, which on the one hand is the end of Muharram mourning and on the other hand honors the Holy Prophet (pbuh), Imam Hasan and Imam Riḍā (as), has become a ritual that can be examined based on the opinions of Mircha Eliadeh, a religious phenomenologist. In the upcoming research, we will analyze this ritual by descriptive analytical method and relying on the views of Mircha Eliade. This research shows that this ritual has all the characteristics of a symbolic and narrative ritual of tashrruf (arrival to pilgrimage) and with its special coherence, it prepares the mentality of the participants for the transition from linear time to sacred time, and on the other hand, it is a systematic introduction to enter the sacred space of Imam Riḍā's (as) shrine. In fact, this ritual is like a window for the worshipers to enter the holy time and place. In addition, the said ritual has multiple functions such as relieving anxiety, enhancing the social personality and strengthening the religious identity of the worshipers.

Abstract The pilgrimage of Imam Riḍā (as) has been mentioned in some narrations as the cause of forgiveness of the pilgrim's sins. At first glance, the concept of the narrations of the pilgrimage of Imam Riḍā (AS) and the forgiveness of all sins is in conflict with the content of some verses of the Qur'an (Nisá, 31) that make the forgiveness of believers conditional on avoiding major sins, as well as many hadiths and especially the concept of authentic hadith Khaythama, who introduced the removal of the punishment and forgiveness of the sinner to know and follow the path of the Ahl al-Bayt (as). This article, with a critical approach and descriptive-analytical method, seeks to present the correct concept and resolve the conflict between the narrations of the forgiveness of the pilgrim's sins and some verses and narrations, especially the reliable hadith of Khaythama. This research shows that the forgiveness of minor sins, by avoiding major sins, is reserved for the holder of guardianship and mystics of the right and sanctity of the Ahl al-Bayt (as). Also, with the accumulation of great sin, after enduring hardships (according to the amount of sin) at the time of death in the world, he is forgiven; and if the effects of sin are not removed, he is placed in the first floor of Hell, and he is forgiven through the intercession of the Ahl al-Bayt (as); and there is no conflict between the concept of the narrations of the pilgrimage of Imam Riḍā (as), whose functions include the forgiveness of the pilgrim, and the content of religious texts that consider the forgiveness and salvation of human beings to depend on faith, righteous deeds and adherence to the Ahl al-Bayt (as).

Abstract Half of human societies are made up of women, whereas in the past, women were excluded from social presence for traditional reasons and were considered as second degree; thus, feminine social actions are meaningful. In addition, women are responsible for raising children and will play a greater role than men in socializing the next generation. Among the social actions of women are religious actions. Women are always more religious than men in terms of beliefs and behavior, and they are more common in religious places. In this regard, the study of "female pilgrimage" is important. In this article, with a phenomenological approach and using the techniques of observation, interview and study of women's pilgrimage documents in the shrine of Imamzadeh [offspring or descendant of an imam] Mohsen ibn Musa ibn Jaʿfar (as), which has been welcomed due to its attribution to Imam Riḍā (as), has been studied anthropologically. According to the obtained results, pilgrimage in the "lived experience" of women in terms of meaning and self-awareness, includes the functions of "need-seeking", "healing", "duty-bearing", "symbolic replacement", "material exchange", "self-fulfillment", "Absolute Solidarity" and "Thanksgiving". And according to the researcher's semantics with the ethical approach, it includes the meanings of "sanctification", "idealism", "empathy", "gaining religious experience", "motivational integration" and "irrefutability".

Abstract The establishment of the Ṣafavīd rule by Shah Ismail in 907 A.H. aroused the sensitivities of Sunni neighbors. In the meantime, the Uzbeks, with their religious claims and territorial expansionism, prepared various attacks on different cities of Khorāsān, including Mashhad, in which the Raḍavi court played an important role. The present research uses a descriptive-analytical method based on library texts to answer the question: what is the position of Raḍavi court in these conflicts? The findings indicate the fact that the Raḍavi court has not only been affected by the course of these conflicts, but has also affected their course; thus, the Uzbek invasions of Mashhad led to their various looting of the Raḍavi court; But these invasions paved the way for the Safavid kings to pay more attention to the issue of pilgrimage to Mashhad and the reconstruction of the holy shrine. The Ṣafavīds were also able to use the various capacities of the Raḍavi court to confront the Uzbeks.

Abstract The subject of pilgrimage, despite its great importance and place in religious and scholastic foundations, has received less scholarly attention from the perspective of policy-making knowledge. On the other hand, the use of futuristic methods in the pre-evaluation of public policies due to the pre-emptive approach to environmental factors has gradually attracted the attention of policy makers. Relying on a combination of hierarchical and Delphi analysis process and based on the Schwartz model, this research seeks to identify, prioritize, and ultimately design the most important future policy scenarios for pilgrimage in Mashhad in 1404. To do this, using expert documentation and open-ended questionnaires and interviews, the views of 15 experts were identified, and by analyzing the content, the list of models was extracted and based on Delphi method, 8 main models were identified by experts, and by implementing a multi-variable decision-making technique, the two models that were most important and uncertain were identified, and the scenario framework was designed based on that.

Abstract The Islamic world has always suffered from the fire of division. One of the solutions to overcoming the divergent forces is the idea of ​​convergence of the holy shrines to use the great capacities of the pilgrimage organizations.
The convergence of the holy shrines pursues the ideal of unity through the idea of ​​the unity of the Muslim world. Convergence is one of the concepts that has attracted a lot of attention, especially in international relations, but this paper takes a cultural-civilizational view of this concept and considers it a kind of conformity in values, policies and actions. The purpose of this study is to examine the convergence dimensions of the holy shrines as Shiite pilgrimage organizations, which are responsible for pilgrimage. The method of data collection is documentary study and interview, and the analysis of the data was done with the content analysis method. Based on the findings, according to thematic analysis of collected data, the six major themes and organizer of the "advantages", "foundations", "backgrounds", "barrier", "consequences" and "strategy" for the central theme of "the convergence of the Holy Shrines" was identified. Given the ultimate goal of integration organizations of the holy shrines, understanding the organizational convergence of holy shrines as the first step of a more general process whose next step is the integration between cultures and civilizations, understanding the true relationship between pilgrimage and tourism, set aside organizational desires, and given the complementary role of the holy shrine in the convergence process, considering the historical geography of the sacred sites, not considering the organizations as central axis to the integration process, convergence and contextual diplomacy and paving the way to bring the Sunnis together, and finally the strategic understanding of the holy shrines organizations of their role in the convergence process, are the most important strategies for the convergence of the holy shrines as Shiite organizations, which are responsible for the pilgrimage.

Abstract Social apathy is a social disorder which prevents individuals from social participation and it is affected by a number of factors, including lifestyle, religious beliefs and so on. The present study investigates the role of going on a pilgrimage to Mashhad in social apathy of students of Ayatollah Ozma Borujerdi University, and it considers students’ apathy in two time periods, before and after going on a pilgrimage to Mashhad. Statistical population of research were all students of the university who went on a pilgrimage to Imam Reza’s Holy Shrine in 2015-2016 academic year, 200 of which were selected randomly. The survey research method was employed and data was collected through questionnaires. For validity measurement, content validity and for measuring reliability, Cronbach's alpha method was used. The test results of mean differences showed that social apathy has changed significantly before and after the pilgrimage period. The results also showed that there is an inverse relationship between the pilgrimage to Mashhad Al-Ridha and social apathy as well as between social apathy and social effectiveness. Research data confirmed that there is a positive significant relationship between anomie perception and social apathy. The independent variables could explain 49 percent of dependent variable changes.

Abstract The purpose of this research is to find strengths and weaknesses, foreign opportunities and threats regarding historic Hijrah Route of Imam Reza– Velayat Road- between Neyshaboor and Robat-e Torogh, Mashhad. 140 questionnaires has been distributed and collected among statistical population of the current research including managers of organizations and community institutions, professors of the university and advisors who are involved in historical, economic and social and cultural, political and climate aspects of the Velayat Road and tourism. Statistical Analysis of the research indicates that historic landmarks like Qadamgah, holy places and inns, caravanserai and cisterns on the route is considered the most significant strong point and shortage of medical health facilities is the most significant weak point, very high capacity of the Route (Mashhad) is considered major opportunity and lack of strategic plan for attraction of foreign tourists is considered as a most significant threat for reviving the route. SWOT analysis shows that planning for national registration and then world record of the Velayat road, creating systematic mechanism to facilitate the travel and to reduce concerns of the tourists, and aligning the officials with the people of the region could be appropriate strategies for revivaling of the Velayat Road.

Abstract Nowadays, with the growth of the new communication technologies such as Internet, many people respond to some of their needs like religious needs by this media tool. One of these religious needs, that used by muslims and particularly by Shia, is pilgrimage. ‘Shia holy shrine virtual pilgrimage’ needs to design special services in the internet. So the purpose of this article is study of internet sites with religious-pilgrimage subject to design the virtual pilgrimage portal of shia holy shrine in content and structural dimensions. Hence 23 religious-pilgrimage internet sites chosen selectively and were studied with qualitative content analysis method. Results show that there are 89 content and structure dimensions in religious-pilgrimage internet sites. These dimensions include 21 structural and 69 content dimensions that classified in 12 categories. These categories include: 1. Pilgrimage, 2. Interactions with site, 3. Providing service to the shrine, 4. More acquaintance, 5. Media, 6. Notification, 7. Pilgrimage groups, 8. Time and programs management, 9. Education and research, 10.Softwares, 11.Business, and 12.Structural factors. According to these dimensions, tow content and structure models are introduced and, after repeatedly reviewing of the sites structures and locations of services in the studied sites, we have proposed three structural model for ‘Shia holy shrine virtual pilgrimage portal', that include: 1. Preface page, 2. Home page, and 3. Site map.