Mashhad – The inauguration ceremony of the Quran and Science Research Institute at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was held solemnly on Saturday, September 21, 2024, in the university’s conference hall with the presence of prominent scientific and religious figures. The ceremony, which received widespread attention from the academic community, was attended by Ayatollah Seyed Ahmad Alamolhoda (the Supreme Leader’s representative in Khorasan Razavi Province), Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi (Vice President for Research at the Iranian Academy of Sciences), Professor Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary (Chairman of COMSTEC’s Standing Committee on Science and Technology – via video conference), and Dr. Masoud Mirzaei Shahrabi (Acting President of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad).
Speech by Ayatollah Alamolhoda:
The Supreme Leader’s representative began by reciting verse 9 of Surah Al-Isra (“Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most proper”) and stated: “This holy verse clearly demonstrates that the Quran is the complete program for human guidance in all aspects of life.” Expressing regret over some deviations in intellectual circles regarding the relationship between science and religion, he emphasized: “Authentic religion revealed by the Almighty Creator should be the criterion for evaluating the validity of various sciences. Any branch of human knowledge that aligns with divine teachings has essentially reached its perfection.”
The Friday Prayer Leader of Mashhad, referring to the comprehensiveness of the Quran, clarified: “This divine book contains everything necessary for human prosperity in both worldly and spiritual matters. Those who think the Quran only addresses spiritual issues and remains silent about material affairs lack complete understanding of this holy book.” Referring to the characteristics of the era of reappearance, he added: “One of the signs of reappearance is scientific flourishing through discovering universal truths, about which the Infallible Imams (AS), as true interpreters of the Quran, have complete knowledge.”
Ayatollah Alamolhoda continued by addressing the academic environment: “The clash of different opinions and views in university settings is natural and even necessary for scientific progress. What matters is maintaining religious principles and foundations in these discussions.” Concluding his speech, he expressed hope for the newly established institute: “We hope this center can take significant steps in scientifically explaining Quranic teachings through comprehensive research on the connection between Quranic verses and modern sciences.”
Speech by Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi:
The Vice President of the Iranian Academy of Sciences, referring to the Quran’s position as humanity’s guide to scientific and social progress, stated: “Our ultimate goal in this research institute should be educating wise scholars, not merely one-dimensional specialists.” Warning about the separation of science from religion, he said: “Historical experience has shown that religion without science leads to new ignorance, as we witnessed in the Arab ignorance era. On the other hand, the Quran is replete with scientific indications that can inspire modern research.”
Dr. Salehi emphasized the necessity of expanding the institute’s international collaborations: “Given the existence of over one billion Muslims worldwide and the increasing tendency of the global scientific community toward extreme materialism, this research institute can become a reliable reference for Quran researchers worldwide.” He suggested: “Defining joint projects in scientific ethics and environmental fields could be among this center’s research priorities.”
Speech by Professor Choudhary:
The Chairman of COMSTEC’s Standing Committee on Science and Technology, who attended via video conference, appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s role in advancing science and technology in the Muslim world, stating: “Scientific examination of Quranic verses and extracting scientific concepts from them will pave the way for major breakthroughs in various sciences.” This prominent international scholar added: “Profound contemplation of divine verses can guide experimental scientists and shape novel interdisciplinary research.”
Speech by Dr. Mirzaei Shahrabi:
The Acting President of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, referring to numerous Quranic verses including verse 69 of Surah An-Nahl and verse 18 of Surah An-Naml, stated: “These verses and similar ones contain profound scientific truths and indications that can be discovered and explained through modern research methods.” Expressing hope for changing the direction of global scientific flow, he said: “Through this research institute, we aim to reverse the scientific migration trend and attract Western scientists to our academic centers by extracting modern sciences from the Quran.”
Institute’s Goals and Missions:
The Quran and Science Research Institute at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad has been established to develop science and technology based on Quranic teachings and strengthen interdisciplinary research. Among its most important missions are:
- Creating connections between modern sciences and Quranic teachings
- Developing fundamental and applied research inspired by Quranic verses
- Training committed researchers familiar with modern sciences and religious knowledge
- Producing indigenous science based on Islamic worldview
- Establishing an international network of researchers in Quran and science
This research center plans to become one of the world’s most important hubs for Quranic studies by holding specialized conferences, publishing scientific journals, and establishing a specialized library.