“Religious Communication and Outreach,” and emphasizing skill-based and applied research show that the university envisions religious outreach at a global standard and sees itself as part of the project of moden Islamic civilization-building.
 
Religious Guidance and Addressing Pilgrims’ Questions
Imam Reza shrine is not only a destination for pilgrimage; for many, it is a place of certainty. In this sacred space, questions do not remain unanswered, and doubts fade through dialogue and reasoning. Astan Qods has elevated the resolution of religious doubts from a temporary response to a comprehensive cultural and educational system. One major component is specialized seminars addressing doubts—over 30 annual conferences for scholars and intellectuals, attended by around 4,000 participants. These sessions analyze contemporary theological and intellectual issues. At the public level, the Religious Q&A program, one of the most popular initiatives, holds over 300 annual sessions in the Jomhouri Courtyard and the historic Parizad School, attracting more than 250,000 pilgrims each year. The backbone of this enlightenment effort is the Circles of Knowledge, held daily in various shrine locations such as Parizad School, Goharshad Mosque, Dar al-Hujjah, and RavaqNajmehKhatun. Over 12,000 circles are held annually, with about 600,000 participants. These sessions focus on beliefs, ethics, religious upbringing, and Razavi lifestyle, emphasizing persuasion and reasoning rather than lecturing. Individual in-person counseling also plays a key role, with 24-hour religious guidance offices answering over 900,000 questions annually. Mobile service desks in courtyards provide quick access to experts. Remote guidance completes the system: the 32020 hotline answers over two million questions each year, and the Nasim-e Rezvan app offers a confidential platform for inquiries, especially popular among women and youth. Together, these efforts make the shrine not only a refuge for hearts but a living university of faith where no religious question goes unanswered.
 
Ritual Life and Collective Worship at the Shrine
Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad is not merely a pilgrimage site; over centuries, it has become a vibrant center of rituals and religious practices that shape the spiritual life of pilgrims and residents. Every day, thousands enter this sacred space with diverse intentions and languages, participating in a network of structured, deeply rooted rituals that reflect both the history of Shi‘ism and the spiritual needs of contemporary believers. Congregational prayer is the central ritual, organizing the shrine’s spiritual rhythm day and night. Daily prayers are held simultaneously in various courtyards and halls to maximize participation. Key locations include the Imam Khomeini Hall, Lady Fatimah Hall, Enghelab Courtyard, Azadi Courtyard, Goharshad Mosque, and the Prophet’s Courtyard. Special prayers also hold designated places: Qada congregational prayer for making up missed prayers is held daily after noon, aftenoon, evening, and night prayers in the Ayatollah Nahavandi Hall. The Pilgrimage Prayer, performed after visiting the shrine, is a personal expression of devotion. On special occasions, prayers of supplication and seeking aid from Imam Mahdi are held, reflecting the living spiritual connection of Shi‘a believers with the Imams.
Supplications and Quranic gatherings form another layer of spiritual life. Regular recitations of Du‘aTawassul, Kumayl, Nudbah, and Ziyarat Ashura fill the courtyards with devotion. These programs offer comfort and spiritual training for both pilgrims and local residents. The shrine’s