Hawzah News Agency- Speaking on the sidelines of the International Holy Qur’an Exhibition in Tehran, Hojatoleslam Seyyed Mofid Hosseini-Kouhsari, Deputy for International Affairs at Iran’s Islamic seminaries, outlined a broad range of initiatives aimed at expanding the global presence of Quranic scholarship.
Qur’an as a Common Ground for Interfaith Dialogue
Hojatoleslam Hosseini-Kouhsari described the Qur’an as not only the sacred scripture of Muslims but also a central point of reference in global religious and academic discourse.
“The Holy Qur’an is a divine book followed by more than two billion people worldwide. Despite theological differences, it functions as a shared platform for dialogue and intellectual exchange among religions and schools of thought,” he stated.
He noted that Quranic studies have increasingly drawn the attention of universities, research institutions, and academic centers across the globe, underscoring the scripture’s role in both religious and scientific diplomacy.
Iran’s Scholarly Standing in Quranic Exegesis
Referring to Iran’s position in the field of Qur’anic interpretation, the cleric highlighted the country’s long-standing scholarly tradition within the Shia seminary system. He cited the monumental Tafsir Tasnim by Grand Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi-Amoli as a prominent example. The multi-volume exegesis, comprising around 80 volumes, has attracted considerable attention in the Islamic world and beyond.
According to Hosseini-Koohsari, such works reflect the intellectual capacity of Iran’s seminaries and must be systematically introduced to international audiences.
Quranic Diplomacy as a Strategic Responsibility
The official stressed that Iran’s current geopolitical position has increased the country’s responsibility in promoting Quranic teachings globally.
He pointed to the Islamic Republic’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in relation to the Gaza Strip, and said Iran has “paid a heavy price” for standing against the US-backed aggression.
“In recent months, global public opinion has shown heightened interest in understanding the ideological foundations of the Islamic Revolution. Many are asking what intellectual and spiritual principles empower Iran’s resilience,” he said, adding that Quranic diplomacy provides a framework for answering such questions.
Expanding International Quranic Initiatives
Hosseini-Kouhsari detailed several ongoing international initiatives led by Iran’s seminary institutions:
- Multilingual Publication Projects: Translation and global dissemination of Quranic articles and scholarly works.
- Digital Platforms: Development of online systems and databases to register international Quranic organizations and facilitate academic collaboration.
- Joint Research Projects: Cooperative studies with international institutions to promote Quranic sciences in academic and cultural arenas.
- International Forums and Associations: Plans to establish joint Quranic associations with several countries to institutionalize scholarly dialogue.
He also emphasized active participation in international exhibitions, artistic events, and specialized training workshops aimed at enhancing global engagement with Quranic teachings.
Addressing Gaps in Global Academic Representation
The cleric acknowledged that many Iranian scholarly works remain confined to Persian-speaking audiences. He identified translation, adaptation, and digital integration as urgent priorities.
“One of our key objectives is to ensure that seminary research is incorporated into internationally recognized encyclopedias and academic databases,” he said.
He added that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, are being utilized to accelerate the translation and global accessibility of Quranic scholarship.
A Broader Cultural Mission
Hosseini-Kouhsari concluded that the Islamic Republic views Quranic diplomacy as more than a religious initiative; it is a cultural and intellectual mission aimed at fostering dialogue, resistance to injustice, and the articulation of Islamic principles on the global stage.
By leveraging its scholarly heritage and expanding international cooperation, Iran seeks to position Quranic teachings at the center of contemporary global discourse.
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