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Astan Quds Razavi, the Glory of the Islamic World
Compiled by: Dr. Hyder Reza Zabeth
Researcher, Islamic Research Foundation,
Astan Quds Razavi, Mashhad.
The magnificent and marvelous buildings and structures in the holy shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) situated in the holy city of Mashhad,Iran, comprises one of the oldest and most beautiful religious and historical monuments in the world. The visitors, travelers and historians have called this religious complex as \"The Glory of the Islamic World\".
The grand complex of the holy shrine is round in structure which includes six courtyards (Sahn), twenty - three porches (Riwaq), the Gowhar shad Mosque, Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, Islamic Research Foundation, Museums, the Central Library Complex, Offices, Hospital, Inn and the buildings for performing ablutions. The present surface area of the holy shrine is 267079 sq.meters.
The Titles Given to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S)
Astan-e-Malaik Paseban (the Threshold of Angels): It means that the angels of Allah – the Exalted- are safeguarding the Holy Shrine, and serving the pilgrims.
Arze Aqdas (the Holy Land): It means that the Holy Shrine is the holiest land in the world. It is said that the title “ Holy Land” was given to the region of Toos where Imam Reza (A.S) had been buried there after his martyrdom.
Boqeye Mabarakah (the Holy Mausoleum): Mausoleum is an ornamental building made to hold the dead body of an important person or one of the Holy Imams (A.S). This title is also applied to the place where Imam Reza (A.S) has been buried, and also to the complex of the Holy Shrine.
Haram-e-Motahhar (the Holy Shrine): Shrine means “around or inside a house”. This term is also applied to any place that is regarded as holy because of its association with a special person or event. The Holy Shrine is a sacred place.
Rowzayah Razaviyah (the Holy Burial Chamber): Rowzah means “the Garden of Paradise”, and Razaviyah is a title given to Imam Reza (A.S). In fact, this term is another name for the Holy Zarih (burial chamber) of Imam Reza (A.S).
Rowzayah Moqaddasah (the Holy Paradise): It is another name for the Holy Shrine, and means “a holy garden or paradise”.
Rowzayah Monawwarah (the Illuminated Paradise): It is also another name for the Holy Shrine, and means “an illuminated garden or paradise”.
Atabayah Aliyah: It means “the lofty or sacred threshold”.
The Seventh Qiblah (the Seventh Direction of Prayer): Shiite Muslims believe that the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S) is the seventh holy place among the holy Islamic Premises in the world. The following is a list of these holy places:
1. Kaaba in Saudi Arabia.
2. The Holy Shrines of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.W), and the Holy Imams (A.S) in Medina, in Saudi Arabia.
3. The Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (A.S) in the holy city of Najaf in Iraq.
4. The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (A.S) in the holy city of Karbala in Iraq.
5. The Holy Shrine of Imam Musa Kazem (A.S) and Imam Javad (A.S) in the holy city of Kazemein in Iraq.
6. The Holy Shrine of Imam Hadi (A.S) and Imam Hasan Asgari (A.S) in the holy city of Samera in Iraq.
7. The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S) in the holy city Mashhad in Iran.\\
Kaabayeh Amal: It is one of the other names given to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S), and it means that the Holy Shrine is a place for pilgrims to worship and implore for Imam Reza’s (A.S) help. They believe that Imam Reza (A.S) can satisfy their needs and desires.
Marghad-e-Malakooti (the Celestial Mausoleum): It means that the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S) is a Divine and celestial palace. Shiite Muslims believe that this holy place is under the special auspices of Allah –the Exalted-.
Marghad-e-Monawwar (the Illuminated Mausoleum): As we said before, the Mausoleum is an ornamental building made to hold the dead body of an important person or one of the Holy Imams (A.S). The compound name of the illuminated mausoleum is applied to the Holy Tomb of Imam Reza (A.S).
Mazjaae Sharif (the Holy Mausoleum): It is another title given to the Holy Shrine Imam Reza (A.S).
Moin-Uz-Zoafaa (the Supporter of the Poor and Weak): It is a title given to Imam Reza (A.S), because His Holiness was supporter and protector of the deprived and poor classes of the society.
The Dome on the Holy Grave of Imam Reza (A.S.)
The first dome over the blessed grave was built by Mamun. The present dome, however, was built over the holy grave during the rule of Sultan Muhammad Khudabandeh (b. 1282 A.D.), the Mongol ruler of Iran converted to Shia\'ism and ruled Iran from 703-716 A.H. / 1304-1316 A.D. High quality decorative glazed tiles were used for its construction.
The magnificent dome is one of the biggest and the most magnificent specimens of Islamic architecture in the world.
The great golden dome on the tomb consists of two coverings, which includes a false ceiling under the dome. The ceiling above the Zarih is made of stalactite stucco work decorated with variety of colored glasses is considered as the finest mirror work in the world. The height of it from the ground to the ceiling is 18.80 meters. The second covering of the dome is completely covered with golden sheets and its height from the ground to the top is 31.20 meters and the circumference of the dome is 42.10 meters.
In the year 932 A.H./ 1525 A.D., Shah Tahmasb I, removed the glazed tiles from the dome and replaced them with golden bricks. During the Uzbek occupation of Mashhad, Abdul Momen Khan attacked the holy shrine and stole all the gold from the dome, however, in the period 1010-1016 A.H./ 1601-1617 A.D., Shah Abbas I, once again coverd the dome with golden bricks.
On the second covering of dome at the 6.74 meters height there is an important and beautiful Qur\'anic inscription in blue color of 1.90 meters breadth on the 42.10 meters circumference of the dome inscribed in Thulth script by Ali Reza Abbasi, the famous calligraphist of Safavid period. The decoration of the dome was carried out in the year 1016 A.H./ 1607 A.D.
The New Zarih on the holy grave of Imam Reza (A.S.)
One of the outstanding achievements after the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran accomplished along with grand scale development and expansion of the holy shrine is the planning, making and installing the new Zarih on the holy grave of Imam Reza(A.S.).
After a lapse of forty years after the installation of the last Zarih the structure of that Zarih got weakened and its golden and silver frame was worn out, thus raising the necessity for the preparation of a new Zarih to be placed on the holy grave.
In 1993, Ayatullah Waiz Tabasi, the Reverend Chief Custodian of the Astan Quds Razavi ordered to carry out the feasibility study for the construction of the new Zarih. Many plans for the new Zarih were furnished by the master artisans in Iran and finally the world renowned artist Ustad Mahmud Farshchiyan achieved the great privilege of planning and constructing this new Zarih.
With the selection of the plan of Ustad Farshchiyan, the construction of the new Zarih commenced under the supervision of an executive board implemented by “The Organization for the Development and Expansion of the Premises of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.)”.
First based on the existing plan the bases and frame of the Zarih which is a component of carpentry and blacksmithing were made by the concerned workshops of the Astan Quds Razavi with full stability and strength. The frame of the Zarih is made up of iron, steel and walnut wood to be covered with silver and gold.
After the completion of this phase, the basic work of inlaying and goldsmith of the framework of Zarih based on the approved plan of Ustad Farshchiyan commenced on 1-2-1997 under the artistic supervision of Ustad Farshchiyan himself. Among the famous inlaying artisans Ustad Khudadadzadeh Isfahani got the privilege of accomplishing the task of inlaying the frame of the Zarih.
In the beginning, the inlaying work on the frame was carried out in Isfahan. But due to the reason of the long distance between Isfahan and Mashhad, it was difficult for the craftsmen to shuttle regularly between Isfahan and Mashhad. Thus, a special workshop for this purpose was established in Mashhad by “the Organization for the Development and Expansion of the Premises of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.)”.The task of inlaying the frame of the Zarih was accomplished in four years by the incessant endeavors of six master inlaying craftsmen who inlayed the frame with beautiful intricacy and extraordinary firmness. In this way the Zarih was ready for the installation on the grave. One of the special features of this Zarih is its thickness and at some places the silver covering’s thickness exceeds three millimeters.
This point has to be noted that fundamentally in the inlaying art any plan cannot be fully implemented. But in making the frame of the new Zarih all the fundamentals of inlaying process were taken into full consideration and special patterns and designs were inlayed which were especially selected for the ornamentation of the exterior of the Zarih.
The previous Zarih was dismantled on 11-1-2001 after the performance of the customary Ghobar Robi (the dust–sweeping) ceremony in the sacred burial chamber of the holy shrine. About seventy expert technicians and artisans under the supervision of Chief Engineer Mr Mahdi Aziziyan, the Managing Director of “the Organization for the Development and Expansion of the Premises of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.)” after working incessantly for fifty days completed the planned installtion of grand new magnificent Zarih on the holy grave of Imam Reza (A.S.) which can be considered as a great achievement.
The workshop of the new Zarih was situated in the very sacred burial chamber place. In reality it is a part of heaven as stated by the Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.).
Every part of this holy piece of land on account of its proximity with holy body of Imam Reza(A.S.) has become sacred. The artisans’ and technicians’ expressions and zeal in installing the new Zarih on the holy grave of Imam Reza(A.S.) by their incessant day and night endeavors cannot be explained in words.
During the operation of installing this new Zarih all the technicians and artisans wore green uniform. Working for this sacred operation was very sublime and auspicious and they carried their work by continuously reciting salutations on their Holy Imam(A.S.).
The Reverend Chief Custodian of the holy shrine Ayatullah Waiz Tabasi was present regularly on the site personally supervising the installation operation. During this work he used to regularly sweep the dust on the holy grave and wash it with rose water. He used to issue the necessary instructions at the site to the technicians involved in this sublime project.
The installation process commenced by removing the engraved frames and inscribed sheets of the previous Zarih made up of gold and silver. After that the pillars and other structures of the previous Zarih which were almost worn out were taken away.
The third installed Zarih which was fixed inside the previous Zarih was also transferred to the lower part of the holy grave. The third Zarih called as “Nagin” was installed on the holy grave with the endowment deed that it should be present for ever on the holy grave. Thus, in order to fulfil the vow in the endowment deed of the third Zarih it was transferred to the lower part of the holy grave according to previously planned special arrangements for its transfer.
Brief Description of the New Zarih
The third Zarih which was installed before could not be transferred from its site according to the rules of Shariah because its endowment deed ascertained that it should be fixed on the grave for ever. But the presence of the third Zarih would have created a lot of problem in the installation of the present new Zarih. Thus, it was decided by previous feasibility studies to transfer it to the lower part of the holy grave so that the new Zarih can be installed.
Two years before the installation of the new Zarih i-e in 1999 from a point underneath the Dar al-Vilayah porch a passage was dug towards the vicinity of the holy grave and on all the four sides opposite to the holy grave the ground was dug for 2.90 metres in length. After the digging opereation the new space created was covered and decorated with stones. During the installation operation the third Zarih was placed in the space created and transferred to the lower part of the holy grave. Thus, in this way the endowment deed of the third Zarih was respected and it also paved the way for the firm installation of the new Zarih, which is the fifth Zarih to be installed on the grave of Imam Reza(A.S.).
Other primary measures implemented during the operation of the installation of the new Zarih are that the floor of the holy burial chamber was cemented and covered with most exquisite marble stones. Special canals were created in the floor and walls of the burial chamber for the purpose of ventilation and air-conditioning.
The decorative mirrors, exquisite tiles and the inscriptions in the holy burial chamber were fully renovated during the installation operation of the new Zarih.
After the preparation of the floor and completion of all the measures for the firmness and stability of the grave the grave stone which was made up of 12 pieces was removed from the holy grave of Imam Reza(A.S) and transferred to the Central Museum of Astan Quds Razavi. In its place a fully engraved single monolith precious and exquisite marble stone measuring 2.20 metres in length, 1.10 metres in breadth and 90 centimeters in height was placed on the holy grave.
The verse 33 from Surah al-Ahzab, verse 59 from Surah al-Nisa, verse 27 from Surah al-Fajr and the couplets of Jami in the praise of Imam Reza(A.S.) inscribed on the grave stone has magnified its beauty.
The new grave stone was installed on the holy grave of Imam Reza(A.S.) in a special ceremony attended by the Paramount Leader of Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatullah al-Uzma Khamnaee and the Reverend Chief Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi.
After the completion of the engraving work on the frame of the new Zarih and the making of its four corners and roof in the workshop, the frames of the four corners and the roof of the new Zarih were carried by a large gathering of pilgrims and devotees from the workshop to the holy burial chamber.
According to the plan the columns and frames were fixed on all its four corners and the roof which was in two parts was placed on it. After this the attachment of the engraved frames made up of gold and silver sheets to the Zarih commenced.
The new Zarih is the clear manifestation of the traditional Islamic Iranian art as well as the epitome of different styles and patterns of art and architecture applied in the buildings located in the grand complex of the holy shrine. In the circumference at the top of the new Zarih there are fourteen arched openings in remembrance of the Fourteen Masoomeen(A.S.). The bow-shapes of these arched openings are inter-connected to each other uniting them into a single cohesive strip. It recalls to the viewers the fact that the essence of the Allah Almighty is ever-lasting and omniscient and everything in the universe has to finally return to Him.
The beautiful names and the high attributes of Allah Almighty are inscribed on the top of the Zarih. The other beautiful names and titles of Allah Almighty are inscribed on all the columns around the Zarih. These beautiful inscriptions have provided the Zarih with innovative elegance and attractiveness and also direct the attention of the pilgrims to the sublime essence of Allah Almighty.
On the four corners of the Zarih the shape of eight triangular fichu type forms of sunflowers are engraved. The sunflower represents Shams al-Shumus (the Radiant Sun among all the Suns) one of the titles of the eighth Holy Imam (A.S.). Around the Zarih, flowers with five and eight scallops are engraved representing the Holy Panjtan(A.S.) and the eighth Holy Imam(A.S.).
The framework of the new Zarih with its arched openings, triangular fichu type and honey comb designs and patterns symbolize the different styles and patterns of art and architecture of the buildings of the holy shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.). The new Zarih is in reality an innovative picture gallery, a beautiful garden made of gold and silver depicting the exquisite Islamic Iranian arts and manifesting the ever-lasting, omnipotent, omnipresent essence of Allah Almighty.
The designs and patterns are connected to each other in such a way that in spite of its diversity and variegation they tend to move towards a single focal point reflecting this reality that ultimately every thing has to return back to the creator of this universe.
The two chapters (Surah) of the Holy Qur’an like “Yasin” and Ad-Dahr are inscribed on a golden sheet completely covering the upper part of the Zarih. The length of Surah Yasin’s inscription is 16.77 meters with the breadth measuring 18 centimeters. The Surah Ad Dahr’s, inscription measures 16.76 meters in length and 14 centimeters in breadth. These two inscriptions of the chapters of the Holy Qur’an and other inscriptions of the beautiful names and great titles of the Allah Almighty on this Zarih was accomplished by the famous calligraphist Agha Muwahhed.
For the first time the interior covering of the Zarih and its walls and roof were inlaid with beautiful and innovative designs depicting the beautiful names of Allah Almighty. The designs for the interior of the Zarih was prepared by master artist Ustad Farshchiyan and the inlaying work was executed by the famous artist Ustad Kashti Ara Shirazi and his associates.
The new Zarih weighs 12 tons. The good thickness of the gold and silver covering of Zarih and absence of any bolts in the framework of the Zarih are its peculiarities. It measures 4.78 meters in length, 3.37 meters in breadth and its height including the plinth measures 3.96 metres.
It tooks 56 days of incessant handwork of the technicians and artisans to install this Zarih. Finally, on 6th March 2001 coinciding with 10th Zil Hajjah 1421 A.H, the auspicious occasion of Id al-Adha, this magnificent Zarih on the sacred grave of Imam Reza(A.S.) was consecrated in a special solemn ceremony for the Ziyarah of the pilgrims.
This sublime and auspicious consecration ceremony of the new Zarih was attended by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatullah al-Uzma Khamnaee and the Reverend Chief Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi Ayatullah Waiz Tabasi. Most of the leading personalities in Iran also got the great privilege of attending this consecration ceremony. During this sublime ceremony the holy grave, the Zarih and the holy burial chamber of Imam Reza(A.S.) were washed with rose water by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Reverend Chief Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi and other leading Ulama in Iran.
The holy burial chamber is connected to a network of twenty three Riwaqs (porches) covering an area of 5638 square meters. Riwaqs are the roofed buildings with different heights and designs built around the holy burial chamber during various phases of one thousand and two hundred years long history of the holy shrine.
After the twenty one Riwaqs there are ten Sahn (Courtyards) and four Bast (the Sanctuary) around the holy shrine which occupies a total area of 331578 square meters.
Sahn(courtyard)are the magnificent buildings within the holy shrine where the pilgrims perform religious services like congregational prayers, anniversary ceremonies of martyrdoms and birthdays of the Infallible Imams(A.S.).The courtyards are very magnificent and distinguished and known as the alive history of the crafts of their architects. Spectators, observing these historical art-works would dream of them done by expert the architects.
The Sahn (Courtyards) are as follows:
1. Sahn Inqilab (Revolution Courtyard)
2. Sahn Azadi (Freedom Courtyard)
3. Sahn Gowharshad Mosque
4. Sahn Quds
5. Sahn Jumhuri Islami (Islamic Republic Courtyard)
6. Sahn Jameh Razavi (The Razavi Grand Courtyard)
7. Sahn Hidayat
8. Sahn Rizwan
9. Sahn Kawsar
The four Bast (the Sanctuary) are as follows:
1. Bast Shaykh Toosi (Upper Bast)
2. Bast Shaykh Tabarsi
3. Bast Shaykh Hur Ameli (Lower Bast)
4. Bast Shaykh Baha\'i
Naqqar Khanah
Beating kettle-drums (Naqqarah) was customary in olden times upon the occurrence of an important event or the attendance of people in royal courts.
In 860 A.H./ 1455 A.D., when Baisonqor, Shahrukh Mirza\'s son, the Timurid Sultan, came to Mashhad from Herat, kettle-drums were beaten to announce his presence in the holy shrine. He was visiting the holy shrine in order to find a cure for his illness which the physicians were unable to cure.
Baisonqor was miraculously healed in the holy shrine and the kettle-drums were beaten once again, and since then, this practice is performed everyday before sunrise and sunset (except the mourning periods). The kettle-drums are also beaten when any sick pilgrim gets miraculously healed at the holy shrine.
Saqqa Khaneh
In the school of Shi\'ism,the concept or application of Saqqa Khaneh (the public place for drinking water) is more significant than merely serving water. The Shi\'ites who endeavor to honour and commemorate the tragic event of Karbala and the martyrdom of His Holiness Imam Husain (A.S.) and that of his loyal companions, who were martyred after remaining thirsty for three complete days.
In the middle of the Sahn-i Inqilab the famous Saqqa Khaneh known as Saqqa Khaneh-i Ismail Talaie is situated. It was constructed during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar. The upper parts of its arches are covered with golden inscriptions, the work of a craftsman called Ismail. For this reason the Saqqa-Khaneh is also referred to as Saqqa Khaneh Ismail Talaie.
The Saqqa-Khaneh is hexagonal in shape and carved from a single-piece of marble. On the order of Nader Shah Afshar the marble was brought from Herat and was installed on the floor of the fountain.
There is a Saqqa Khaneh in the middle of the Sahn Quds,which was inaugurated in 1990. This Saqqa Khaneh is built in the shape of Masjid-i Aqsa, the first Qeblah (direction faced in the prayers) of the Muslims, situated in Jerusalem. This beautiful drinking water repository occupies 1/8 of the area of the original Masjid-i Aqsa in Jerusalem. The exterior of it features the architecture and mosaic tile work of Aqsa Mosque and its dome is completely made up of gold.
Opposite to the Golden Ivan of the Sahn Jumhuri Islami (Islamic Republic Courtyard) there is a beautiful Saqqa Khaneh. This beautiful building is octagonal in shape with a golden dome and its exterior is covered with mosaic tiles. The water supply in this Saqqa Khaneh is through electronic system. The Islamic Republic Courtyard is the second largest courtyard of the holy shrine and was inaugurated in 1990.
The Tomb of Shaykh Hur Ameli
In the north-eastern part of the Inqilab Courtyard is the tomb of the prominent Shi\'ite scholar, Shaykh Hur Ameli. Muhammad ibn Hasan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Husain Hur Ameli, the famous Shi\'ite theologian and traditionist, whose genealogy traces back to Hur ibn Yazid al-Riyahi was born in 1033 A.H./1623 A.D., and expired in 1104 A.H./1692 A.D. Shaykh Hur Ameli compiled 22 books, the most famous is \"Wasa\'el ush-Shia\", a great collection of Shia Ahadith. His tomb is located in the north-eastern part of the Inqilab Courtyard on the side of Madrasah Mirza Jafar. Shaykh Hur Ameli\'s tomb was renovated in 1984 A.D. by Astan Quds Razavi.
Gowharshad Mosque
The Gowharshad Mosque, situated in the southern part of the holy shrine is one of the beautiful and glorious mosques in the world. This mosque is situated between the Bast Shaykh Baha\'i and Sahn Imam Khomeini (R.A.). It was built in 821 A.H./1418 A.D., on the orders of Gowharshad Agha, wife of Shahrukh Mirza, the Timurid Sultan. The Gowharshad Mosque enjoys a particular spiritual reputation among the Islamic mosques in the world. In addition to receiving many pilgrims of Imam Reza(A.S.) during the year, this mosque has been a centre of learning and teaching the Islamic Sciences since last six centuries. The high-ranking Ulama lecture Islamic Sciences in this mosque and in the Shabistans(prayer halls) of the mentioned mosque.
Sahn Quds
This newly constructed courtyard built on the replica Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem lies on the southern side of the Gowharshad Mosque between the Bast Shaykh Baha\'i, part of Sahn Imam Khomeini (R.A.) and the Razavi Grand Courtyard (Sahn Jameh Razavi).It is the smallest courtyard of the holy shrine.
Sahn Jameh Razavi
The recently constructed grand courtyard in the holy shrine is called as Sahn Jameh Razavi. It is the largest courtyard of the holy shrine and occupies an area of 57000 square meters which includes its Shabistans and chambers.It is located in the Qeblah direction of the Gowharshad Mosque looking towards Imam Reza(A.S.) avenue. The large open area of this grand courtyard is for the performance of Friday prayers, daily congregational prayers, supplications and other religious gatherings.
Astan Quds Razavi Central Library
It is the most important and the largest library in the Islamic world. This historical library was founded in 363 A.H. /973 A.D., about 1027 years ago. There is a copy of the Holy Quran preserved in the library endowed by Muhammad ibn Kathir, the minister of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni dating back to the year 393 A.H./1002 A.D.
At present this library is furnished with half a million copies of books, and can store about five million copies in its spacious stores. The available books are in 46 currently spoken languages including 32485 rare manuscripts, 1000 albums and 36000 microfilms from the rare manuscripts of home and abroad.
There are 12000 hand written copies of the Holy Quran in the library. This is the largest collection of handwritten copies of the Holy Quran in the world. Some of the handwritten copies of the Holy Quran are attributed to be written by Shi\'ite Holy Imams like Imam Ali (A.S.),Imam Hasan(A.S.), Imam Husain(A.S.),Imam Sajjad(A.S.) and Imam Reza (A.S.) on the deer skin. The rare collection of the handwritten copies of the Holy Quran are displayed in the \"Quranic Treasure Museum\" situated within the precincts of the holy shrine.
The extraordinary preciousness of the exquisite copies of the Glorious Quran and that of matchless manuscripts as well as printed books preserved in this library have provided universal fame and credit for this cultural centre throughout the world.
A three - storied new complex for the library constructed on an area of 11000 sq meters is also considered as the miracle of Islamic architecture has been recently inaugurated and occupies an area of 28000 sq.meters. It is located at the northern side of bast Shaykh Toosi. (known as Bast-i Bala i-e Upper Bast). The architecture of new complex of the library is completely based on beautiful and intrinsic Islamic style.
There are different reading rooms\' allotted for men, women and children in this library which is also equipped with and audio-visual room, as well as rooms for men and women researchers. It is equipped with all the necessary sophisticated equipments needed for preserving the manuscripts. The library is centrally computerized with well furnished reading rooms, laboratories, treasure for rare manuscripts completely immune to all forms of disasters, conference hall, various specialized sections for newspapers and magazines, archives, calligraphy, traditional book - binding and casing, illuminating (gilding), painting (miniature) and designing of books.
Razavi University of Islamic Sciences
It is situated in the north of the Inqilab Courtyard (Sahn Atiq) and east of Bast Shaykh Tabarsi and occupies a total area of 22000 square meters.
After the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 the Mirza Jafar and Khairat Khan Islamic seminaries situated within the precincts of the holy shrine were rebuilt. Its ancient parts built during the Safavid period had been preserved and renovated and some new buildings have been added which altogether comprise the new Islamic university complex known as \"Razavi University of Islamic Sciences.\" The new four floored grand complex is biult in traditional Islamic architeture which includes 22 classrooms, two amphitheatres, 250 bedrooms, library and some other essential facilities. This Islamic university was inaugurated on 11th Zee -al Qa\'dah, 1404 A.H./ 8 August, 1984 on the birthday anniversary of Imam Reza (A.S.).
Islamic Research Foundation
The Islamic Research Foundation (briefly known as IRF) was established on Nov 12, 1984. On May 9, 1985, it was registered under No. 178 in Companies Registration Office in Mashhad, and started its activities right away. At present IRF is operating as a research and scholarly center affiliated to the Astan Quds Razavi Supreme Cultural Council,supervised by IRF\'s Board of Directors, and with the cooperation of researchers from Hawzah (Islamic Seminary) and universities in different research departments, aiming at the realization of the cultural goals of the Astan Quds Razavi. It has already published more than 1700 titles of books on various Islamic sciences.
Museums of the Astan Quds Razavi
The museums of the Astan Quds Razavi are among the richest museums of Islamic Republic of Iran, and are included among the most important art and cultural centres of the Islamic world.
The Astan Quds Razavi have several active museums which are as follows:
A) Central Museum:
B) Qur\'anic Treasure Museum:
C) The Museum of the Gifts Presented by the Paramount Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Astan Quds Razavi:
D) Stamp Museum:
E) The Museum of the History of Mashhad:
F) The Museum of the Finest Carpets:
The Islamic Seminaries in the Holy Shrine
1. Madrasa Bala Sar:
This Islamic seminary is located on the western part of the shrine. On its north are the Shabistans of the Gowharshad Mosque, on its east Dar-us-Siyadah, on its south is Dar al-Vilayah, and on its west it leads to the corridor of the Do-Dar Islamic Seminary.
According to the book, Matla-ush-Shams, it was built in 800 A.H., during the Timurid period. The grave of Mirza Abul Qasem Babur, the son of Baysunqor Mirza the son of Shahrukh Mirza, is under the dome located on the eastern side of this Islamic seminary.
The two-storied school has four Ivans. In the eastern Ivan an inscription in stucco in Thulth style, gives the date 1091 A.H., suggesting that the Islamic seminary was renovated during the reign of Shah Sulaiman Safavi. Inside the madrasa beautiful tile-work has been installed.
2- Madrasa Do-Dar:
Do-Dar Islamic Seminary is also located on the western part of the holy shrine. On its north is the Bast Shaykh Baha\'i, on its east is the Madrasa-i Bala Sar, on its south is the Dar al-Vilayah Riwaq and on its west is the Islamic Republic Courtyard.
It was built in 843 A.H. during the reign of Shahrukh Mirza, on the orders of Amir Yousuf bin Amir Shaykh Ali bin Amir Timur, who was also known as Ghiyasuddin Yousuf Khaja Bahadur.
The school has two domes, underneath which poetic verses has been written on tiles in beautiful inscriptions. Under one of the domes is a grave, over which the Ayat al-Kursi (The Holy Quran 2:255) is engraved. The grave is believed to be that of the builder of the madrasa.
The school has some of the most beautiful and attractive tile-work and inscriptions. It has two floors and several chambers. It was renovated in 1088 A.H., on the orders of Shah Sulaiman Safavi.
3-Madrasa Parizad
When the Gowharshad Mosque was under the construction on the orders of Gowharshad Agha,the wife of the Timurid Sultan,Shahrukh Mirza, one of the maid-servants of Gowharshad Agha by name Parizad started the construction of a madrasa which is located north of the Bast Shaykh Baha\'i and adjoined to Gowharshad Mosque.This Islamic seminary became famous as Madrasa Parizad.
4-Madrasa Nawab
During the reign of Shah Sulaiman Safavi, one of the nobles in Mashhad by the name Syed Abu Saleh Razavi constructed an Islamic seminary in the Bala Khiyaban adjoined to the holy shrine and became famous as \"Madrasa Nawab\". Beside this Islamic seminary there is a historical mosque known as Haj Mulla Hashem Mosque. Madrasa Nawab and the Haj Mulla Hashem Mosque has been renovated on a grand scale recently by the Astan Quds Razavi.
Clocks and Clock Towers of the Holy Shrine
The Western Ivan (balcony) of the Inqilab Courtyard is famous as Ivan-i Sa\'at (the Clock Tower) and is adjoined to the Bast Shaykh Toosi. The clock atop was installed during the reign of Muzaffaruddin Shah Qajar in 1900 A.D. In the past times, when the holy city of Mashhad was a small city, the tolling of the mentioned clocks was heard by everybody and were also known as public clocks in the holy city of Mashhad. It is mentioned that the holy shrine possessed clocks even during the Safavid period. At present there are two clocks in the Central Museum of the holy shrine,which dates back to the Safavid period. In 1966 A.D., however, the old mechanism of the clock atop the Western Ivan was replaced by a new electronic one. The old clock is now placed on the clock tower situated between the Azadi and Imam Khomeini (R.A.) Courtyards.
A Large Stone Sun-Dial
After the construction of the Islamic Republic Courtyard (Sahn Jumhuri Islami) a large stone sun-dial was installed in its center to indicate the noon prayer time.
Welfare Facilities
1) Imam Reza (A.S.) Hospital (Dar-al-Shifa).
Imam Reza (A.S.) Hospital known as Dar al-Shifa-e- Imam (A.S.) renders medical services to the pilgrims on non-profit basis. It is located on the southern side of the Bast Shaykh Hur Ameli (Lower Bast) and opposite to the Astan Quds Razavi Inn. This two floored hospital occupies an area of 22000 square meters and was inaugurated in 1981.
2) Astan Quds Razavi\'s Inn:
The foreign and local pilgrims are served lunch at the Inn free of charge. To be the guest of Imam Reza (A.S.) at the Inn the \"Foreign Pilgrims\" should take their passports to the office located beside the tomb of Shaykh Hur Ameli at the Inqilab Courtyard and obtain the necessary coupons.
3) Consignment Offices:
These offices are located in the Inqilab, Azadi, Imam Khomeini (R.A.) and the Islamic Republic Courtyards, as well as in some Riwaqs inside the holy shrine and at the entrances for the convenience of the pilgrims in order to keep their personal valuable belongings and objects as long as they wish.
4) Endowments Office:
For receiving the offerings and endowments from the pilgrims many endowments offices have been established in the holy shrine. These offices are located in Dar al-Sharaf, Dar al-Vilayah and Dar al-Suroor porches and Inqilab, Gowharshad Mosque, Imam Khomeini (R.A.) and Azadi Courtyards. Receipts are given to the donors after receiving the endowments in cash or kind. There is also a chamber in the Inqilab Courtyard which sells wheat for the feeding of pigeons at this courtyard.
5) Offices Dealing with Missing Persons and Objects:
The offices dealing with the missing persons and objects are located in the Inqilab and Jumhuri Islami courtyards. The identities of those missing are regularly announced through the loud speakers of these offices.
6) Offices of Religious Affairs:
These offices are located in the Azadi and Gowharshad Mosque courtyards. These offices give replies to all the religious issues. There is a office in the Azadi courtyard to collect the religious funds (Khums, Zakat etc.) and legal alms(Sadaqat).
7) Security Office:
A Security Office is located at Inqilab Courtyard and handles disciplinary affairs and possible social abuses such as theft.
8) Office for Assisting Pilgrims:
This office is located at the Inqilab Courtyard to provide help and assistance in cash or kind to the pilgrims.
A) Office of the Prayers Leaders of the holy city of Mashhad is situated in the Gowharshad Mosque Courtyard.
B) Office of the Religious Groups of the holy city of Mashhad is situated in the Inqilab Courtyard.
C) Office of the Pilgrims Healed Miraculously is located in the Inqilab Courtyard. It registers and maintains a record of pilgrims who have been miraculously cured in the holy shrine by Imam Reza (A.S.).
D) A pavilion is situated in the Gowharshad Mosque to teach the art of the recitation of the Holy Quran.
9) Administrative Affairs Offices:
A) Office of the Cultural Affairs of the holy shrine is situated in the Islamic Republic Courtyard.
B) International Relations Office: It deals with the affairs of the non-Iranian pilgrims and its office is situated in the Islamic Republic Courtyard.This office is responsible for all the international affairs of Astan Quds Razavi.
C) Department of Propagation in the Holy Shrine: Its offices are located in the Gowharshad Mosque and Imam Khomeini (R.A.) Courtyards.
D) Public Relations Office: It is located in the Imam Khomeini (R.A.) Courtyard.
E) Office for Burial Affairs: This office is located in the Azadi Courtyard and deals with all the affairs related for burial within the precincts of the holy shrine.
10) Places for Ablution (Wuzukhaneh):
There are places for pilgrims to perform their ablutions before entering the holy shrine to perform their prayers and ziyarah. In these public convenience places special lavatories for invalids have been provided. These Wuzukhaneh have been equipped with hygienic liquid soaps for washing hands, and also fragrant substances for perfuming and cleaning the space over there.
Customs Performed in the Holy Shrine
Custom of Dust Sweeping (Ghobar-Roobi)
The grand and magnificent custom of dust sweeping in the burial chamber of the holy shrine is performed with many graceful ceremonies. It is performed many times in the year on the eve of the religious festival days like Idd-ul-Fitr or the birthday occasions of the Holy Infallible Imams (A.S.).
Distinguished personalities of the country are given the great honour of sweeping the dust within and around the holy burial chamber, because the lovers of the Holy Ahlul Bayt(A.S.) consider this dust as sacred and collyrium for their eyes.
During the ceremony, first all the offerings of the pilgrims present in the Holy Zareeh are transferred to the treasury in special sealed bags. Then the holy grave and the burial chamber are washed with pure rose water. During this sacred and auspicious ceremony, the recitors (Qaris) of the Holy Qur\'an, recite continuously the verses from the Holy Qur\'an. The elegiac poetries recited in the praise of the Holy Infallible Imams (A.S.) manifolds the spiritual fragrance of the holy burial chamber.
The sublime and spiritual atmosphere spreading over the ceremony sinks everybody into the divinity and splendor of the ceremony.
And finally, when the glorious rite is finished a precious gift comprising some sacred dust of the HolyZarih(burial chamber),and sacred candy, is granted by the Grand Reverend Custodian of the Holy Shrine to the invited, orderly standing throughout the holy rite\'s performance.
Customary Recitation of the Sermons
The rite which is performed exclusively in the Astan Quds Razavi is the custom of recitation of the special sermons on the night of Ashura (the 10th day of Moharram, the day of martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.)) and the night of the day of martyrdom of Imam Reza (A.S.).
The reverend custodian of the Astan Quds Razavi invites distinguished personalities to attend this rite.
The invitees along with the attendants of the holy shrine gather in the Dar al-Ziyafah porch. The orator delivers the sermon from the top of the pulpit and narrates the tragic events which occurred on that day in history.
After the completion of this sermon and narration of tragic events, the reverend custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, along with all the distinguished guests and the attendants of the holy shrine with burning candles in their hands enter the Inqilab Courtyard and stand in well-organized and systematic row.
At this moment the attendants move slowly on all the sides of the court while reciting in sad and sorrowful voices, the mournful songs and elegiac poetries in praise of the Holy Imams (A.S.).
After the completion of the recitation of the mournful songs and elegiac poetries, the orator delivers the special sermon from the top of a place especially arranged for this occasion.
The sermon includes praise of Allah Almighty, eulogies, blessings and salutations for the Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.), and the Holy Imams (A.S.) particularly Imam of the Age, the Twelfth Imam, Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.).
Administration
The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.) is administered by an efficient organization known as Astan Quds Razavi.The Astan Quds Razavi is under the supervision of the Chief Reverend Custodian appointed directly by the Paramount Leader of Islamic Republic of Iran.During the last twenty-three years the Astan Quds Razavi under the capable and efficient administration of Ayatullah Abbas Waiz Tabasi,the Reverend Chief Custodian of the holy shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.) has been transformed and extended on a grand scale unprecedented in the 1200 years old long history of the shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.).During last 34 years the holy shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.) has been extended six times more than its total expansion during last 1200 years.
Imam Reza(A.S.) International University
Astan Quds Razavi obtained the permission from the Ministry of Higher Education ,Research and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Training to establish its second university in the holy city of Mashhad.
The top priority of this university is to first start a medical university and its related hospital. The construction project of the medical university and its related hospital started in 1991 on an infrastructure of about 46500 square meters. This medical university will be equipped with different facilities for teaching medical subjects.
Behnashr Company
Because of expanding research activities and compiling books and publishing magazines and various periodicals in the Astan Quds Razavi it seemed to be necessary to establish an institution to distribute the published books in Iran or in other countries according to an acceptable system and regulation. Therefore, the Astan Quds Razavi decided to establish the Behnashr company. This Company started its activities in 1986, and expanded and developed itself through inaugurating several centers in Mashhad, Tehran, Qom and other cities.
Press and Publication Organization of Astan Quds Razavi
It has been established to publish the works from scholars in various fields of sciences. It had published more than one thousand books on various fields of knowledge. It also manages two grand book shops in the holy city of Mashhad. Till 1995, it printed 1704 titles of books with a circulation of 6.5 million copies. The responsibility of distribution of books published by the various organizations of Astan Quds Razavi has been recently delegated to Behnashr company.
International Congress on Imam Reza(A.S.)
In order to acquaint with various dimensions of the life of Holy and Infallible Imams (A.S.) particularly Imam Reza(A.S.), till now four international seminars has been conducted by Astan Quds Razavi.
The research papers read in these seminars and the research work carried out by renowned scholoars in this regard have been published in the form of many highly informative books on the various aspects of the lives of Imam Musa al-Kazim(A.S.) and Imam Reza(A.S.).
Razavi Cultural Foundation
This cultural organization was founded in 1986 for the sake of general participation of public in educational activities. It carries out educational activities in the fields of medicine, engineering, agriculture, science and humanities by establishing primary schools, high schools and colleges.
It also donates land for the purpose of the construction of educational institutions. Till the end of 2000 more than 7000 students were studying in the educational institutions affiliated to the Razavi Cultural Foundation.
Quds Cultural Organization
This organization was established by Astan Quds Razavi to publish newspapers and magazines. This organization publishes a large circulating multi-coloured daily newspaper \"Quds\" in Persian, which is published every morning simultaneously from Tehran and Mashhad.
The Quds daily recently has gone on internet and its website address is as follows:
http://www.qudsdaily.com
This organization also publishes a magazine titled \"Za\'ir\" (pilgrim) for the information and knowledge of the pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.)
Artistic Creativity Center
This center was established in 1990 to train skilled artists in various fields of Islamic arts like calligraphy, painting and illumination.This organization has recently inaugurated a modern sophisticated cultural centre in the heart of the holy city of Mashhad.
Physical Training Organization of the Astan Quds Razavi
Physical Training Organization of the Astan Quds Razavi has also constructed many fully equipped multi-purpose sports complexes like stadiums, gymnasiums and swimming pools in the city of Mashhad. The sports facilities developed by the Astan Quds Razavi is the largest non-governmental sports facilities in Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic countries.
The Industrial and Commercial Units of the Astan Quds Razavi
Astan Quds Razavi has established many industrial and production companies and firms in order to participate in the development of economy of the country as well as to generate new income to the holy shrine. Astan Quds Razavi has established till now 63 companies and industries in the field of carpet weaving,. bread-baking, cold storage and conservatives, mosaic tiles, granite stones, sugar, textile, bus manufacturing, serum production, transport, commerce, water and soil, wood industry and the Sarakhs Free Economic Zone.
The Agricultural Units of the Astan Quds Razavi
Astan Quds Razavi in order to revive and develop the agricultural properties and holdings endowed to the holy shrine, is carrying out tremendous activities in the field of agriculture, forestry, gardening, animal husbandry, horticulture and agro based industries.
The magnificent and marvelous buildings and structures in the holy shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) situated in the holy city of Mashhad,Iran, comprises one of the oldest and most beautiful religious and historical monuments in the world. The visitors, travelers and historians have called this religious complex as \"The Glory of the Islamic World\".
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