Undoubtedly, the scientific and academic foundations play undeniable roles in promoting each community culturally. This issue regarding the specialized foundations in religious science domains is more important in societies like Iran. The university of religions is one of the oldest and most important active scientific centers in this regard. It has been active in offering cultural products for two decades. Here is an interview with “Seyyed Abul Hassan Nawwab” who is the founder and the manager of the university.
Explain about the history, necessity and the aims of establishing the university of religions?
In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a rainbow of religions, tribes and cults. Nowadays, there is an idea in the world that having various tribes, nationalities and religions increase the security ratio of the country. So, we consider the presence of tribes, religions and cults in our country as opportunities not as threats. We believe that this rainbow will be changed into desirable and agreeable one if we exploit the opportunities and seize this capacity. Now, I explain about the necessity of establishing this university. I have travelled to various parts of the world. I found out that the religious world and we don’t know each other suitably. For instance there is country in the south of Iran which is half on hour far from Bandar Abbas by air. The religion of this country is “Abazi” which has been formally recognized by the Islamic conference organization. Most of us don’t know about this religion. In this university Budaism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrian religion are being taught
The Syllabi of the university have been criticized. The critics say: If translation isn’t accompanied by adequate analysis and extensive research, it will lead to deviation. What is your evaluation?
First, it should be said that all texts aren’t translated. Many texts have been written by our friends. Second, these materials are being taught by specialized masters; basically one of our aims is to train our course in a completely adapted form.
How do you evaluate the function of the university?
Our university is so effective on various academic centers and great universities in the country. Nearly 100 Ph.D. students have been graduated from the university. They are active in sensitive centers of the country, now.
Some people believe that the word minority is a negative and discriminating word. How do you evaluate this issue?
I have never used this word and won’t use at all. The tribes and minorities of Iran make a rainbow which leads us be perfect. They have been the sources of disunity, at all. I don’t use the word minority; instead I use the word tribe and religion. The present tribes and religion of Iran have made Iran be improved, progressed and perfect. They have devoted for the Iranian country a lot.
Some people in charge use the word “the triangle discrimination” for the minorities. What is your opinion in this regard?
This concept has been originated from two points of view: a religious look and a national aspect. The religious aspect is a look by which the holy prophet (P.H.) had towards people. All the time, he was calling people to respect each other. The second aspect is that the Iranians respect others. Entertaining and love of guests and being friendly are of their national features. Consequently, using such expressions can be evaluated as religious, national and civil dimensions.
One of the common issues regarding the minorities is their presence at social and political issues. Sepanta Niknam is one of the cases and the last one. What’s your viewpoint in this regard? What strategies do you suggest to improve and develop this issue?
I consider the city council as a social foundation; not a governmental one; so I believe that the importance of the presence of representatives from all minorities and religions in these council isn’t more important than the Islamic council Parliament. As you know, there is a Zoroastrian representative in decision aiming foundation of Parliament. Who says that the importance of city council is more than the Islamic council parliament? Thus, the minorities must be present in the city council as they are present at parliament.
Regarding your occupational status and the scientific situation, which measures have been done to improve the recognition of religious minority conditions, challenges, requirements and exploiting their capacities?
Which center can be more influential than the one whose aim is to produce science and to improve insight in the field of religions? Undoubtedly, educating thousand students and masters has an earnest role in illustration. One of our important me issues in this regard is 400 books compiled at university. Several books have been published for 10 times. Who are using these books? How are the public thoughts being made? This university has tried to have active roles in this field by writing, studying, teaching, interviewing, writing theses and participating in conferences.
How do you evaluate the functions of other academic and cultural foundations?
I can’t mention our area of power and others’ area of weakness. Other foundations are trying, too. However, the university of religions has specialized function. It is active in this regard deeply. Of course, others are trying to fulfill their duties and to play their roles.
Based on the tribal and religious variety in Iran, what are the strategies for preserving unity and internal integrity?
The unity and integrity in the country can be acquired by the serious respect among people. The Armenians are free in their ceremonies. Once the French ambassador had come to visit me I asked him: why don’t you behave with the Muslim people of your country like our behaviors with the Armenians? We never tell the Armenians to become Muslims and they don’t meddle with our affairs and beliefs, too. They live alongside with us freely. The supreme leader of Iran respects the minorities including the Armenians. Previously, the minorities had to announce their religions by setting up some boards on their shops in order for the Muslims not to purchase anything; however, the supreme leader disagreed this action because he considers the followers of the monotheistic religions are pure ones. I myself believe that all human beings are pure and no human being is impure.
What scientific strategies do you suggest in social and cultural domains to improve the respect spirit based on the humane greatness?
According to me, the intellectual action should be started from Qom city. The respect spirit should be started from Qom. Nowadays in Lebanon, if a Muslim scholar’s car has a flat tire, the Christian citizens will help him immediately. They have been educated since childhood that they must respect the religious scholars in spite of his religion.
What is your viewpoint towards the dialogue of religions? How do you evaluate its achievements?
The dialogue of religions is a necessity. It has been started after the victory of Islamic Republic of Iran. It has been continuing for 40 years. Dialogues with the Orthodox, catholic people, Buddhists, Hindus and the followers of other religions continue and play an influential role in awakening people’s thoughts
How much have the aims of the religion dialogues been fulfilled?
The understanding this issue and the extent of its effects depends on investigating the religion conditions in various periods of time. In a period of time, the Christians considered us atheists. However, the violence decreased by the passage of time.
How can we use the capacity of religious minorities in the discussion of religion dialogues, according to you?
The present approach is suitable; but its layers must be increased. That is, we should teach offspring. I have visited the minister of sport recently and asked: why was Ararat team (belonged to the Christians) cancelled? Ararat team was one of the best ones in the past. Of course, the athletic-cultural Ararat club is active in other fields; but it isn’t active in the super leagues as before.
What are the social elites and the students of religion courses’ role in the concept of dialogues of religions? How must the potentials of the scientific foundations such as universities be exploited?
We must believe in serious participation and wisdom in religion dialogues. We never try for a Christian to be Muslim and vise versa. According to Imam Khomeini (P.H.), we want the Christians to be similar to the Jesus Christ (P.H.) not to Americans and the Jewish to behave like Moses (P.H.) not to Zionists. We don’t believe in the American Islam and the English Shiite. We believe in the Muhammadan Islam (P.H.) Allah says in the holy Quran:
“ تَعَالَوْا إِلَى كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ ” (آل عمران/۶۴)
“Come to an agreement between us and you…” (Al-Imran/64)
If the social elites and the foundations which are producing cultural productions take such approach in the practical studies and measures, their achievements and intellectual productions will be more influential?
As you know the seventh conference of parliament of the world religions will be held in next Aban. The people in charge of the mentioned foundation consider the conference as the symbol of dialogue among religions. In contrast, another group considers it as a kind of deviation and criticizes. What is your opinion?
Fortunately, the university of religions has been successful in participating at several conferences of the parliament of the world religions. According to me, it is considered as a really good opportunity for us to participate in the international domain. Of course, the foundation has several areas of weakness; for instance, some people say: Why are do Baha’is present alongside with other religions? It should be said that in a sea created by God, there are sharks, pearls and priceless objects. Rain is the most beautiful sign of the divine mercy; but the thistles which injure our hands and feet are being benefited by the rain.
