معرفی موسسه

Introduction

The present age is often described as an “age of the crisis of meaning,” owing to the failure of human intellectual schools to resolve humanity’s spiritual crises. Intellectual, ethical, political, and cultural challenges have so deeply permeated human life that persistent and tireless efforts to find a life-giving path toward true happiness continue unabated.

This condition has, in turn, intensified the global inclination toward Islam as a life-giving religion—one that, grounded in divine teachings, offers authentic principles for addressing both worldly and spiritual concerns, and presents an elevated program for humanity’s eternal felicity. As a result, the rate of conversion to Islam has increased in comparison with other religions, a development that has at times provoked heightened hostility toward Islam and Muslims.

Nevertheless, within Islamic societies themselves, various schools and denominations exist. Despite their many shared foundations, each presents its own distinctive teachings. From extremist movements such as takfiri groups to moderate perspectives and ethnic or secular tendencies, diverse interpretations of Islam are advanced. Some of these interpretations stand in clear contradiction to Islam’s authentic teachings and, in practice, contribute to the spread of Islamophobia and anti-Islamic sentiment.

Shi‘ism, whose roots lie in the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), is founded upon two essential pillars—the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and his Ahl al-Bayt—as explicitly affirmed in the Hadith of the Two Weighty Things (Hadith al-Thaqalayn), in addition to reliance upon sound reason. From this perspective, Shi‘ism maintains that within today’s pluralistic world it possesses a coherent, stable, and effective framework capable of guiding humanity toward true happiness.

However, due to limited interaction between Shi‘a intellectuals and academic institutions in general—and particularly with research centers in the Islamic world—the presence and participation of the authentic discourse of Twelver Shi‘ism has not reached a desirable level. This situation has led to the diminished visibility of the life-giving thought of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) within global academic and cultural forums.

Furthermore, there remains a lack of precise and up-to-date data capable of accurately capturing the capacities of the global Shi‘a community and reflecting the true condition of Shi‘ism in the contemporary era. Existing statistics often lack sufficient depth and accuracy. Consequently, the potential for synergy and cooperation among Shi‘a institutions has weakened, while fragmented and parallel activities have increased. This challenge becomes even more acute when extremist or ill-informed groups—through conspicuous media presence or inappropriate actions—provoke others or interfere in the affairs of different peoples and nations, thereby contributing to the further marginalization of Shi‘a communities abroad.

Despite the richness of Shi‘a intellectual heritage, insufficient and ineffective presentation within the competitive arena of contemporary intellectual and cultural currents has created an urgent need for its rearticulation in modern formats aligned with the needs of today’s world. This limited presence has enabled opponents—more attuned to international audiences and adept at utilizing contemporary modes of content delivery—to gradually assume the role of defining Shi‘ism, resulting in an image that does not accurately or adequately represent it to non-Shi‘a audiences.

In response, the Al-Bayan Institute seeks, through a scholarly approach and by employing cultural and media tools, to present a clear and systematic introduction to the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and to facilitate dialogue and deeper mutual understanding with other intellectual traditions, religions, and denominations. Guided by the statement of Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him), “If people were to know the beauty of our words, they would surely follow us,” the Institute holds that accurate and faithful presentation of the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)—across intellectual, ethical, legal, political, and social dimensions—is the only sound path to introducing the noble tradition of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Mission

The “Al-Bayan Institute for Communication and Foundational Studies,” grounded in its belief in the truth and authenticity of the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), aims to introduce Shi‘a studies—particularly to non-Shi‘a audiences. It endeavors to present the dimensions of the Ahl al-Bayt’s intellectual system through the perspectives of Shi‘a scholars, in accordance with contemporary needs and within globally accessible frameworks, while engaging extensively with non-Shi‘a centers and groups to foster shared understanding of these teachings.

Strategies

To present the intellectual and practical system of the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) in a precise and systematic manner, across diverse fields, using contemporary and internationally recognized scholarly formats, and addressing the issues of the modern world.

To meet diverse research and educational needs in Shi‘a studies through the provision of specialized cultural services.

To engage in broad interaction and cooperation with non-Shi‘a institutions worldwide, based on the principles of scholarly dialogue and adherence to ethical and professional standards.

To identify, organize, and network information related to Shi‘a centers, figures, and activities at regional and global levels, and to design joint programs and initiatives.

To pursue future-oriented research in Shi‘a studies with the aim of developing medium- and long-term perspectives, offering informed consultation for contemporary decision-making, and enhancing the capacity for intelligent choices aligned with evolving conditions and the shaping of a desirable future world.

Overview of Selected Programs

Encyclopedia of Shi‘a Teachings
The compilation of a series of accessible and systematically organized books, adopting an explanatory and descriptive approach, to introduce non-Shi‘a audiences to Shi‘a culture and teachings across various fields, in light of current needs, issues, and priorities.

Development of Reference Works in Shi‘a Studies
The organization and documentation of Shi‘a studies knowledge and information in the form of authoritative reference resources, made accessible to scholars and elites worldwide.

Comprehensive Database of Shi‘a Information and Statistics
The systematic collection and up-to-date processing of data and statistics concerning Shi‘a figures, institutions, centers, conferences, publications, and related activities, to be made available through an integrated information system for institutions and individuals.

Educational Programs in Shi‘a Studies
The organization or sharing of educational courses on diverse topics in Shi‘a studies for non-Shi‘a audiences, introducing the scientific, cultural, social, and political dimensions of Shi‘ism.

Academic Forums and Specialized Seminars
The organization of academic meetings and specialized seminars in the form of transparent and respectful dialogues with other groups, aimed at clarifying Shi‘a teachings, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing contentious issues without media-driven or promotional agendas.

Research and Cultural Services
The provision of diverse research and cultural services for those interested in Shi‘a studies and researchers in the field, including recommending speakers, offering consultation for the authorship of books, articles, and theses, establishing a specialized Shi‘a studies library with thematic classification, proposing guided reading paths, and introducing academic and seminary opportunities in Shi‘a studies, among other initiatives.