IRIC Statement on the Passing Away of Pope Francis

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

In the Holy Quran, Chapter Aal-i-Imran, Verse 64, Allah talks to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him):

Say, O People of the Book! Come to a word common between us and you:

“That we will worship no one but Allah, and that we will not ascribe any partner to Him, and that we will not take each other as lords besides Allah”

The Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC) would like to express its heartfelt condolences to all Christians of the world on the passing away of Honorable Pope Francis. The Pope was a respected leader who dedicated his whole life to peace, humanity, and sincerity amongst people of the world.

Pope Francis’s endeavors and his invaluable creativity for proximity between Abrahamic religions, particularly Islam and Christianity, was a significant approach in combating Islamophobia and any religious extremism. The end result of such an important stance was respect among the believers and strengthening spirit of faith and piety in combating transgressors and unjust people of our time.

The Islamic Research and Information Center, IRIC, would like to take this opportunity to convey its sincere condolences to all benevolent and peace-loving people of the world for the unfortunate loss of such an honorable religious leader.

At the end, we would like to pray for the return of the Promised Savior of all Abrahamic religions who brings peace and tranquility to all peoples of the world.

Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)

March 15, 2024

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

In recent years, Muslims have witnessed an alarming increase in Islamophobia in the West, manifested through despicable acts like the vandalization of mosques, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and hate crimes. Muslims have endured targeted attacks, discriminatory policies, and systemic marginalization, jeopardizing their fundamental rights, safety, well-being, and sense of belonging.

For example, in 2019, a tragic event unfolded in Christchurch, New Zealand, where an individual attacked two mosques, resulting in the loss of 51 lives. Similarly, an appalling incident took place in Quebec City, Canada, in 2017, where an attack on a mosque claimed six lives. The senseless killings of three young American Muslims in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 2015 highlighted the severity of Islamophobia. Moreover, the sharp rise in Islamophobic attacks on mosques and individuals in the UK, and the desecration of Islamic symbols in Sweden and Denmark – like burning the Quran – serve as further illustrations of this troubling trend.

Equally disquieting are the Islamophobic policies enacted or suggested by Western governments in recent times. Examples include the Muslim Ban in the US (2017), the Anti-Separatism Law in France (2021), bans on full-face veils in countries like Switzerland and Austria, the Prevent strategy in the UK, the French bans on hijab for athletes (2024) and students (2023), and the call for Muslim immigration bans by an Australian senator (2017).

The detrimental role of the mainstream media and certain institutions in perpetuating Islamophobia by erroneously linking extremist actions performed in the name of Islam by groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS with the authentic teachings of the faith is deeply concerning. Such misrepresentations not only reinforce stereotypes but also contribute to the continuation of fear and prejudice against Muslims.

Confronting the harsh realities of Islamophobia, the Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC) emphasizes the necessity of enacting anti-hate-crime legislation and implementing measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes targeting Muslims. We advocate for the establishment of robust legal frameworks that guarantee the protection of the rights and dignity of individuals and communities affected by Islamophobic incidents. Additionally, IRIC is committed to establishing interfaith dialogue and conducting public awareness campaigns that challenge prejudices, debunk myths, and cultivate an accurate understanding of Islam and the Muslim community.

As the Holy Quran reminds us: “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (The Holy Quran, 49:13). This verse underlines the essence of our shared humanity and the beauty of diversity ordained by the Creator. It is our duty to nurture mutual understanding, respect, and harmony among all individuals. By recognizing our shared humanity and upholding the values of compassion and empathy, we can overcome the barriers of ignorance and intolerance fueling Islamophobia.

On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, IRIC extends its solidarity to communities worldwide in condemning all forms of bias, discrimination, and animosity towards Muslims. As proponents of social justice and intercultural understanding, we stress the imperative of combating and eradicating Islamophobia. To observe this significant day, here are several practical suggestions:

1. Actively commemorate the day by engaging in meaningful discussions, events, and activities that raise awareness about Islamophobia and promote dialogue.
2. Encourage Western media outlets to invite intellectual Muslims for interviews, articles, or reports, providing platforms for sharing their perspectives and fostering a more nuanced understanding of Islam and Muslims.
3. Develop media campaigns and educational materials aimed at dispelling myths and addressing the harms of Islamophobia within communities.
4. Organize lectures, seminars, or workshops in educational institutions to educate students and faculty about the impact of Islamophobia and effective counterstrategies.

By implementing these practical suggestions, we can progress towards building bridges of empathy and eliminating misconceptions.

In conclusion, we call upon governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and individuals globally to unite in combatting Islamophobia and supporting initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and mutual respect. Let us collaborate in creating a future where Islamophobia is eradicated, and where unity and compassion guide our interactions with one another. May Allah illuminate our hearts and minds with righteousness, granting us the wisdom and fortitude to confront injustice and ignorance wherever they may arise.

Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)

www.IRIC.org

“We belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return” [Holy Quran]

On the very sad and heartbreaking news of the passing away of Haj Mohammad Taqi Ansarian, on behalf of the Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC), we would like to express our condolences to members of his family, friends and active members of the Islamic schools, Muslim communities, and all those who are concerned about promotion and distribution of the teachings of Ahlul-bait (a.s.)  around the world .

Brother Ansarian, the founder of Ansarian Publications, the major publishing house in Qom Iran, has translated and published many books in different languages, to say the least, that were quite influential for those who grew up reading as kids and youth and well into adulthood and until now especially in the West. The Education Department of IRIC, since its start of Islamic Classes in the Islamic Education Center in the U.S. has had close cooperation with Mr. Ansarian and benefitted from his efforts and various Islamic activities.

May Brother Ansarian’s soul rest in peace and receive graces and bounties of Allah under the guardianship of the Imam of our Era, Imam Mahdi (May Allah hasten his return).

Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)
20 August 2022

This year, due to the COVID-19 concerns, the World Summit will be held virtually from October 16 to 18, 2021 with the slogan: “For a Peaceful, Just, and Sustainable World.”

IRIC, as an Islamic organization with a consultative status in the United Nations ECOSOC, is participating in this conference, and will have the following two presentations:

1- Session #1661 entitled “The Arbaeen Pilgrimage: Spiritual Journey to Wellbeing”
Sunday, October 17^th, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Central US Time (UTC -5)

2- Session #1598 entitled “The Global Religious Environment Depending on the Preservation and Development of the Holy Sites”
Sunday, October 17^th, from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM Central US Time (UTC -5)

انا لله و انا الیه راجعون

“We belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return”

[The Holy Quran]

The horrific and gruesome news about the martyrdom of more than 50 girl students at Sayed ul-Shohada High School in Kabul was shocking and quite disturbing. The name of the high school which means “The Master of the Martyrs” refers to and is a reminder of the terrifying violence by the infidels of the time against Imam Hussain (a.s.), the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH). Now, the history is repeating itself.

We, at the Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC), strongly condemn this barbaric and terrorist attack against the innocent students whose only sin was that they were Shia girls. We ask all relevant international organizations and local authorities to hold accountable those who performed such a heinous crime.

We, at IRIC, are deeply saddened by this violent act and express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the martyred students. May Allah, the Almighty and Exalted, bring comfort and peace to them and punish the ones responsible for this inhumane act of violence in this world and in the Hereafter.

IRIC Management, Researchers and Staff

This senseless attack was an affront not only to the Muslim Community in New Zealand, but also to the people of New Zealand, and the broader humanity. It was a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency and friendship and to those who believe in interfaith dialogue and coexistence among the followers of religions.

Real Muslims are the followers of the Prophet of mercy and peace, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), and those who have lived peacefully with the followers of other religions in different countries for many years.

Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC) condemns these barbaric attacks and is determined to continuously combat Islamophobia, heinous terrorism and violence in cooperation with other peace-loving people and organizations and the international community.

We believe such evil acts can never defeat compassion and tolerance at this most heartbreaking of times and it is the responsibility of the international community to confront the rhetoric of hatred and terrorism, which is not recognized by religions or values of coexistence among peoples.

IRIC strongly condemns the incident and expresses its condolences to those who lost their loved ones and extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured and wishing the injured an early recovery. May Almighty Allah expedite reappearance of the Promised Savior in order to terminate all cruelty and injustice in the world.

Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)
(Status of Consultant at the United Nations)
17 March 2019

A group of 14 scholars from different countries who were interested to participate in a one-week intensive course on Shi’ism that was organized by the University of Religions and Denominations in Qum City accepted the invitation of IRIC to attend in a one-day Colloquium on Academic Shi’a Studies in Tehran at the end of their educational course.

This program was held in the premise of Encyclopaedia Islamica Foundation on Thursday, August 31, 2017. The participants got to know about the activities and mission of Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC) by Dr. Abdollah Edrisi. Then Dr. Maryam Mousavi and Dr. Fatemeh Taromi Rad presented the progress report on “Shi’i Studies in the United Kingdom” project.

Professors and scholars participated in the brainstorming workshop for “Research Proposals on Shi’i Studies” led by Dr. Hamid Azarinia, Institute of Imamite Studies.

The other programs were a presentation by Dr. Morteza Karimi-Nia on “Some new documents in the history of the Qurʾan; And some new findings in the history of Shīʿī tafsīr” and an introduction to Encyclopaedia Islamica Foundation and a visit to its Library by Dr. Parviz Salmani.

Professors, experts and scholars like Dr. Kurt Richardson, University of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Alena Kulinich, London University, Britain, Dr. Filiz Kartal, Institute for Turkey and the Middle East, Turkey, Dr. Edith Szanto, The American University, Iraq, Dolores Richardson, Zakia Aqra, Angela Sogor, Paniz Musawi, participated in this colloquium.