Iran’s Minister of Culture Personally Attends Opening of Mosque Library

A mosque that had been closed for months has been transformed into one of the city’s most important and well-equipped cultural complexes, thanks to the presence of Hojjatoleslam Rahimzadegan as the local Imam and the support of the people and officials.

According to cinemadrame News Agency, Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Javad Rahimzadegan, the local Imam of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) Mosque in Sadra City, is tirelessly and compassionately creating positive and meaningful changes in the mosque’s surrounding community. Since entering the seminary in 2005, he began his activities with the intention of serving the people and strengthening social connections.

Before Hojjatoleslam Zadegan’s arrival at this mosque, its doors had been closed for eight months. But since he arrived, through various planning and initiatives, he has transformed the mosque into a vibrant and lively hub. One of his creative initiatives is establishing a gathering place for teenage girls on the upper floor of the mosque, which hosts birthday parties and cultural programs.

With the efforts of the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Shah Cheragh (AS) and in cooperation with city officials, the mosque’s basement has become the largest and best-equipped public library in Sadra City. Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance personally attended the opening of the “Amin Velayat” Public Library. This complex, with 8,000 books and a foundation of 750 square meters, includes sections for storage, periodicals, children’s and games, a general study hall, a special study hall, a science and creativity workshop, a youth section, and a co-working space.

The establishment of the library led to 600 members, drawing them into the mosque. Among them were women who did not wear full hijab, but through cultural promotion, encouragement, and persuasion, they gradually moved towards appropriate hijab.

The Imam and residents of this mosque also pay special attention to social affairs. During the Decade of Generosity (Hezhe-ye Keramat), with public donations, they freed two prisoners of unintentional crimes. Throughout the year, they also prepare and distribute livelihood packages for those in need on various occasions. They successfully obtained a license to establish an arbitration center with the aim of reducing family and social disputes, which is in its final stages.

During the holy month of Ramadan, they host Iftar (breaking fast) meals for thirty nights and hold Quranic recitation sessions along with تفسير (interpretation) classes. In addition, they address current issues and respond to doubts in enlightening sessions and “Jihad of Clarification” (Jihad-e Tabyin) programs.

Women have numerous classes and programs throughout the week. Sessions for memorization and interpretation of the Quran, Sahifa Sajjadiyya, Nahj al-Balagha, etc., are held. During this period, several local bazaars have been set up, and women’s homemade products have been sold at the mosque.

Hojjatoleslam Zadegan’s regular presence and diverse activities at the mosque have not only revitalized this sacred place but have also kept smiles and hope alive in the hearts of the people of this region. With his social and collectivist approach, he seeks to bring about positive change and transformation in the lives of community members, and with strong will and a kind heart, he continues to serve God’s creation.