Tarikh Islam

Qom seminary is an influential scientific, cultural and social institution in the contemporary history of Iran, and like any other society or social institution whose course of movement (evolutionary or devolutionary) is discussed, it can be hopeful and trust-inspiring or otherwise. Therefore, it is important to answer this question: "What has been the evolutionary course of Qom seminary?" With the aim of answering the mentioned question, the theoretical concepts and foundations, the views of social thinkers and philosophers of history about the history and the indicators of evolution have been investigated. Using the theory of Muslim thinkers, especially Martyr Mutahari and Ayatullah Misbah Yazdi, a theoretical basis has been provided for answering this question. According to this theory, evolution in any society or social institution (mental or real) is caused by the actualization of talents and potential capacities of that society or institution in a period of history or throughout history. Examining the evolution of Qom seminary shows that it has gone through four stages: the cultural establishment stage, the socialization stage, the politicization stage, and the civilization stage. An empirical study of the evolutionary course of Qom seminary indicates the cultural elements and potential capacities that have made it possible for the Qom seminary to move in the path of evolution. These capacities or indicators include: monotheism, rationality, martyrdom, expectation, insight and awareness, politics and guardianship, which derive from the evolutionary course of the seminary through historical experience, although they can also be proved abstractly from the seminary doctrines.