An Introduction to the Formulation of  the Place of Mosques in the Policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran On the Basis of the Functional Developments of Mosques throughout the History

Mosques, as the most original cultural institution originated from the religious thought, has many capacities to play roles in the cultural life of an Islamic society. Like any other phenomena, mosques can best play their roles in different social relations just in case there is a correct policy-making and management. One of the important dimensions of policy-making and management of mosques are the functional dimensions of this holy institution. By examining religious and historical sources, the paper has identified ten functions for mosques in an Islamic society, and development of these functions has been examined in the following four periods: (1) the period of early Islam: the flourishing of the mosques; (2) the period of victories and the beginning of Muslims’ relations with other cultures: the deviance of mosques from their religious positions; (3) the period of the political movements of the Islamic people: the return to non-individualistic functions; Finally, the way in which these functions have been addressed after the Islamic Revolution to the present has been analyzed and reconsidered in order for us to be able to think about the policy of the promotion of the place of mosques in the Islamic Republic of Iran.