Origins and expansion of Shi ism in Qom

After explaining Qom’s historical geography and its place in promoting religious sciences this paper studies the most important factors effective in the origin and expansion of Shi’ism, among which are the following:•The Holy Prophet’s emphasis on the supremacy of Imam Ali and his followers over others.•Emigration of Shias and Shi’ite great scholars from other Islamic places to Qom, especially the promotional journey made to Ardhal by Hezrat Sultanali and his martyrdom therein.•The stay of Hezrat Ma’suma and other descendants and companians of the Imams (peace be upon them) at Qom.•Construction of mosques and cultural centers. •The uprising of Imam Husain (peace be upon him) and the martyrdom of the Imam and his children and companions.•Polytheistic and tyrannical systems of Sasanid kings, which, after the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs, paved the ground for escaping from Zoroastrianism and the religion of Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs and embracing Shi’ism.