Formulation of Strategies for Strengthening the Functions of Religious Missions with Approach to the Promotion of Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Religious missions as one of the main pillars of soft power in the Islamic Republic of Iran have a major function that is development of Shiite and Ashura culture. Their secondary functions include cultural, religious, political, social, economic, military and artistic functions. This research has conducted to provide strategies for strengthening the functions of religious missions with approach to the promotion of soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In terms of methodology this research is of applied. The statistical sample of the research is selected through a targeted sampling method of 60 people. A questionnaire is used for collecting information and the method of expert is used for data analysis. The assessment matrix of the missions’ situation (the space chart) represents a slight aggressive situation, and this situation will be intensified in the next five years. The results of the research revealed that by strengthening the content of mourning and the training of Maddah’s, speakers and those involved in missions, the existing opportunities and strengths must be fully exploited, and by explaining the importance of the issue, formation of deviations, misbehaviors and injuries must be prevented in religious missions.