According to the few existing historical documents, a number of Muslim scholars and jurists from different Islamic denominations used to hold their teaching classes in Imam Reza shrine in 3rd century AH.

As recounted by the late Azizullah Atarodi in his book, History of Imam Reza Shrine, Abubakr Khazimeh, a Sunni scholar, would visit the shrine with his pupils and hold discussion classes there. Similarly, Shia scholars such as Sheikh Sadough would hold classed in the shrine.

Reports indicate that Imam Reza shrine had changed into a hub for Islamic sciences from mid-fourth century AH onwards.

This trend gained steam in subsequent eras as more and more people started to inhabit in areas surrounding the shrine. Gradually, some seminary schools had been constructed adjacent to the shrine attracting more teachers and students. As a result, starting with the 6th century AH, sessions to narrate Hadiths were also held next to the shrine.

During the rule of Sultan Husayn Bayqara (Timurid ruler, 1469-1506), an official instructor was appointed for the shrine. In Safavid Era (1501 to 1722), the number of instructor increased to 15-20. This trend gained momentum during the Afsharid (1736–96), and Qajar (1789–1925) eras.

The spirit of teaching and learning in Imam Reza shrine has left an ever-lasting impact on its architecture. By many accords, porticos in the shrine were the venue of classes, which had multiple advantages such as better use of space, others benefiting from classes freely, etc.