Addressing participants and guests of the congress, Hoj. Mostafa Faqih Esfandiari, Astan Quds Razavi’s deputy for international affairs, considered this congress a practical response to questions regarding the link between science and religion and a worthy definition of religious science.
Referring to long-standing questions about the relationship between science and religion, reason and tradition, and reason and revelation, which have been raised since ancient times, Hoj. Esfandiari, stated: “This congress has been able to bring together scholars and intellectuals to answer these questions and provide appropriate responses to them”.
As another speaker of the opening ceremony of the congress, Dr. Ahad Faramarz Gharamaleki, head of the Islamic Research Foundation of Astan Quds Razavi addressed the importance and complexities of the interaction between words of infallible Imams (AS) and modern sciences, adding: “In this field, there are questions, criticisms, and even denials, which indicate the importance of the topic”.
Gharamaleki further noted: "To address these issues, a good and strong elite congress or assembly should be held so that opponents and proponents can engage in dialogue instead of verbal conflict and strife".
He emphasized the high capacity of the Khorasan region in producing new theories in religious science and added: “In these discussions, addressing foundations, possibilities, and methodological relationships takes precedence over content-based discussions”.
Also, in the same occasion, Abdolhamid Talebi, head of Scientific and Cultural Foundation of Astan Quds Razavi, explained educational indicators of Imam Reza's (AS) conduct and emphasized necessity of realizing them in Islamic society.
Considering child rearing as a complex matter that, if not done correctly and at the right time, will lead to many harms, Talebi stated: “The proper realization of child rearing will lead to the health and mental well-being of the child”.
He considered governance of education as a solution to societal problems with an educational perspective and stated: “We must be active and forward-looking and help realize the Iranian-Islamic model of progress through creating committed human capital”.
Finally, addressing attendees of the scientific forum’s opening ceremony as the host of the gathering, professor, Ibrahim Daneshifar, head of Imam Reza International University, considered holding of the fourth International Congress of Imam Reza (AS) and Modern Sciences, with the theme of "Imam Reza (AS) and Educational Sciences," as an effective step in reviving religious culture and education.
Professor Daneshifar stated: “Modern and contemporary sciences should serve profound religious knowledge and this congress will play an important and influential role in this regard”.
He noted: “Adherence to the words of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) will be realized through transmission of teachings. By holding this congress, all of us will be partners and stakeholders in the important and necessary issue of education, society, and the educational system”.
Bringing his speech to end, head of Imam Reza International University stressed: “Receiving over 600 articles, participation of more than 200 universities and scientific institutions, and presence of researchers from 16 prominent countries are indicators of the valuable, far-reaching, and extensive path of this congress”.