Hawza and Modernization: A Fruitful and Successful Example for Indigenous Multidisciplinary Activities

Abstract

In response to the necessity of change and modernization, the hawza has employed a sort of interdisciplinary methodology, using some channels to communicate modern resources. This research discusses two such channels: hybrid students, who gathered both Islamic and modern knowledge and in this way they could bring to the hawza their experience and knowledge from outside; and hybrid Islamic institutes which are based within the hawza but are in systematic relations with academic sources as well. This research shows that these two channels were able to considerably enhance the hawza in the realms of education, research and social bonds. The achievements they made are of two types. One is development of the means and styles through using modern technologies and applied sciences; the other is enhancement of methodologies and thoughts by applying modern approaches in the humanities and social sciences. As a final conclusion of this research, it was pointed out that hybrid students and institutes have been much more successful regarding the former rather than the latter. However, the only way available still seems to be continuing this interdisciplinary approach, but through employing a more sophisticated methodology.