A seminary teacher in Qom: In Bakhtiari regions, there is a growing inclination towards Zoroastrianism, and people in Qom are turning to Buddhism
10/03/2023
Mohammad Javad Alavi Borujerdi, a well-known teacher of Islamic jurisprudence and principles at Qom Seminary, recently discussed the increasing alienation of many Iranians from the official religion of the state during his "Advanced Jurisprudence" class. He noted the disconnect between the younger generation and clerics.
Alavi Borujerdi, who claimed that his father had been an imam for thirty to forty years and was highly respected, stated that today's youth are seeking out everyone except clerics. He asked his students: "What has happened to our appeal? Do the younger generations have any connection with us now?"
He reported a growing interest among Iranians, especially the youth, in other religions and non-Shia sects. He mentioned that some individuals from the Bakhtiari regions who had distanced themselves from the clerical establishment had expressed a strong inclination towards Zoroastrianism.
Furthermore, Alavi Borujerdi revealed, based on reports he received, that there are "home churches" in Qom and that the number of "Wahhabis" has increased, with their activities expanding and even holding Friday prayers. He also noted that there seems to be a trend towards Buddhism in Qom.
Alavi Borujerdi criticized these developments as "our problems" and questioned what the clerics have done to the people, noting that formerly, even girls without proper hijab used to seek guidance from the imam. Now, there is a focus on ensuring proper hijab, while fundamental beliefs seem to have been lost.