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The “power distance,” as a key index for analyzing rulers’ political conduct and the extent to which inequality in power distribution is accepted, serves as an effective tool for assessing the status of justice in historical societies. Using a descriptive–analytical method, this study examines the manifestation of this concept in the conduct of Imam al-Rida (PBUH) during his period as crown prince ( Wilayat alʿahd ). The findings indicate that, despite his exceptional political position, the Imam offered a novel model of low-distance governance, which explicitly contrasts with the prevailing Abbasid discourse. The study identifies five main components in the Radawi political practice: (1) criticism of closed, circle-based relationships and emphasis on meritocracy in appointments; (2) opposition to authoritarianism and its symbols, such as displays of grandeur; (3) a responsible attitude toward public wealth; (4) accessibility to the general populace; and (5) respect for human dignity regardless of social distinctions. Collectively, these indicators reflect the Imam’s approach to justice in its distributive, procedural, and interactional dimensions. Significantly, by conditionally accepting the position of crown prince, the Imam deliberately refrained from exploiting the privileges of power, thereby practically demonstrating that reducing power distance is a prerequisite for realizing comprehensive justice. This model is not only unique in historical Islamic studies but can also serve as an applicable paradigm for contemporary governance in Islamic societies. From a methodological standpoint, the present work is innovative in being the first systematic study of power distance during Imam al-Rida’s tenure as crown prince.

This study investigates the needs of elderly pilgrims in sacred spaces, with the shrine of Imam Al-Rida (PBUH) in Mashhad as the case study. Amid Iran’s rapid demographic shift toward an aging society, pilgrimage—central to its religious and cultural life—poses distinct physical, psychological, and social challenges for the seniors. The research aims to identify and classify these needs to guide inclusive and dignified shrine management. Using a qualitative grounded theory method, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with nine experts experienced in pilgrimage services. Analysis with MAXQDA, conducted through open, axial, and selective coding, yielded 567 initial codes, refined into 43 concepts, and grouped into 12 categories. Findings present a model of elderly needs framed by Glasser’s choice theory. Addressing these multifaceted needs—from safety and healthcare to respect, spiritual engagement, and social inclusion—requires deliberate planning rather than ad hoc measures. The resulting conceptual model offers a framework for pilgrimage environments that safeguard dignity, accessibility, and well-being for elderly pilgrims.

Visiting religious sites is one of the customary programs in the journeys of diplomats and officials from Muslim countries when traveling to other Islamic lands. The shrine of the eighth Shiʿi Imam in the holy city of Mashhad—which is considered the most important pilgrimage site in Iran—has, in the last century, received dozens of Sunni statesmen. This study, conducted through a descriptive–analytical method, seeks to identify the reasons for the pilgrimage of these figures to the shrine of Imam al-Rida (PBUH). The findings indicate that the Sufi inclinations of certain Muslim statesmen constituted one of the reasons for their visitation to the Imam al-Rida’s shrine. Some Muslim politicians, such as Zahir Shah, Abul Kalam Azad, Imran Khan, Abdoulaye Wade, Benazir Bhutto, and others, from countries including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Senegal, and beyond, when visiting Iran, traveled to Mashhad with the intention of pilgrimage to Imam al-Rida’s shrine. In their homelands, these individuals were known for supporting Sufism or for their affiliation with ṭarīqas such as the Suhrawardiyya, Qādiriyya, Naqshbandiyya, Chishtiyya, and Murīdiyya, and there exist numerous reports of their pilgrimages to Sufi shrines. Accordingly, it seems that these political leaders, whether by conviction or out of reverence for the position of Imam al-Rida (PBUH) within Sufi silsilas undertook the visitation of his tomb. In this respect, one may expect that the shrine of Imam al-Rida could serve as a point of reliance contributing to the improvement and strengthening of political and cultural relations.

The desire to be present in religious places is not confined to any one group; all members of society wish to visit and benefit from the spiritual atmosphere of such sites. This desire is steadily increasing among diverse social groups. Persons with disabilities are among these groups; due to the limitations they face, they have fewer opportunities to be present in crowded places. This article seeks to identify the important needs of disabled pilgrims when visiting the Shrine of Imam al-Rida (PBUH). It employs a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach, drawing upon documents and theoretical studies, expert interviews, and content analysis. Six principal dimensions and thirty-one components of need were identified, followed by analysis of their causal relations using fuzzy cognitive mapping. According to the findings, accessibility facilitation, environmental adaptation, and rehabilitation constitute the three main dimensions of need, each with associated components that point to practical strategies.