Interfaith Proximity: The Mission of the International University of Islamic Denominations

Dr. Mohammad-Hadi Fallahzadeh, President of the International University of Islamic Denominations, emphasized the cultural and social responsibilities of students during a welcoming ceremony for new entrants.
He stated that students hold a distinguished position in society, and that the university’s mission goes beyond academic instruction to include promoting coexistence, social cohesion, and cultural proximity.
According to Taghrib News Agency(TNA), the ceremony was attended by university officials, faculty members, and new students. Dr. Fallahzadeh congratulated them on the start of the academic year and expressed appreciation for the organizers. He noted that entering university marks a new social and cultural platform for students, and they must be aware of their role in this space.
He described the university as mission-driven, distinguishing it from other institutions by its commitment not only to academic excellence and professional training, but also to fostering unity among Islamic denominations and strengthening cultural bonds between communities.
Dr. Fallahzadeh portrayed the culture of knowledge-building as one that shapes identity, promotes cohesion, and drives progress. He urged students to approach learning with strategic vision and long-term goals, encouraging them to plan their lives with a fifty-year outlook.
He also emphasized the role of ethics and responsibility in academic environments, stating that a university’s cultural atmosphere is not built solely through regulations, but through the collective behavior of faculty and students. “Each of us is responsible for shaping the university’s cultural climate,” he said.
Calling on students to actively engage in learning and research, he added: “A student must be inquisitive, critical, and committed to inquiry. Constructive and compassionate academic critique is not a weakness—it’s a sign of intellectual vitality and a prerequisite for institutional progress.”
Dr. Fallahzadeh stressed the importance of constructive interaction between students and professors, describing faculty as intellectual assets and pioneers in their fields. “Effective communication between professors and students fosters mutual intellectual and ethical growth,” he said.
He also highlighted trust and hope as two pillars of social progress. “If public trust and hope for the future are strengthened, society will move toward growth and excellence. Students must trust the university and work together with compassion to achieve great goals.”
In closing, Dr. Fallahzadeh spoke about the university’s role in the spiritual and moral development of students. “Beyond academics, the university must be a space filled with spirituality, kindness, and tranquility,” he said. “We are responsible for compensating the emotional gap felt by students who are far from their families, and we must create a warm, familial atmosphere to support their academic and ethical growth.”