Hawza

Hawza (Arabic/Persian: حوزة) or ḥawza ˤilmiyya (Arabic/Persian: حوزة علمیة) is a seminary of traditional Shi'a Islamic studies.

Several senior Grand Ayatollahs constitute the hawza. The institutions in Najaf, Iraq and Qom, Iran, are the preeminent seminary centers for the training of Shi'a clergymen. However, several smaller hawzas exist in other cities around the world.

The first hawza was established in Najaf in the 11th century AD. Although small Shi'a academies existed in Qom, the hawza of the city became prominent at the time of the Safavids when Shi'ism became the official religion of Iran. The famous teachers of that era included Mulla Sadra and Shaykh Bahai. The Qom hawza was recently revitalized by Abdul Karim Haeri Yazdi and Grand Ayatollah Borujerdi.

Hawza students begin their studies by learning fiqh, kalam, hadith, tafsir, philosophy and Arabic literature. Once these studies have been completed, they may begin preparation to become a mujtahid by studying advanced ancient textbooks known as sat'h, and research courses known as kharij.

See also

• Marja
• List of marjas
• Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom

External links

• Towards an Understanding of the Shiite Authoritative Sources
• Hawza Ilmiyya, Qom, Iran
• Research centre of Hawza Ilmiyya, Qom, Iran
• About the Hawza Ilmiyya of Qom, Iran
• Hawza Ilmiyya OF London
• Imam Hossain University (Howza)
• Alqaem Institute
• Hawza - Advanced Islamic Studies