Foreign pilgrims’ donations strengthen their bounds with holy shrine

Hoj. Esfandiari says Imam Reza Shrine is not managed by feelings and devotion only; rather, it is managed by a developed system based on endowments and donations which cover heavy expenses of the complex in terms of space development and different services. 
“The management system in Imam Reza Shrine employs dedication and donation in the form of transparent financial, legal and cultural mechanisms,” he said, adding, “The result of this has changed donation to the spine of the shrine and a foundation for civilization-making plans of this holy site”.
Hoj. Faqih Esfandiari went on to say: “The main goal behind management of endowments and donations is paving the way for realization of sustainable service rendering; meaning that endowment-based incomes are spent on promotion of services rather than being accumulated”. 
AQR’s deputy for international affairs noted: “An important portion of facilities that both Iranian and international pilgrims receive in the holy shrine is supplied from this endowment networks. For instance, specialized libraries, Quran interpretation centers, Quranic circles, and special services for multilingual ceremonies are all based on this endowment-based system which facilitates easy pilgrimage of visitors through providing permanent sustainable services”. 
According to Hoj. Esfandiari, Imam Reza Shrine services create a context for participation of pilgrims from different nationalities and ethnicities in a joint and transnational movement. In fact, one of the most important cultural and social achievements of the holy shrine has been changing a pilgrim into a partner. Conducting this, nationality, language, and ethnicity are all secondary issues and what is important first is belonging to the shrine and the Imam (AS).
He continued: “A network has been formed in which Afghan, Pakistani, Iraqi, Lebanese, Azerbaijani, Turkish, African and European pilgrims are placed next to each other in a common service project. This management style allows for long-term planning for cultural, scientific and welfare services. This also upgrade the emotional bonding of pilgrims, especially international ones, from a level of momentary feeling to a level of sustainable participation”.
Esfandiari added: “This system of endowments and donations can transform the complex from a local shrine to a cultural center and a cultural diplomacy hub for the world. It is a center whose heart beats in Mashhad, but its influence is heard in the hearts of millions of Iranian and international pilgrims all over the world”.
He noted that continuous holding of programs becomes difficult without a sustainable development of endowments. “Endowments and donations, devoted to cultural and scientific works, allow more flexibility and development of plans such as the translation of important works, releasing cheap booklets for foreign pilgrims, and holding specialized meetings for international students.