The Lantern of Thought (Collection of Works by Dr. Mehdi Khodamian Arani).

About The Lantern of Thought (Collection of Works by Dr. Mehdi Khodamian Arani).

Introduction:

Striving to elevate the religious and scientific level of society's members is a sacred activity, and every individual or group endeavors, according to their capabilities, to put this important matter into practice. The Computer Research Center for Islamic Sciences is one such group that has dedicated its efforts to realizing this divine ideal. By presenting the works and compositions of scholars and scientists, especially researchers in the field of religious sciences, it strives to take an effective step in this direction. Accordingly, the production of the "Lantern of Thought" software is another sign of this Center's worthy actions in the path of serving the Islamic community, particularly those interested in divine knowledge. We hope it will be optimally utilized by them. Below, the "Content" and "Features" of this compact disc will be introduced.

A. Program Content:

In this software, the full text of the works of Dr. Mehdi Khodamian Arani (published up to the year 1392 SH) is accessible in Persian and Arabic. The topics presented in these books include: Religious Teachings (including: Quranic Exegesis, Guardianship of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), Mysticism, Science and Knowledge, Family, and Social Issues); History; Hadith; Bibliography (Ilm al-Fihrist); and Religious Stories about: Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her), Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny), Imam Ali (peace be upon him), Imam Hasan (peace be upon him), Imam Reza (peace be upon him), and Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his noble reappearance).

It is noteworthy that researchers can search and explore over 3,500 chapter titles and headings in the books via the "Selective Index" to conduct their research. Additionally, in the "Gallery" section, two audiobooks titled "Cry of the Moonlight" (Faryad-e Mahtab) and "Seven Cities of Love" (Haft Shahr-e Eshq) have been presented for users and researchers. Among the books available in this program, the following can be mentioned:

1. No Path to God (A New Look at Hadith Qudsi).
2. Why Should We Think? (The Value of Thought and Thinking).
3. The Story of the Reappearance (Get to know the beauties of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance).
4. The Story of the Ascension (Become familiar with the Prophet's heavenly journey, peace be upon him and his progeny).
5. Please Smile (The Value of Smiling and Happiness).
6. Sarkhat al-Nur (The Cry of Light).
7. Al-Sahih fi Kashf Bayt Fatimah (peace be upon her).
8. Al-Sahih fi Fadl al-Buka' al-Husayni (The Authentic regarding the Merit of Weeping for Hussein).
9. Faharis al-Shia (Indices of the Shia).
10. Ila al-Rafiq al-A'la (To the Highest Companion).

B. Program Features:

* Text Display:

• Access to the text and index of all works available in the program.
• Ability to select the index in a tree-like and selective manner and link it to the text, accompanied by a two-way synchronization feature between the text and the index.
• Ability to select the book title, volume, and page, along with the option to expand the text and index pages.
• Comparing two texts from one or two books simultaneously.
• Limiting the scope of the text and book indices to desired items.
• Ability to save each selected text or index independently for easy access.

* Search:

• Simple and advanced search within the text and indices of the program's books.
• Ability to save each performed search independently for easy access.
• Limiting the search scope to specific desired text(s) along with special capabilities.
• Indexing using general symbols to create dynamic and diverse word lists.

* Dictionary:

• The full text of several dictionary series with the ability to access word roots and derivatives.
• Linking the vocabulary of the texts to the program's dictionaries for easy understanding of meanings.

* Active Research:

• Linking the text and indices of books to other sections of the program, such as: Display, Search, Quran, Dictionary, or Bibliography.

* Bibliography (Book Identification):

• Access to useful information regarding the manuscript study (version identification) of each book.

* Printing:

• Printing the user's desired text or index, accompanied by multiple capabilities.

* Guide:

• Access to useful explanations for better familiarity with the various sections of the program.

* Research Capabilities:

• Indexing, marginalia (footnoting), coloring, and highlighting text for faster information retrieval and recording additional data related to the program's texts.
• Ability for the user to manage the program's research capabilities.

* Additional Features:

• Access to several types of common keyboards and multiple display fonts for easy use of the software.
• Ability to specify a path for saving research projects along with diverse capabilities.
• Ability to show or hide diacritics (Tashkeel) and headers in the program's texts.

About the Author:

Dr. Mehdi Khodamian Arani was born in 1353 SH (1974 CE) in the city of Aran va Bidgol, Isfahan. He entered the Seminary of Kashan in 1368 SH and began studying Arabic Literature at Allameh Tabataba'i University in Tehran in 1372 SH.

He migrated to the city of Qom in 1376 SH, continued his seminary studies up to the advanced level (Kharij) in Fiqh and Usul, and obtained a Level 4 certificate from the Qom Seminary (equivalent to a PhD in Fiqh and Usul).

His success in winning first place in the International Razavi Book Competition in Beirut on 8/8/88 (SH) was a source of joy for his compatriots, as it was the first time an Iranian had won first place in these competitions.

Reconstructing a collection of eight Shia biographical (Rijal) books, titled Faharis al-Shia, is another of this professor's research activities. This valuable book achieved top rank in the first cycle of the "Shahab" Award, the 14th cycle of the "Fasl Book" Award, and the 11th Conference of Manuscript Supporters. It was also selected as a distinguished work in the 13th "Book of the Year of the Seminary" conference in 1390 SH.

Dr. Khodamian has never forgotten the youth of this land; alongside his scientific activities, he has written for them as well. He has authored over 50 books in Persian so far, most of which have won important awards in various festivals. A fluid pen, attractive expression, and reliance on historical and hadith documentation are among the most important features of these works.

His Persian works, under the title "The Green Thought Collection" (Majmooeh-ye Andisheh-ye Sabz), address the beauties of the Shia school and strive to familiarize youth further with religious teachings. This collection has been published by Vosough Publications.