Speaking to the Hawzah News Agency in Mashhad about his missionary experiences, Moayed shared insights from his recent assignment, during which he spent over a year based at the Blue Mosque.
“In the field of missionary work—where the goal is to convey the message and aspirations of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)—I have been fortunate to serve both inside and outside Iran,” he said. “My most recent mission was in the Blue Mosque of Yerevan, where I witnessed firsthand how this historical site facilitates indirect propagation of Islam.”
A Historical and Architectural Landmark
Built 270 years ago, the Blue Mosque was once the largest school in the Caucasus. Today, it spans over 7,000 square meters, with 20 rooms surrounding a vibrant courtyard. Its crowning feature, a magnificent turquoise dome, has long given it the title “Blue Mosque.”
Moayed explained that beyond its religious role, the mosque has become one of Yerevan’s most visited cultural landmarks. “On average, around 700 tourists from more than 25 nationalities visit the mosque daily during spring. This creates a remarkable opportunity for dialogue and mutual understanding,” he noted.
Indirect Missionary Work through Religious Tourism
Given Armenia’s Christian-majority context, Moayed highlighted the importance of indirect missionary activities. “We are guests in a country where direct propagation of Islam is not possible. Instead, the mosque’s Islamic architecture and spiritual atmosphere naturally spark curiosity among visitors. This often opens the door to meaningful conversations about faith and belief.”
The Blue Mosque remains the only active mosque in Armenia. While the number of worshippers is limited during regular days, special occasions such as Arbaeen and the final days of Safar see a significant increase in attendance, with many Muslims and mourners gathering for rituals.
Arbaeen Procession and Community Initiatives
Among the initiatives organized during Moayed’s tenure was a special Arbaeen procession held in the mosque’s courtyard. “Last year, and again this year, we welcomed mourners and tourists with a program that reflected the spirit of the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq,” he explained. “This event received warm participation not only from resident Iranians, but also from non-Persian-speaking Sunni and Shiite Muslims, as well as curious tourists who were experiencing such heartfelt rituals for the first time.”
The gathering, he said, created an atmosphere conducive to dialogue on religious and cultural values.
Empowering Students for Missionary Work
Moayed also spoke about the establishment of the Students’ Remembrancers’ Association in 2021, which he helped launch to strengthen youth engagement in religious and cultural activities. “With the support of students and colleagues, we have organized various educational and skill-development programs, including Baka and Rasa courses focused on prayer chanting and elegy recitation. These programs have enhanced students’ missionary capacities,” he said.
In addition, the association has supported events such as the Zakiran Praise Festival, aimed at discovering and nurturing student talent in poetry, elegy, and prayer recitation.
