ABSTRACT
The toppling of Reza Shah and his going to exile in 1941 created a wave of vigour and enthusiasm in various areas of Iranian social life, particularly, in the spheres of politics, which was regarded as the Shah’s exclusive domain, and then culture and religion. As touched upon previously, many Islamic institutions and associations were established, particularly by the educated and young activists, for spreading Islamic views and accomplishing social reforms. The early institutions were in the form of centres run by individuals, rather than consisting of groups. One of these centres was Kanoon-e Islam, or the Islamic Centre, where a series of lectures were presented, and a magazine called Danesh-Amooz, or Student, was sponsored. The Centre was founded by Ayatollah Mahmood Taleqani. The close friendship between Ayatollah Taleqani, Bazargan, who already knew each other through their parents, and Yadollah Sahabi began when they were producing the Student.157 Alongside Kanoon-e Islam, there were other Islamic institutions, such as Anjoman-e Tabliqat-e Islami, or the Society for Promoting Islamic Teachings,158 with branches in Tehran and some other cities, set up by Dr Mahmood Shahabi. Another centre was Kanoon-e Haqayeq-e Islami, or the Centre for Spreading Islamic Truth, established by Mohammad Taqi Shari’ati in Mashhad.
