Research Center for Mahdiism and Futurology (RCMF) started its activities since 1998 under the name of Intizar Noor Cultural Institute and then Intizar Noor Research Institute focusing on Mahdiism Teaching and a futuristic approach, and it is currently one of the research centers in Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy. The main approach of this research center has been the specialized and foundational study and research in arenas of Mahdiism studies, Futurology of religion and religiosity, Mahdiism current studies with scientific-research dimensions and knowledge production and theorizing, which has is pursued via using religious and historical resources and human experience with a futuristic and futurology approach. This research center tries to deal with Mahdiism and related issues based on rational and narrative principles in line with the goals of system of Islamic Republic of Iran with a deep and at the same time practical view, makes Mahdiism teaching practical by designing a beyond vision and illustration based on religious and Islamic teaching in individual and social life in Occultation Age.
Futurology approach has been considered in the activities of this research center and based on the Qur’anic and narrative data, the future horizon design is illustrated with the criterion of Mahdavi ideal society. This research center tries to examine the ideal vision of today’s Islamic society using the features and standards of the favorable Mahdavi society as well as futurology methods, and compile the ideal future horizon for the waiting society.

Mission
Carrying out studies and research on Mahdiism and Futurology with a foundational, strategic, and practical attitude, and the theoretical explanation and analysis of the place of Mahdiism in knowledge system of Islam and its effective role on systematization of life in Occultation Age based on Islamic teachings.

Objectives
1. Explanation of scientific aspects of Mahdiism doctrine in different areas by using Qur’anic, narrative, theological and philosophical principles.
2. Theorization and provision of suitable solutions for the Islamic system based on Mahdiism doctrine and Mahdavi utopia.
3. Theoretical and practical support of the holy system of the Islamic Republic of Iran inspired by Mahdavi utopia.
4. Providing context for exchanging viewpoints in explaining Mahdavi utopia through holding criticism and theorizing sessions.
5. Illustrating ideal visions of the future of the world in line with the realization of Mahdavi utopia.
6. Provision of Mandavi responses and solutions for the crises and challenges facing humans.
7. Localizing, processing, and empowering the studies on futurology focusing on Mahdiism doctrine and dynamic and strategic Intizar (waiting for Imam Mahdi’s reappearance).
8. Identifying the socio-cultural condition of the waiting community and the problems facing it, with an emphasis on futurology approach of the research center.

Research Departments
Research Center for Mahdiism and Futurology has three research departments including:

• The Department for Mahdism Studies
• The Department for Mahdism Movements
• The Department for Religion Futurology and Religiosity