Introducing WikiHussain

So far, many Muslim and non-Muslim scholars have tried to know and introduce Imam Hussain’s personality (P.B.U.H) and Ashura movement. They have written many books and articles on this subject using different methods. However, it seems that factors such as dispersion of resources and lack of systematic aggregation of information and documents, multiplicity and variety of definitions and limitations of field research and lack of attention to scientific methodology in documentation, has prevented the formation of an accurate, clear and comprehensive image of Imam Hussain 's character (P.B.U.H) and his movement. To address this problem it is necessary to create and launch an encyclopedia which publishes the researches on the subject of Imam Hussain, especially through an online platform. Therefore, Wiki Hussain, supported by Zeitoon Institute, has started its activities since Muharram 2016. Our approach in launching Wiki Hussain (Imam Hussain’s online encyclopedia) is to publish content in wide variety of categories such as literature, history, social sciences, art, etc. based on scientific methods, in accordance with other reputable encyclopedias in cyberspace and in different languages. In short, the necessity of launching Wiki Hussain website can be mentioned as follows:

1. The significance of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) and Ashura Incident in Shia culture

2. Parts of the life of Imam Hussain that suffer neglect

3. Not using original and ancient sources in most published works and writings;

4. A failure to study the life of the Imam from different aspects such as historical, cultural, philosophical, hadith, interpretive, theological, jurisprudential and...

Our goal in the online encyclopedia of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) is a comprehensive study of the life of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) to examine all the different issues that are defined in relation to Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) and to protect the original heritage of Shiism. The following can also be mentioned as the most important reasons for creating Wiki Hussain encyclopedia:

Creating a complete, comprehensive and documented source on the subject of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H)

Creating the culture of documented narrating and documented writing about the religious beliefs.

Creating a source of information for Shias and non-Shias to get acquainted with Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H)

Preventing the publication of inaccurate and undocumented materials among the audiences.

One of the main concerns for advancing the encyclopedia of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) is the publication of materials with a scientific, academic approach and based on documented sources and without bias and regardless of the beliefs of a particular group. Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) Specialized Encyclopedia is now the first online encyclopedia, which is specialized in presenting entries (articles) related to Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) as well as Hussaini culture.

Many entries on the rituals and ceremonies, works, people, concepts, social groups, religions and sects, history, geography, literature and art are currently available to the public in Persian and English. Increasing the number of entries and content production on various Hussaini topics is planned in future programs.

Producing content in different languages in Wiki Hussain is considered one of its very important goals. Because in other languages we face the problem of limitation of content about Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H); moreover the content in other languages does not have the necessary validity and accuracy. Therefore, the ultimate goal of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) encyclopedia is to make sure that documented, credible and unbiased content is available for users who search a topic related to Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H) in any language, and also that this content will be displayed on search engines such as Google, etc. in near future.

Features of Wiki Hussain from the audience point of view include the followings:

• Profiting from digital technology and web-based platform
• Ease at transferring the content
• Low production and publishing costs
• Better opportunities to review and revise articles
• Unlimited access to the encyclopedia
• easy accessibility
• Automatic editing
• Improving the conditions of cooperation and participation of specialists
• Search option
• No need for physical space to store the materials and content
• Covering different aspects regarding the subject of Imam Hussain (P.B.U.H)
• Being methodical and in accordance with the rules and scientific structures of the encyclopedia

The style in Wiki Hussain is created and inspired by reviewing and three encyclopedias, Stanford, Oxford and Wikipedia. The result was sent to individuals and users who contribute to the production of Wiki Hussain content. Using Wiki Hussain content under license CC BY 4.0 and with reference to the source is permitted.

Wiki Hussain is not affiliated with any government agency and is managed independently. Wiki Hussain’s funding is provided through public donations. In addition to the content production team, the users who have the necessary conditions, can participate in the production, completion and correction of the entries. According to Wiki Hussain’s future plans and the provision of its technical platform, Wiki Hussain, like other open encyclopedias, gives public audiences the access to participate in changing entries. Of course, these contributions will be hierarchical and with careful approval and review