Ma`rifat Modiriyati

Prediction of the future has always been one of the man's concerns. Nowadays, scientific progress and combination of different sciences has enabled man through these sciences to find the path to his future life. The sacred Islamic law with its valuable sources are rich with methods and sources of futurology. Muslim scholars introduce a new chapter of this discipline by contemplating on the issues on Future Study such as the eternal life in the hereafter, the period of appearance of Imam Mahdi, decree and destiny and predictions to which religious traditions have referred. Among the main differences between Islamic future studies and the common futurology is the emphasis of Islam on man's future in line with the eternal life in the hereafter. One of the most important scientific endeavors of futurology is elucidating the differences between futurology proposed by man and the definite promise of appearance period. Deepening the idea of futurology demands explaining its relationship with decree and destiny, which helps to understand his role in formulating divine decree and destiny. Furthermore, there are several authentic traditions in Islamic sources which predict for man part of the future. These traditions have eased off for man the difficulty of prediction, placing the responsibility of taking measures and designing future programs on his shoulder. Seminaries' readiness to contemplate on these fields contributes to the future changes.