Noor Software

The Computer Research Centre of Islamic Sciences, CRCIS or commonly referred to as Noor, was established in 1989 with the goal of digitising Islamic sources and texts, facilitating access to this rich heritage and expediting research through information and communication technology. The project, in addition to creating computer software programs, now has several subscription-based subsidiaries and plays a crucial role in supporting the academic journey of any genuine seminary student.

The wide range of services provided by Noor allows students to conduct research and study efficiently by easily accessing a multitude of books, articles, and manuscripts that may otherwise be difficult, or even impossible, to obtain physically. It also offers the advantage of portability, enabling seminary students to access resources from anywhere, at any time, without the need for physical presence in a traditional library. This flexibility is particularly valuable for students who may have limited time or are unable to visit physical libraries due to travels, etc. Noor has created many advanced search functions that allow students to navigate through extensive collections, journals, and articles, making it easier to find relevant and specific information. In addition, numerous features and tools have been included such as bookmarking, highlighting and note-taking, assisting students to organise their research and create personalised study materials thus enhancing the overall learning experience. Their main services include:

Noorsoft

The original computer software programs were created and sold in DVD format for Windows PCs. Now, with over 400 DVD collections in 20 different categories, these can be purchased online or at the CRCIS main office located on Jumhuri Islami Boulevard. Unfortunately, the programs are still only designed to work on Windows computers, however, unofficial workarounds for other operating systems do exist. DVD prices are extremely affordable, ranging from $0.50 — $2 each depending on the collection title. Besides DVDs, Noor also sells a package containing over 100 of their most popular software on a single, external hard drive for approximately $75 (including the hard drive). Alternatively, the support team can also install individual programs on a student’s personal, external hard drive or laptop. Recently, the centre has introduced Android apps, many of which are completely free to install and use.

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Abrenoor

Abrenoor, or Noor cloud, is a subscription based, cloud computing application allowing subscribers to access and run over 250 Noor software programs on all operating systems without the need for installation. This is a great alternative to purchasing and installing multiple DVDs, allows access from anywhere and from any computer. Yearly subscriptions start from only $3. Setting up an account is easy and another advantage is that a single account can be used across all of Noor’s online services.

Noorlib

An extensive online digital library containing over 90,000 volumes of both classical and contemporary books in a wide range of topics. Interesting features include the ability to add books to a personalised online library, download selected pages from a book, a “research desk” which allows the user to take notes on a particular page of a book, highlight text and add bookmarks. Similar to Narges Library and Shiabooks, the majority of the books in Noorlib are images of the original printed books, however, there is a function to read the book in text format too.

Noormags

Noormags is the largest digital library of academic articles and journals in the fields of Islamic sciences and humanities. With a wide range of scholarly content in multiple languages and from an extensive network of authors and publishers, Noormags provides subscribers access to this wealth of knowledge in one user-friendly and fully searchable online platform.

Noordoc

Noordoc is a digital library featuring theses and dissertations by hawzah students and those from various Iranian universities, including Tehran University and Imam Sadiq (a) University. It is dedicated to promoting the creation, use, dissemination, and preservation of electronic theses and dissertations across all levels of higher education, aiming to enhance the sharing of knowledge worldwide.