What is religion?

Ali.Isa · January 3, 2016

Salam Alaikom. What is Religion? We must know about religion, what it is, to develop to know our position to it. How can we practice Islam that is a religion-not any religion but religion to the whole creation beyond derby -, without knowing about what religion is. Sure all are good and excellent followers of Islam, but Islam is a religion so what is religion again! What specific thoughts occur in you, please let us know. If it is not cool to mention I, AGAIN I AM, than maybe we should use 'you'- hmm how logical is this sentence -. Our scholars say religion has three parts-or 3 whatever - that is: Ahklaq, Aqaed and fiqh- respectively Ethic-ethical morality, belief and jurisprudence-Islamic law -. If any religion misses one of these parts, that religion is defected, handicap,or either sick but can we say it is no religion! Why Islam is the last holy religion to humanity? You have probably confronted the above question in your life!

In this topic following questions should be dealt with:

What is religion?

What is a defected religion?

If we accept the concept of religion, than why should we accept Islamic religion and not any other Ibrahimic religion; what answer is needed here? Why Islam the final stage, what can we say about the development of religion because we read in the holy Quran, some Prophets Peace upon Them said that we are muslim!

Hope this topic is successful Allah will, and this 'riter a excellent host to guests participating in this topic. Please leave your view and thoughts, this servant will be frugal in using posts to develop text in this regard.

StrugglingForTheLight · January 3, 2016

There is two religions in reality (submission to the Taghut and submission to the light).

While God can communicate to us and manifest obedience to him, as well, as manifest those who are enlightened by his path and signs and are certain of his signs and lights and glories of his commands.

Most religions end up being a mix of submission to the Taghut and submission to the light. That is why Quran calls it SHIRK, that means you associate with God in obedience and his right of submission others.

Fallible religious leaders should never replace the authority of God through those he appoints.

This means right now there is unofficial Islam and official Islam. Official Islam is definitely to me a mix of submission to the light and submission to the Taghut.

Unofficial Islam is hidden guidance by Imam Mahdi to his followers who are enlightened by him. As the member Qaim shows, it's they who are the face of God by which we turn to. They are the real religion and true way of submission to God.

In a long debate of Imam Redha, Imam Redha explains 42:23 in reality to make Ahlulbayt the eyes by which we see or consider them eyes to the head.

Imam is the way to live your life, the King who will direct people how to act and we help and obey him....

I pray to God that I will be guided in this guidance and not be satisfied without it.

Ali.Isa · January 4, 2016

On 1/3/2016 at 9:51 AM, StrugglingForTheLight said:

There is two religions in reality (submission to the Taghut and submission to the light).

While God can communicate to us and manifest obedience to him, as well, as manifest those who are enlightened by his path and signs and are certain of his signs and lights and glories of his commands.

Most religions end up being a mix of submission to the Taghut and submission to the light. That is why Quran calls it SHIRK, that means you associate with God in obedience and his right of submission others.

Fallible religious leaders should never replace the authority of God through those he appoints.

This means right now there is unofficial Islam and official Islam. Official Islam is definitely to me a mix of submission to the light and submission to the Taghut.

Unofficial Islam is hidden guidance by Imam Mahdi to his followers who are enlightened by him. As the member Qaim shows, it's they who are the face of God by which we turn to. They are the real religion and true way of submission to God.

In a long debate of Imam Redha, Imam Redha explains 42:23 in reality to make Ahlulbayt the eyes by which we see or consider them eyes to the head.

Imam is the way to live your life, the King who will direct people how to act and we help and obey him....

I pray to God that I will be guided in this guidance and not be satisfied without it.

Salam Alaikom,

Thank you for your post and time, nice done, you mentioned some important points as submission. About Imam Redha Peace upon him can you bring the source and arabic text.

Religion is from Allah to certain creations and it consists of two parts knowledge-ilm - and action-amal -. Knowledge you learn through senses specially eyes and action you perform with limbs. Every human being consists of these two parts. By this explanation everyone has religion because they have certain mindset through senses by acquiring knowledge, and based on it they perform action through limbs that brings forward reactions and change.

But if we make a metaphor which one is better to say: religion is like seed that should be planted so it grows or aqaed is a seed-let us say date seed - that needs to be planted to grow and become fiqh and akhlaq? Aqaed from action perspective is connected with fiqh but from knowledge perspective connected to akhlaq.

But to recognize your point dear brother we need to further develop the reflection so one can see how submission is connected to the whole thing.

Ali.Isa · January 4, 2016

Salam Alaikom, these ahadith helps us to better discuss around religion without going off, it seems everyone do not have religion, but our scholars; example have heard sheikh Qaraati saying everyone one has religion. How can we explain it? For example if we say Imam Mahdi may He come soon, is intellectual we can not say that Muawiya Curse upon Him is also intellectual or Satan Curse upon Him is also intellectual!

Quote

Those Who Have No Religion

12ـ الإمامُ الباقرُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): لا دِينَ لِمَن دانَ بطاعةِ مَن عَصَى اللّه‏َ ، ولا دِينَ لِمَن دانَ بِفِريَةِ باطلٍ على اللّه‏ِ ، ولا دِينَ لِمَن دانَ بجُحُودِ شَيءٍ مِن آياتِ اللّه‏ِ .
12– Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, ‘One who subjects himself to the obedience of someone who disobeys Allah has no religion, and the one who subjects himself to attributing a lie or falsity to Allah has no religion, and the one who subjects himself to denying any of Allah’s signs has no religion.’
[al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 373, no. 4]

13ـ الإمامُ الصّادقُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): لا دِينَ لِمَن دانَ بولايةِ إمامٍ جائرٍ لَيسَ مِنَ اللّه‏ِ .
13– Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘He who subjects himself to following an oppressive leader unendorsed by Allah has no religi0n.’
[Bihar al-Anwar, v. 72, p. 135, no. 19]

14ـ الإمامُ الصّادقُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): لادِينَ لِمَن لاعَهدَ لَه .
14– Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘The one who has no covenant has no religion.’
[Bihar al-Anwar, v. 84, p. 252, no. 48]

15ـ الإمامُ الصّادقُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): كُلُّ مَن لم يُحِبَّ على الدِّينِ ولم يُبغِضْ على الدِّينِ فلا دينَ لَهُ .
15– Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Anyone whose love and hate is not based on religion, has no religion.’
[al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 127, no. 16]

16ـ الإمامُ الكاظمُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): لا دِينَ لِمَن‏لامُرُوَّةَ لَهُ .
16– Imam al-Kazim (AS) said, ‘He who has no valorous qualities has no religion.’
[Tuhaf al-`Uqoul, no. 389]

17ـ الإمامُ الرِّضا (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): لادِينَ لِمَن‏لاوَرَعَ لَهُ.
17– Imam al-Rida (AS) said, ‘He who has no piety has no religion.’
[Kamal al-Din, p. 371, no. 5]

Notes: http://hadithdatabank.com/preview.php?mod=4&id=99

Ali.Isa · January 5, 2016

Salam Alaikom, these links will help us in the way to gain more knowledge around religion, what it is. Specially the sciences that is the important parts of seed/islam;religion/do not know, firstly and most importantly aqaed, than secondly fiqh and lastly ahklaq. Dear StrugglingForTheLight you also mentioned the great and important concept of infallibility.

• An Introduction to Islamic Seminaries of Qum

Mohammad Ali Shomali

• Chapter One Status of knowledge

Mohamamd Hossein Faryab, Translated by Fatemeh Soltanmohammadi

• Chapter Two Introduction to Islamic Sciences I

Rasoul Imani Khoshkhu, Translated by: Mohammad Reza Farajian

• Chapter Two Introduction to Islamic Sciences II

Rasoul Imani Khoshku, Translated by Mohammad Reza Farajian

• Chapter Two Introduction to Islamic Sciences III

Rasoul Imani Khoshkhu, Translated by Mohammad Reza Farajian & Mahdi Bagheri

And below citation, found from another topic that is useful in here. Sure scholars of islam divide islamic teachings in three parts, but it is just an equation and not a formula-the formula of religion -. There is man made religions through shaitan that belong to hell and heavenly religions from paradise, through Prophet Peace upon Him and His Family.

There is two kinds of shaitan, namely shaitan jinn and shaitan ens/''human' or human like". The man made religions have to fake; build up their false religion with, from an example in outer world, this said Ibrahimic religions. Imagine the latest uavs specially those like birds-it has different name -, so much it is lacking to make it like a real bird, the same with fake religions. Allah says and shows that he has made us come to earth and already equip it with all inventions we need, all tools we need, but we want to be extremely independent, and invent and name it sciences in europe and north america, basically all the world, but it decreases as you move 360 grade-from all corners of the world - towards ISLAMIC REPUBLIC. Talk about extremist, even want to be independent from Allah and Ahl al-Bait! Of course they-some of them - will continue to come near shaitan.

Allah says let me teach you through your own perfect and infallible examples Ahl al-Bait how to invent. I made you come to earth and invent to prove your worth to angels and other creations that your the best creation, but you copy me, and its, it will never finish and be like what i created. I can help, follow Me and it will finish faster; for those following knowingly and unknowingly takes 4 years for you 1 year and even less. If your near Allah and honest in your studies through Ahl al-Bait, Wali Faqih, Marajih, high scholars that is not marja, martyrs, leader communities.

Man made religions need update but heavenly religion do not need update. How to use it in different times matters but it does NOT get update; here it gets important to understand and prove than why different holy books and so on than exist... So we have to read and recognize our maraje, be acquainted with their knowledge but also be acquainted with their heart through seeing their action and see that they are following the sirah of the Prophet Peace upon Him and His Family. So again knowledge-ilm - and action-amal -.

Knowledge: , Aqaed, Fiqh and Ahklaq

Action: Ahklaq, Fiqh, and Aqaed.

This small table above shows that there is both ilm ahklaq, and ilm irfan, there is practical and theoretical fiqh and there is ilm kalam and sirah of the Prophet Peace upon Him and His Family. So other knowledge fields get involved and it gets a complex form, but we should try to make our own simple form so we learn how everything is connected and recognize relations between them. When we think/reflect, it is how we get the knowledge processed for digestion in our head but we imagine also. Reflection-fekr - is characteristic of angels in us and imagination characteristic of animals in us, so we should use both; to be able to think and reflect or do intellectuality, what word should we use here for humans hmm. Wondering how little human vocabulary we have and it is only found in Holy Quran and Ahl al-Bait Ahadith and those who follow them closely. And how little how much proper animal and angel vocabulary that is only found in the words of Wali Faqih and Maraji books...

Religion: Knowledge and action; ACTION AND KNOWLEDGE: Aqaed, Fiqh, and Akhlaq; AKHLAQ, FIQH AND AQAED

This is some simple relationships, example if knowledge is connected and have relationship with action; action has also relationship with knowledge, but their relationship is based on different things, because they are in need of something they do not have, and if they try to go to make it themselves, they basically ruin them selves completely, and unsuccessful accomplishment of the mission. Here we are talking about Aqaed and not certain action or knowledge field;sphere or what ever you call it, i do not know and i know that i do not know and i just confessed, but i know also that i can reflect and research and know it, but again am lazy or satisfied, or there must be a problem, why do i not know it Allah. So one thing i know is that i do not know!

And here we have mentioned it like formula. Allah is not in need and do not have any relationship with anyone based on need.

Ibn Sina has written about the nafs-psyche,ego,soul that it is from action perspective connected to body and from knowledge perspective connected to spirit and if one can prove it with logical reasoning than one can get an intellectual argument out of it. Same one can say that: Aqaed is connected from action perspective to fiqh and from knowledge perspective to akhlaq. Can above mentioned latest paragraphs get better revision or this is okay.

Religion: Knowledge and action; ACTION AND KNOWLEDGE

If we put one time knowledge first and another time action first, it is because there is two different connection and religion need them both based on islamic human rights and not europe or north american human rights. For example body need both brain and heart, for it to survive, so both brain and heart work together on different tasks, and goes the same path, siratal mustaqim, to acheive perfection. Heart help with blood and air and brain help with 'electro' nerve and sensual that is basically your senses and limbs work/ and also basically it is your earth and water or the hereafter farm, to work on it, to ride it and so on. So both is important but for different reasons and with different argument. Instead pay attention for what they are working for, they are working for their family lo!

All Questions and critics and doing it together is welcome. The whole point of chat is you know some Holy Quran verses and commentary with sources and i know other Quran verses and commentary because we are not scholars to know all, both we share it together and complete this topic successful. You know some hadith and scholar interpretation and i know some hadith and scholar interpretation, but not all because we are not scholars, and it is not realistic to go after it when we do not pursue scholar career. We pay with our time and help each other instead of one going after everything. We can take different responsibilities to go after different things the topic we interested in and final it.

On 6/13/2012 at 8:20 PM, hameedeh said:

(bismillah)

(salam)

The scholars of Islam divide Islamic teachings into three parts:

(i) Doctrines ('aqa'id): These constitute the issues which must be understood and believed in, such as, the Unity of God, the Divine Attributes, universal and restricted prophethood, etc. However, there are certain differences between Muslim sects as to what constitutes the basic articles of faith (usul al-Din) in which belief is necessary.

(ii) Morals (akhlaq): These relate to the commands and teachings relating to the spiritual and moral characteristics of human beings, such as, justice, God-fearing (taqwa), courage, chastity, wisdom, endurance, loyalty, truthfulness, trustworthiness, etc., and prescribe 'how' a human being should be.

(iii) The Law (ahkam): Here the issues relating to practice and the correct manner of performing acts, such as, prayers (salat),fasting (sawm), hajj, jihad, al- 'amr bil ma'ruf wa al-nahy 'an al-munkar, buying, renting, marriage, divorce, division of inheritance and so on, are discussed.

The science which deals with the first of the above-mentioned is 'ilm al-kalam. The study of the second is 'ilm al-'akhlaq (ethics). The study of the third is called 'ilm al-fiqh (the science of jurisprudence). That which is subjected to division in this classification is the corpus of Islamic teachings; that is, those things which constitute the content of Islam. It does not include all those Islamic studies which form the preliminaries for the study of Islamic teachings, such as, literature, logic, and occasionally philosophy.

Secondly, in this classification the criterion behind division is the relationship of Islamic teachings to the human being: those things which relate to human reason and intellect are called 'aqa'id; things which relate to human qualities are called akhlaq; and those things which relate to human action and practice are included in fiqh.

Source: http://www.al-islam....awhid/kalam.htm

Edited January 5, 2016 by Ali.Isa

GodMan · January 6, 2016

I think religion is an introduction of God!

Everyone by thinking can understand that the world should have a reason(creator). and who is it? and religion explains and answer to this main question.

Ali.Isa · January 7, 2016

Salam Alaikom, this is one of the main reasons why this topic has been started, to know foolproof about religion for this era and no one should over come it intellectually, until except Imam Mahdi when He comes. Our Maraje and high scholars are pro in many subjects but we can be at least pro in one subject in basic form.

On 11/1/2015 at 7:57 AM, khamosh21 said:

New lecture series being translated... this is the first one... it's really an intro... if there is ONE lecture you should listen to, it's the latest one added lecture number 3... please also subscribe to the channel, like, comment and encourage them to translate more and more of these astounding lectures

**Chaotic Muslem** · January 9, 2016

On January 3, 2016 at 6:51 PM, StrugglingForTheLight said:

There is two religions in reality (submission to the Taghut and submission to the light).

While God can communicate to us and manifest obedience to him, as well, as manifest those who are enlightened by his path and signs and are certain of his signs and lights and glories of his commands.

Most religions end up being a mix of submission to the Taghut and submission to the light. That is why Quran calls it SHIRK, that means you associate with God in obedience and his right of submission others.

Fallible religious leaders should never replace the authority of God through those he appoints.

This means right now there is unofficial Islam and official Islam. Official Islam is definitely to me a mix of submission to the light and submission to the Taghut.

Unofficial Islam is hidden guidance by Imam Mahdi to his followers who are enlightened by him. As the member Qaim shows, it's they who are the face of God by which we turn to. They are the real religion and true way of submission to God.

In a long debate of Imam Redha, Imam Redha explains 42:23 in reality to make Ahlulbayt the eyes by which we see or consider them eyes to the head.

Imam is the way to live your life, the King who will direct people how to act and we help and obey him....

I pray to God that I will be guided in this guidance and not be satisfied without it.

I dont think the terms official and unofficial are correct.

StrugglingForTheLight · January 9, 2016

8 hours ago, Chaotic Muslem said:

I dont think the terms official and unofficial are correct.

ISIS is part of official Islam. Wahabism is part of official Islam. Even Tatbir is part of official Islam. Official Islam is what is practiced by Muslims in their relationship to the sacred and want to please it.

Every feature of it, from killing apostates to stoning women, whether it's not what God commanded or not is part of the official Islam.

Unofficial Islam is submission to God's guidance as it's meant to be. In this day and age, we have to strive hard to see the true face of God and be guided by the hands of the Imam [ajf].

It's unofficial, because it's not taught in public. We know some things about it, but we don't exactly what it is.

Ali.Isa · January 10, 2016

2 hours ago, StrugglingForTheLight said:

ISIS is part of official Islam. Wahabism is part of official Islam. Even Tatbir is part of official Islam. Official Islam is what is practiced by Muslims in their relationship to the sacred and want to please it.

Every feature of it, from killing apostates to stoning women, whether it's not what God commanded or not is part of the official Islam.

Unofficial Islam is submission to God's guidance as it's meant to be. In this day and age, we have to strive hard to see the true face of God and be guided by the hands of the Imam [ajf].

It's unofficial, because it's not taught in public. We know some things about it, but we don't exactly what it is.

Salam ALAIKOM, do not our maraje promote official Islam. It is nice but still is it necessary for such terms, we do not accept certain things that have come into Islam, but to give them name and recognize it, weird, we should fight it. And is it not better if we say fake Islam and real/true Islam, have already written some thought about it above. Because the concept behind it is right and of importance but the terming does not clarify our intent.

StrugglingForTheLight · January 10, 2016

The problem is we run into no true Scotsman, if we begin to want to define Islam.

Ali.Isa · January 10, 2016

5 minutes ago, StrugglingForTheLight said:

The problem is we run into no true Scotsman, if we begin to want to define Islam.

I do not understand... Please explain more!

Edited January 10, 2016 by Ali.Isa

StrugglingForTheLight · January 10, 2016

Everyone has their own understanding of Islam. To tell a non-Muslim, this is true Islam as opposed to another version of it, is meaningless to them, because all Muslims can claim the same thing. All Muslims support their practices by some reasoning or interpretation of Quran and hadiths...so you run into no true Islam impression if we go by what they all say.

Rather you should ask yourself, what is Islam to you. What does the religion mean to you. What do you see as primary foundation to submitting to God. etc, etc...

Every human being has to discover that for himself.

gentleman. · January 10, 2016

today Our teacher said a story of his propagation abroad since he visited a church in which were few clergymen with a priest speeching. He said I got into their debates and they slowly paied all their attention to me because I was talking about the real religion Islam. Then the priest didn't allow me to continue. I believed If we present the truths of Islam to believers, they surely accept. About non believers it is another story

Ali.Isa · January 11, 2016

On 1/10/2016 at 7:59 PM, StrugglingForTheLight said:

Everyone has their own understanding of Islam. To tell a non-Muslim, this is true Islam as opposed to another version of it, is meaningless to them, because all Muslims can claim the same thing. All Muslims support their practices by some reasoning or interpretation of Quran and hadiths...so you run into no true Islam impression if we go by what they all say.

Rather you should ask yourself, what is Islam to you. What does the religion mean to you. What do you see as primary foundation to submitting to God. etc, etc...

Every human being has to discover that for himself.

Our religion, or better said the religion of Allah is based on fitra/human instincts/essence/core, and all us humans have the same fitra. If the unbelievers are not our enemy and normally listen to us, we tell them what our scholars say and what we have studied from them, we do not feel and want to be independent in talking from ourselves-if we are not ourselves scholars and researchers -.

When we present Islam, it is based on some principles. What is our problem if some people are away from scholars or their scholars are weak/corrupt in their mind so they bring different explanation from Holy Quran and hadith-still they can get unified, and hit back the corrupt -. Sure people can ask what religion is for them, and this is our topic. But if one read a logical reasoning of what religion is than one understand it because of their fitra, while your maybe aiming from nafs perspective.

Yes we ask our self what religion is and Islam is, and research to than be unified not to than go and chose our way and explain COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Yes all explanations and understandings have some right and wrong, but have to find and make one explanation by unifying all explanations by their good parts and rejecting their bad parts.

How can we divide Islam into official and unofficial when some people do hurt their body with knifes, we progress and eliminate this wrong act. It has nothing to do with Islam, just lack of knowledge or holding fast to their acts despite what Maraje say- not to forget their their promotion by outsiders -. And not to forget that Islam is in the midst soft war, and the media in europe and north america presents an image that is not Islam, about Islam. We can not call that official; we can not call some illegitimate child like isis official compared to billions of Muslims. So we have to work hard and present the Islam we practice so people know we are official ISLAM AND THEY ARE FAKE, they do not exist but want to create existence for themselves and say we are this and people accept us.

I have earlier mentioned maybe ambiguously about this issue. But now a hadith to get the inception clearly, that you can make a fake painting based on a famous painting and everyone out of ignorance promote it or out of evil intention, And not many people can prove that it is fake because one have done so good forgery except the few elite in the field. Such ahadith below; have seen one/two more instances like this hadith and that one can intellectualize and reach a conclusion.

I think we have a lot of scholars working hard to teach Islam around the world. And we should all work together to understand what Islam is for us and not for me. For sure it is possible to define Islam, we should help each other; all Muslims around the world. Please if you have more thoughts around what you previously wrote, please write, because writing is a great thing and help us come closer and become true brothers.

ـ الكافي عن بَعضِ أصحابِنا رَفَعَهُ إلَى الإمامِ الصّادقِ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): قلتُ لهُ: مَا العقلُ؟ قالَ: ما عُبِدَ بِهِ الرَّحمنُ وَاكتُسِبَ بِهِ الجِنانُ . قالَ: قُلتُ: فَالّذي كانَ في مُعاوِيَةَ ؟ فقالَ: تِلكَ النَّكراءُ ، تِلكَ الشَّيطَنَةُ ، وهِيَ شَبيهَةٌ بِالعَقلِ ولَيسَت بِالعَقلِ

39– Imam al-Sadiq (A) was asked what the intellect was, to which he replied, ‘It is that with which The Beneficent God is worshiped and with which Paradise is attained.’ So the man asked, ‘So what about that which even Muawiya possessed’ He replied, ‘That is a vicious thing, that is devilry, and resembles intellect, though it is not intellect.’
[al-Kafi, v. 1, p. 11, no. 3]

http://hadith.net/en/post/34141/intelect/p5/

Edited January 11, 2016 by Ali.Isa

Ali.Isa · January 14, 2016

Salam Alaikom, so far we have mentioned religion is; you have some beliefs and based on it you perform action, basically knowledge and action. Than we shortly zoomed in and explained that religion is three things Fiqh, Aqaed and Akhlaq. We also briefly mentioned further that all is connected and have some kind of relationship with each other based on need and likeness for perfection; to be together for a greater cause.

Now we will further zoom in to see what religion is; we can say religion is Politic, Military, Economy, Society, Culture, Eduction and Religiosity. These seven main categories is written here, can you bring another category we can put here. Of course each of these main categories hold its own related sub categories. Can you try to reflect and see how it is connected with the two explanations above about religion.

Below is a citation from Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, on four types of people based on senses for knowledge and limbs for action. Here our aim is to recognize the importance of action and knowledge towards each other and not to discuss to recognize our nafs/soul/psyche/ego.

"The great master posed a question as “why are there Men possessed of knowledge who fail to take action”, and replied:

Why do we have Men possessed of knowledge who fail to take action? How is it possible for one to read the verse

«قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِینَ یغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ»

(Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks) and teach it in the class and then refrain from looking at non-mahrams. While we know that it is religiously unlawful to be «أَکالُونَ لِلسُّحْتِ» (devourers of what is forbidden), and that bribery is forbidden, why being dirty-handed at times? It is not true that all Men possessed of knowledge are Men of deeds and action. There are instances both in seminaries and in universities. How is for Man with all his knowledge to fail to take action? Still, you may see many people and read for them the very same thing and the very verse; and yet they do not abandon their errors. Such a Man has no problem in his knowledge, he has even taught such words. The problem lies somewhere else. The “somewhere” has to be known (first), and cured (second). To know One who carries out acts of decision making, controlling, management, handling and performing, such a One has to be known separately. Before we come to know Him separately, let us give an example in the outer space so that to clarify a bit until we reach the inner space wherein we will see how some people, both in seminaries and universities, can be possessed of knowledge yet fail to act accordingly.

In the space outside us, certain forces undertake the act of perception; such are the eyes and the ears. No one expects the eyes to run; they are expected to see and perceive. Ears are not expected to attract and repel; they are to hear and perceive. Such perceptions are for hearing and listening. But running and jumping are for hands and feet. So, from the outer perspective, there are a set of forces which perceive and a set of forces which take action. A group of them become percipient and another moving agent. Man is of four types by the outer forces: some are with stronger perception; i.e. their sense of vision and hearing is sharp; they see well and hear well; their hands and feet are also healthy. When they see snakes and scorpions, they perceive well and escape. These are men possessed of knowledge and action both; that is to say, their practical element works well and their feet are not crippled.

The second group is those whose perception is sharp yet whose hands and feet are crippled. They see snakes and scorpions yet they do not move. Even if they are poisoned, if they are asked whether or not they have seen the snake or the scorpion?! They will reply: yes, we did. Eyes and ears cannot escape, can they? Right, they had seen them completely, yet that part which has to move and help them escape is disabled. Now it becomes clear what is wrong in a man possessed of knowledge without action.

The third group is those whose hands and feet are free yet whose eyes and ears are closed; such are the ignorant people who can run well but don’t know where to go. They can make the proper use of their heads, but they don’t know how to use it. Such an individual has strong hands and feet and head, yet cannot understand how and where to use them.

The fourth group is those whose eyes and ears are closed and whose hands and feet are crippled as well.

The above were the four physical-perception types. Let us go to the tenor of the debate and the true content of our simile.

Within us there are a set of forces relating to perception and comprehension known as theoretical wisdom. Intellect, doing research, imagination and confirmation are for this purpose.

There are a set of forces which are totally separate from the part of cognition and which control the motivations. These are administrators of motivations; they possess wills, sincerity, intention, decision, ruling and command.

These are at two completely separate levels.

A person the two parts of whom are strong, i.e. one who perceives well and decides well will be a just knower.

Second is one whose knowledge base is strong, one who teaches, delivers lectures, but in practice there is no difference for him what to do, and whether to receive bribery for instance or not; such a one is paralyzed in his practical wisdom whereby he is to make his will and take a decision. No need to recite for him verses of the Quran; he has no problem with verses and has no theoretical deficiencies. He is similar to an individual who has healthy eyes and ears but who cannot move as a result of his crippled feet. If he is repeatedly asked whether or not he had seen the snake coming toward him, he would reply: yes, I did. He did see the snake but eyes cannot escape. Such a knowledge knower or such a clergy has crippled hands and feet. When Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in his illuminating words

«کم من عقلٍ اسیرٍ تحت هوی امیر»

(Many a wisdom captive under the command of caprice). He meant that in the battlefield of the Greater Jihad (jihad with the lower self), the decision center is made captive. Satan captures the center for their volition, management and decision making and fastens them with chain.

The third group is those whose hearts’ hands and feet are free, those who can act well; they are also free to will, but they don’t know what they are doing; such are the holy fools. May God bless our master the Late scholar Allameh Tabataba’i. He used to quote a narration as follows: before Aqa Sheikh Abass wrote Mafatih al-Jinan (The Keys to the Gardens of Paradise), Zad al-Ma’ad (Provisions of the Hereafter) of Marhum Majlisi (May God bless him) was popular. Majlisi’s Zad al-Ma’ad includes religious acts and ceremonies for twelve months of the year. According to him, some holy fools would rehearse a complete recital of Zad al-Ma’ad during the holy month of Ramadan. They thought the book was like the Quran. Zad al-Ma’ad is on the acts specific to special times all throught the year and is not for the month of Ramadan alone. Such a one does not know and does not understand what he should do; he is, thus, active, yet of little understanding.

The fourth group is the profligate ignorant who cannot distinguish what to do and in case he understands, he does not intend to act upon it."

Notes: http://www.portal.esra.ir/Pages/Index.aspx?kind=1&lang=en&id=MTcxMQ%3d%3d-ZbYTGAPUo%2fU%3d&skinid=69

Ali.Isa · January 14, 2016

Salam Alikom,

What are these words such as worldview, ideology and life style... are they all religion but just termed differently.

Edited January 14, 2016 by Ali.Isa

Ali.Isa · January 21, 2016

:bismillah:

:salam:

Available is questions and answers for our help in this discussion. Hope Allah help us and we find more pure sources for our small discussion. There is some articles also related to religion in english and Farsi so it may help us have a solid belief in that we want religion, and that we have covered our discussion of religion with good resources, and reflect over it. I would recommend danesh.roshd.ir as Farsi research base because of easy language. If anyone knows about a book in english and Farsi about religion let us know.

Usually before discussing about Tawhid of our religion our scholars in many books begins with explaining what religion is, or talks about what knowledge, faith and aql with recognition of human being is and their relationships. An example one can refer to the book of Ayatollah Wahid Khorasani, on Usul l-Din of our religion.

Many scholars have explained and have put definition on religion and as we see the more a pure and refined of these definitions are from those scholars that are more near the Ahadith of Ahl al BAIT Peace upon Them and the Holy Quran Verses in this regard. So we can try to explain scholars from the view of scholars in regard to definition of Religion and than see what is messing and take help from Ahadith and later see to recognize verses of the Holy Quran in this regard-of course simultaneously we will go forward Allah will -. The only thing to make it foolproof is to purify our knowledge in this regard, that is we use sincerity and Allah will; we will try to refine the definition for ourselves. May Allah HELP US.

I DO RECOMMEND TO READ ALL LINK IN REGARD TO RELIGION THAT IS IN ENGLISH, SPECIALLY THE Q & A links.

What is Religion? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa199

What are the different stages and levels of religion? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa200

Do we have more than one “nafsul-amr” religion? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa201

Can you explain how one can reach the “nafsul-amr” religion?http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa203

How can there be a religion that contains all of man’s needs for salvation?http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa206

Do different situations have any effect on the nafsul-amr religion?http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa202

What are the traits of the “mursal” religion? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa204

What type of religion is “the seal of religions”?http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa205

What is Islam for? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa3939

What is really meant by Islam being the seal of religions and what are the flaws of Dr. Soroush's theory? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa399

Do the discrepancies among religions have something to do with people’s personal and environmental capacity? http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa8229

Articles:

1. http://www.al-islam.org/need-religion-allamah-sayyid-saeed-akhtar-rizvi

2. http://www.al-islam.org/al-ilahiyyat-vol-1-hassan-muhammad-makki-al-amili/chapter-1-general-principle-precepts#2-what-religion-what-are-its-roots-human-nature

3. http://www.al-islam.org/mystery-life-allamah-muhammad-taqi-jafari/god-seeking-god-faith-god#religion-personal-matter

4. http://www.al-islam.org/articles/understanding-universal-abrahamic-religion-allamah-muhammad-taqi-jafari

5. http://www.al-islam.org/man-and-universe-ayatullah-murtadha-mutahhari/chapter-4-school-thought-or-ideology

6. http://www.al-islam.org/man-and-universe-ayatullah-murtadha-mutahhari/chapter-5-islam-comprehensive-school

7. http://www.al-islam.org/man-and-universe-ayatullah-murtadha-mutahhari/chapter-16-religion-or-religions

8. http://www.al-islam.org/risalah-al-wilayah-vicegerency-muhammad-husayn-tabatabai/chapter-1-outward-dimension-religion-there

9. http://www.al-islam.org/islamic-teachings-in-brief-allamah-tabatabai/religion

10. http://www.al-islam.org/how-bridge-generation-gap-ayatullah-sayyid-muhammad-taqi-hakim/all-about-religion

Arabic:

دین : المفردات

http://www.matquran.com/fa/Book/View/

Farsi:

Firstly:

معاني دين

http://www.mesbahyazdi.ir/node/5241#P80

معنای لغوی و اصطلاحی دین

http://www.matquran.com/fa/Book/View/

معناى دين

http://www.erfan.ir/farsi/13765.html

دين

http://islampedia.ir/fa/1389/11/

دين

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