Faithful Reason in Mystical Thought (An Analysis of the Relationship Between Reason and Faith)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of the Department of Mysticism at Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran (Corresponding Author).

2 Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy at Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

The discussion of faith and, specifically, the role of knowledge (ma’arifa) in faith, has been one of the fundamental topics addressed by Muslim thinkers. Some have considered rational knowledge as identical to faith, while others see it as a component of faith, and still others as separate from faith altogether. Some defined it as an active and voluntary act, while others interpreted it as passive and involuntary. These varying interpretations have sometimes led to a distinction between faith and rational knowledge, thus creating a divide between rationalism and faith-based thinking. However, Muslim mystics have introduced the concept of "faithful reason," which reflects the union of both. From their perspective, both reason and faith are divine lights that, based on a certain harmony, are reflected in the mirror of one's spiritu al temperament, shaped by human will and choice. In this article, the perspectives on faith and reason are described, and the essence of faith and faithful reason, considering the two elements of harmony and spiritual temperament, is analyzed from the viewpoint of Muslim mystics.

Keywords


* The Holy Quran
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