AL-BAB AL-HADI ‘ASHAR · LESSON 3 · ENGLISH
By Mansoureh Shobeyri Khaghani
Lesson Three: Philosophy, ‘Irfan, and the Foundations of Religious Practice
Watch Lesson 3
2. Philosophy
In the previous lesson, we explained the main subject of theology. In this lesson, we will discuss the subject of philosophy.
The main subject of philosophy is existence. Philosophy seeks to examine the reality of existence and its fundamental properties. Unlike theologians, who discuss religious beliefs directly, philosophers first analyze the concept of existence. They then draw conclusions about related subjects, such as Allah, the universe, and the human being.
Philosophy asks questions such as:
Is existence a cause or an effect?
Is it eternal, or has it come into being?
Is it material or immaterial?
Is it necessary in itself, or contingent—that is, capable of either existing or not existing?
Throughout history, philosophers have offered different theories about the reality of existence. For example, Sadr al-Muta’allihin, better known as Mulla Sadra, holds that existence is a single reality with different degrees of intensity. He illustrates this view through the example of light. Just as sunlight is stronger than candlelight, existence also has different degrees.
By contrast, Peripatetic philosophers, such as Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, hold that the reality of existence is distinct in each being. In other words, each being has an existence of its own that differs from that of other beings. These discussions show that philosophy, unlike theology, begins by examining the fundamental concepts of being, rather than discussing the principles of religion directly.
3. ‘Irfan: Spiritual and Mystical Knowledge
In ‘irfan, the subject of discussion is not existence as such, but the essence of Allah, the Most High. A mystic therefore begins by discussing the sacred Divine Essence. Philosophy distinguishes between the Necessary and the contingent, cause and effect, and the different degrees of existence. ‘Irfan, by contrast, speaks of just one reality: the Divine Essence.
The main features of ‘irfan include the following:
One reality: Mystics hold that the reality of existence is one singular, unique reality, with no multiplicity or division within it.
Manifestation and appearance: Mystics explain that the one divine reality manifests and appears in the world in different forms. In other words, everything that exists in the world is a manifestation and appearance of Allah.
The divine names and attributes: Mystics hold that all actions and beings ultimately refer back to the divine names and attributes, and that everything is ultimately connected to the most sacred Divine Essence.
Theoretical ‘irfan contains detailed discussions of this one reality. Some mystical theories, such as the unity of existence, have been subjected to different forms of criticism and examination. These are important subjects within ‘irfan, and we will discuss them in detail in later lessons.
Summary and Conclusion
Theology examines the principles of religion and Islamic beliefs. It draws on the Qur’an, the narrations, and rational arguments that agree with Islamic law.
Philosophy examines the reality of existence and its fundamental questions. It seeks to understand the truth of being through reason and logical argument.
‘Irfan focuses on the one divine reality and holds that all beings are manifestations and appearances of Allah.
Each of these disciplines offers its own method and perspective for understanding reality. In the coming lessons, we will examine these subjects in greater detail.
Why Understanding the Principles of Religion Matters
Now that we understand the differences between theology, philosophy, and ‘irfan, we return to our main subject: understanding the fundamental beliefs of Islam.
To understand religious beliefs properly, a person must begin with the first step toward knowing Allah: learning the foundations and principles of belief. Someone who studies theology properly, understands the five principles of religion, and examines the rational arguments for them will find philosophy and ‘irfan easier to understand at later stages. This foundation helps a person avoid intellectual doubts and confusion and reach certainty in the heart.
For this reason, we begin with the principles of religion. Without a proper understanding of them, no act of worship or religious practice will have its true value. If someone performs a thousand units of prayer without fully understanding the principles of religion, only the fatigue of that worship will remain, rather than its true effect. As Lady Fatimah al-Zahra, peace be upon her, said:
“Prayer was prescribed to purify you of pride.”
Prayer that is performed only as a physical movement or exercise, without affecting a person’s inner life and soul, cannot fulfill its true purpose. Any act of worship—whether prayer, fasting, reciting the Qur’an, or supplication—will therefore bring little spiritual benefit if it is performed without understanding the five principles of religion.
The purpose of worship is more than outward action. It should purify the inner self and deepen religious understanding. Someone who does not know the principles of religion will be unable to grasp the meanings of the Qur’an when reading it. When reciting supplications, that person will be unable to appreciate the depth of the words and intimate prayers of Imam Zayn al-Abidin, peace be upon him. The first step toward knowing Allah, and the foundation of our beliefs, is therefore to learn the principles of religion through theology.
After the Principles: Learning the Branches of Religion
After fully understanding the principles of religion, we move to the second stage: the branches of religion. These consist of acts of worship and religious duties built on the principles. If someone does not understand the principles properly, that person’s acts of worship will lack a foundation and will not produce their intended effect.
The branches of religion include:
Prayer.
Fasting.
Hajj, the pilgrimage.
Zakat, obligatory almsgiving.
Khums, the one-fifth religious levy.
Enjoining what is right.
Forbidding what is wrong.
Jihad: defensive jihad, or jihad under the leadership of an infallible Imam.
Tawalli: love for and following the Ahl al-Bayt.
Tabarri: disavowal of the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Unfortunately, religious education in many homes begins with the branches of religion. A child is made to pray before learning anything about the principles. This approach makes it difficult for the child to understand the true meaning of worship.
Why Must Every Muslim Know the Principles of Religion?
We will explain this in the next lesson.