Conscious Faith

In this regard, the following subjects are to be seen in the Qur'an:

1. Having faith in the principles and foundations of the religion is one of the outstanding characteristics of the Prophet of God and his true followers. It is so outstanding that the Qur'an has specifically emphasized on it, saying:

﴾The Messenger believes in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and the believers; each one believes in God and His angels, and in His Books and His Messengers; we make no division between anyone of His Messengers. They say, 'We hear, and obey. Our Lord, grant us Thy is the homecoming'. (2:286)﴿

2. Faith arises from understanding, intellect and knowledge; it is not a blindfold and imitative belief. This very particularity distinct faith from other vulgar devotions which are often absurd, fading and devoid of any action.

In the following verses an evident indication of this kind of understanding can be observed:

﴾Surely in the creation of the heavens and earth, and in the alteration of night and day there are signs for men possessed of minds who remember God, standing and sitting and on their sides, and reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth. 'Our Lord, Thou hast not created this for vanity. Glory be to Thee. Guard us against the chastisement of the Fire.

Our Lord, whomsoever Thou admittest into the Fire, Thou wilt have abased. and the evildoers shall have no helpers. Our Lord, we have heard a caller calling us to belief saying, "Believe you in your Lord. And so we believe. (3.1.90-192) 3.﴿

Only an enlightened mind can perceive this knowledge and understanding; otherwise, faith would turn into a petrified and foolish bigotry and the way to truth and salvation would be blocked for man. This is why the Qur'an seriously condemns the bigoted and imitative faith of pagans. Let us consider the rebuking and meaningful tone of the following verse:

﴾And when it is said to them, 'Come now to what God has sent down, and the Messenger, they say, 'Enough for us is what we found our fathers doing.' What, even if their fathers had knowledge of naught and were not guided? (5:104)﴿

* THE GENERAL PATTERN OF ISLAMIC THOUGHT IN THE QUR'AN. By: SAYYED ALI KHAMENEI. Translated by: Alireza Anoushiravani