This work is one of many by Grand Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi. It is one of
his works relating to Islamic beliefs. Whoever reads and studies it will have a
firm grasp of true Islamic beliefs. This will, in return, help him is every
aspect of his life, because beliefs are the basis for our actions and
interactions. With sound and proper beliefs our actions will be better performed
and well-intentioned.
His eminence has taken great care in explaining this all-important subject with
great detail, but at the same time has used very simple language. This work can
be used to answer many objections falsely spread about Islam. Also, it is very
helpful in showing true Islamic beliefs in comparison to the widespread
innovations. Furthermore, it can greatly help people, both young and old, from
falling victim to weak ideologies, because when true Islamic doctrines are
placed before any false ideologies, it shows their weaknesses. The Qur’an has
said in this matter, “Nay, We cast the truth against falsehood and it knocks out
its brain, behold falsehood does perish…” (21:18).
Thus, a person who wants to grow in the process of humanity will be helped
tremendously by studying this book. Furthermore, it will help during prayers to
know about the attributes of the One we are worshipping. In addition, it will
also assist us in performing our religious duties because we will know what the
principal reasons for these practices and rules and regulations are. Plus, we
will become familiar with those who strived to teach us these matters, meaning
the prophets and infallible imams. Not to mention what our outcome will be and
what rewards await those who obey God and what punishments await those who
disobey God and cause corruption in the world.
Moreover, this book will help us find the answer to some of the most basic
questions we have, such as where did we come from? Why are we here? And where
are we going?
A brief look at the author’s life
Grand Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi was born in a well-known religious family in
Shiraz, Iran during the year 1345 hijri (circa 1927 C.E.). He had a great
inclination and love for Islamic learning from a young age. He began his formal
religious studies when he was fourteen years old by joining the theological
seminary in Shiraz called Aghaa Baabaa Theological Seminary.
Due to his remarkable genius, he completed his basic, intermediate, and advanced
studies in four years. Towards the end of his teens his holiness entered the
theological schools of Qum and attended the lectures of the greatest scholars of
the time, like, Grand Ayatullah Burujerdi. To further his studies he migrated to
the holy city of Najaf, Iraq and attended the classes of Grand Ayatullah Sayyid
Mohsin Al-Hakim, Grand Ayatullah Khoei and Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Hadi
Shirazi, as well as other renowned scholars. He received his degree of ijtihaad
when he was only twenty-three years old.
After his return to Iran he started to teach the advanced religious courses at
Qum. Later on he began to teach the principles of jurisprudence (usoolul fiqh)
and jurisprudence (fiqh) at the khaarij level. He has been teaching at this
level for more than forty years now. After the death of Grand Ayatullah Sayyid
Muhammad Reza Gulpayagani he was named one of those qualified as the point of
reference (marja’) for the Shias by the Board of Teachers of Qum.
At present many students attend his lectures. More than two thousands students
and distinguished scholars attend his classes regularly. He has also written
over one hundred books many of which have been published. Some of his books have
become bestsellers in Iran. His voluminous commentary of the Holy Qur’an,
Tafseeri Namoona was widely accepted and there are very few homes in Iran which
do not have a copy. At present the Islamic Institute of Theology is in the
process of translating it into English. It has already been translated into
Arabic and Urdu. In addition, several of his books on Islamic doctrine have
turned to references for students and researchers, particularly in the challenge
with materialists and pseudo-intellectuals.
Lesson One: Seeking God: Why do we think about and study ways of knowing the
creator of the universe?
1. Love of awareness
Love of awareness and becoming familiar with our world is ingrained within all
of us. In reality, we all want to know, did this elevated sky with its beautiful
stars, this widespread earth with its heart rendering views, these various
creatures, beautiful birds, different fish, rivers, mountains, blossoms and
flowers, different types of trees that reach towards the heavens and so forth
come about on their own? Or were all these wonderful designs brought to form by
an expert, capable and recognized designer?
Beyond all of this, the primary questions that come to mind for all of us are:
Where did we come from? Where are we? And where are we going? If we knew the
answers to these questions, how fortunate we would be. That is if we knew where
our lives originated from, where it will finally end up, and what our duty is
now. Our searching spirit tells us, “You must not rest until you find the
answers to these questions.”
[For example], it may often happen in an automobile accident that a person is
injured and becomes unconscious, and for treatment he is taken to a hospital.
When his condition becomes better and he regains consciousness, the first
questions that he will ask from those around him are, “where is this place? Why
have you brought me here? And when will I leave here?”
This shows that a person cannot remain indifferent when it comes to these
questions. Therefore, the first thing that drives us towards finding God and
knowing the creator of the universe is our thirsty and searching spirit.
2. Sense of Thankfulness
Imagine that you have been invited to a respectable banquet and all means of
convenience and comfort have been provided for you. However, it happens that you
have been invited through your older brother and you do not really know your
host that well. There is no doubt that the first thing you will do after
arriving to this pleasing gathering is to get to know your host and thank him
[for his kindness].
Also, when we look at this widespread tablecloth that is the created world and
its countless blessings such as our seeing eyes, hearing ears, sufficient
intellect and mind, various physical and psychological abilities, innumerable
means for living, clean and proper sustenance, we automatically think about
knowing the provider of all these blessings. Even if he is needless of our
thanks, we should thank him and if we do not we will have a feeling of
uneasiness and deficiency. This is another guide that sends us searching to know
God.
3. The relationship between our gain and loss with this example:
Imagine that you are on a journey and you reach a crossroad at which there is a
great deal of commotion. Everyone is telling you not to stay at this four-way
crossroad because there are great dangers there. However, each group invites you
towards their own way. One group says, “The best way to go is eastbound.”
Another group points towards the west as the best road. The third group invites
you to the path between these two and says, “The only way towards safety from
these dangers, the destination of salvation and place of peace and security,
which brings with it all types of happiness, is this way.”
Would we allow ourselves to choose a way without any research or investigation?
Or will our intellect allow us to stay at that place without choosing a way out?
Obviously not. Rather, intellect and wisdom tell us to immediately begin the
investigation and research, and carefully listen to each group’s words and
accept the one which has the signs of rightness, truthfulness and convincing
reasoning. And to move forward with assurance of mind on that chosen road.
Also, in this life of this world we come to face with this situation. All the
different types of religions and ideologies invite us towards their way.
However, as our fate, fortune or misfortune and success or failure depend on our
making the right decision; we have no choice but to [seriously] study the
matter. We have to choose the way that is the basis for our success and reaching
perfection of being. We must prevent ourselves from those ways that will throw
us in the abyss of misfortune, corruption and difficulties.
This is an additional factor that invites us to search for the creator of the
universe. The Holy Qur’an says,
“(O Prophet), give the good news to those of My servants who hear the different
sayings and choose the best way…” (39:18)
Think and answer
1. Until now, besides that which you have heard from your parents, have you
seriously thought about God and knowing God?
2. Can you tell what the difference is between searching for God and knowing
God?
3. During your prayers to God, have you ever felt a sense of deep spiritual joy?
Lesson Two: Signs of Knowing God in Our Lives
Knowing God and the Progress of Knowledge
Suppose that your friend has returned from a trip and has brought you a book as
a gift. He says it is an excellent book because its author is extraordinarily
intelligent, well-informed, accurate, skilled, a genius in his field, and a
master in every meaning of the word. Certainly you will not read this book
carelessly. Rather, the opposite. You will pay close attention to its wording,
phrasing and even [individual] words. If you do not understand a sentence from
it you may spend hours or even successive days, whenever you have the
opportunity studying it until its meaning and concept becomes clear to you.
[This is] due to the fact that the author is not an ordinary person; on the
contrary, he is a scholar of the highest degree who does not even use one word
inaccurately.
However, if he said the opposite to you, that the book may appear to be good on
the outside, but the author is an uneducated person who has no scholarly work to
his credit, nor is there any thought or calculation in his work. It is clear
that you will quickly glance at the book. Wherever you find something that is
unclear in it you will say that it is because of the author’s lack of
information and it is a waste of time to study this book.
The created world is like a great book in which every creature forms a word or a
sentence. From the viewpoint of a godly person every atom of this universe is
worthy of being studied. A person with faith in the luminous rays of godliness
will pay attention and study the mysteries of creation with distinct curiosity.
This matter tremendously assists in the progress of human knowledge and
sciences. [This is] because [the person with faith in God] knows that the
creator of this world has unimaginable knowledge and power, and all His actions
are based on wisdom and reasoning. Therefore, he studies with greater care and
deeply researches so to better understand these mysteries.
But a materialist has no motive for a profound study of creation because he
believes its creator is nature, which is without consciousness and intellect. If
we see that materialist scholars are amongst the discoverers of scientific
knowledge, it is because they truly believe in God but just call Him “nature.”
They believe in God because they maintain order, calculation and program for the
works of nature. In short, godliness is means for the progress of knowledge.
Knowing God and Effort and Hope
Whenever difficult and complex events take place in a person’s life and all
doors seem to be closed in front of him, making him feel weak, unable and alone
against hardships, faith in God comes to his aid and gives him ability. Those
who have faith in God do not see themselves as being alone and powerless. They
do not become hopeless. They do not feel weak and unable because God’s power is
greater than all hardships and everything is simple and easy for Him.
With hope in the Lord’s kindness, support and help, they rise up to struggle
against difficulties, using all of their energies. With love and hope they
continue to struggle and endeavor and eventually overcome their problems and
hardships.
Yes, faith in God is a great refuge for the human being. Faith in God produces
perseverance and steadfastness. Faith in God always keeps the light of hope
alive in the hearts. For these reasons, a person with faith will never attempt
suicide because suicide comes out of despair, complete hopelessness and the
sense of failure. However, those who have faith do not become hopeless. Nor do
they feel that they will fail.
Knowing God and the Sense of Responsibility
We know that some doctors do not take money for their services from their poor
patients. In addition, they give money out of their own pockets for their
medications. If they sense any kind of danger for their patient, they will spend
the entire night at his bedside at the patient’s home. These are people who have
faith and worship God.
We also know doctors who will not take the smallest step to help a patient
without getting paid for it. This is because they do not have firm faith.
A person with faith, in whatever field he is in, will have a sense of
responsibility. He knows his duties. He does good deeds and is forbearing. He
always sees a spiritual police within himself who is watchful of his actions.
However, people without faith are selfish, self-centered and dangerous. They do
not accept any kind of responsibility for themselves. Injustice, oppression and
aggression against others’ rights are easy for them. Moreover, they are seldom
willing to do good deeds.
Knowing God and Tranquillity
Psychologists say that psychological disorders and spiritual unease is more
common now than ever before. They also say that one of the causes of such
illnesses is anxiety, anxiety about the future, anxiety about death, anxiety
about wars, poverty, failure and so forth. They add that one of the things that
can take away anxiety from a person is faith in God. Because whenever the
feeling of anxiety wants to penetrate their souls faith in God chases it away.
God who is merciful, the provider, aware of His servants’ circumstances, there
to help them whenever they turn to Him, frees them from their worries. For this
very reason, those who truly believe and have faith in God feel tranquil and
peaceful. They do not have any type of worries in their hearts because whatever
they do is for God. And if they ever suffer a loss, they look towards God for
its compensation. In addition, they even smile in the battlefield. The Noble
Qur’an says,
“Those who believe and do not replace their faith with injustice, peace and
security are for them.” (6:82)
Think and answer
1. Are you aware of any incidents from previous peoples that reiterate the
manifestations and signs discussed in this lesson?
2. Do you know why those individuals who pretend to have faith are corrupted?
Why do you think the four principles mentioned in this lesson cannot be found in
them?
Lesson Three: Two Clear Ways of Knowing God
From the earliest times until now many books have been written and constant
discussions have been conducted among scholars and non-scholars about theology
or knowing God. Each one has chosen to follow a particular path in order to
trace this reality. However, from among all the ways there are two that can help
bring us close to the great creator of the universe:
1. The inner way (which is the closest way).
2. The outer way (which is the clearest way).
With the first way we dive into the depths of our own being and hear the call of
tauheed (knowing God) from within ourselves. With the second way we explore the
extensive created universe and see signs of God on the forehead of every being
and in the hearts of every atom. Each one of these two ways has lengthy
discussions, but our endeavor is to briefly explain each one in a concise
dialogue.
First: The Inner Way
Let us carefully think about the following matters:
1. Scholars say that whatever human being you think about, from any race or
group, if left alone and shielded from all specialized teachings, ideologies and
beliefs, will automatically become mindful of an able and strong power who is
above the material world and rules over the entire universe. He will sense in
the corners of his heart and the depths of his spirit and psyche a subtle, firm
and merciful call, calling him towards an all aware and powerful being who we
have named God. This is that very pure and untainted call from man’s essence.
2. It is possible that the commotion of the material world and daily life with
its spectacles and displays can make one preoccupied and temporarily unaware of
this call. But, when he sees himself in difficulties and obstacles; or a
dangerous natural disaster such as a flood, earthquake or hurricane; or is
confronted by the distresses of an airplane in hostile and dangerous skies, when
his hands fall short of all material means and he does not see any type of
refuge, this call finds strength within him. He feels a power from within
calling him, a power that is better than all other powers, a mysterious strength
before which all hardships are simple and easy.
It is rare to find a person who does not have such a reaction and does not
automatically turn to God in such difficulties. It is this matter that shows how
close we are to God and how close He is to us. He is in our spirit and soul.
Certainly, this instinctual call is always in a person, but at times like these
it finds greater power.
3. History tells us about rulers who refrained from even mentioning God’s name
during normal and tranquil times. However, when they saw the pillars of their
rule trembling and the palace of their existence falling, they quickly turned to
this great being for help. They clearly heard the voice from their divinely
created nature calling them.
[For instance], history shows that when the Pharaoh saw himself drowning in the
waves of that very sea which was the life-giver of his state and the source of
his material power, and was now bring death to him; when he saw himself helpless
before a few small waves and his hands could not reach any help, he yelled, “I
confess that there is no god but the great God of Moses.” In reality, this cry
came from within his soul and natural being. It is not only Pharaoh, but anyone
who falls into a similar situation that will clearly hear this call.
4. Whenever you pay attention to the depths of your heart, you will see a light
that shines within it that calls you towards God. Perhaps, many times in your
life you have faced hard and unbearable troubles and all the usual ways for
solving them were ineffective. Certainly, at such times this reality came to
mind that there is an able strength in this existing world that can easily solve
your problems.
At these times, a hope mixed with love fills your spirit and soul and removes
the clouds of darkness from you heart. Yes, this is the closest way by which
everyone can go towards God and find the great creator of the universe from
within himself.
Only One Question:
We know that this question may rise for some that is it not possible that we
fall into such thoughts during sensitive times because of what we’ve been taught
by our parents and environment? It is not possible that we extend a pleading
hand towards God based on our training?
This is a very good question and we have a very interesting answer for it which
will be discussed in the next lesson. The Holy Qur’an says,
“When they embark on a ship and the dangers of the storm and mountainous waves
threaten them with death, they sincerely call upon God, and when God delivers
them safely to dry land, they forget Him and go towards their idols.” (29:65)
Think and answer
1. Pay attention to the above verse and its chapter and meaning. Memorize it
word for word and gradually become acquainted with the language of the Qur’an.
2. Have you ever faced a difficult situation when your hands fell short of all
apparent means and you had hope in the Lord’s kindness? Explain it in a short
essay or speech.
3. Why is this way called the closest way?
Lesson Four: Answer to an Important Question
Question:
In the previous lesson we came to this point that we always hear the call of
tauheed and knowing God from within our souls. This call is especially louder
and stronger during hardships and calamities. During such times we instinctively
begin to think about God and seek help from His endless power, compassion and
love.
At this point, it is possible that this question will arise that this inner
voice that we have named our God-given nature (fitrat) is possibly the result of
the teachings we received from our parents, schools and environment. And these
teachings have become a habit for us.
Answer:
The answer to this misunderstanding will become clear by paying attention to
this short introduction. Habits and customs are things that change and are
unstable. We cannot find a habit or custom throughout the history of humanity
among any peoples that has remained the same. It is due to this reason that the
habits and customs of one nation may not be found in other nations.
Therefore, if we see that a matter exists among all peoples and nations during
all ages and times without any exception has its roots in our nature and is
woven into man’s spirit and soul.
For instance, the love of a mother for her child is in no way the product of
suggestions, teachings, habits or customs, because we cannot find among any
people or nation or during any period of time a mother who did not love her
child.
Certainly, it is possible to find a mother who committed suicide or killed her
baby due to a mental disturbance, or the father who buried alive his newborn
daughter during the Age of Ignorance because of his backward thinking and
superstitious beliefs. However, these are exceptional and rare cases which have
been quickly done away with, returning to the original state of love for the
child.
With the above introduction in mind, we will take a look into the subject of
worshipping God amongst present and past peoples. This lesson is somewhat
difficult so pay closer attention.
1. Scholars and historians have testified that we cannot find a period in time
when there was not a religion or religious faith among people. Rather, in every
age and time in every part of the world there has been some form of religion.
This in itself is a proof that worship of God takes its source from the depths
of a human being’s soul and [divinely created] nature. It does not arise from
the result of teachings, customs and habits, because if it were the result of
these then it would not have been universal and timeless.
We even have indications which show that the people who lived before history
also had some sort of religion. Of course, there is no doubt that because
earlier people could not know God as being above nature, they searched for him
among the objects of nature and made idols out of physical materials for
themselves. However, with the gradual development of thought, human beings were
able to find the truth and stop worshipping idols. Moreover, within this
corporeal world they became familiar with God’s great power.
2. Some of the eminent psychologists explicitly state that the human being’s
soul has four dimensions or four primary senses:
2.1. Sense of knowledge, which sends man after knowledge and understanding of
sciences. It makes his soul thirst for knowledge, whether or not it has any
material benefit.
2.2. Sense of kindness, which is the source of morality and humanity among
humankind.
2.3. Sense of beauty, which is the cause of poetry, literature and art, in their
true implications, taking place.
2.4. Sense of belief or religion, which invites man towards knowing God and
carrying out his commandments. In this way we see that the “sense of religion”
is one of the deep-rooted and primary human senses. This means that it never was
nor will it ever be separate from him.
3. In our future lessons we will see how most materialists and atheists have
confessed to the existence of God. Even though they have refrained from
mentioning His name and given Him names like nature, they attribute qualities to
nature that are God’s qualities.
For example, they say that if nature gave man two kidneys it is because it knew
that if one of these kidneys were to stop working the other would allow him to
continue living, and other such examples. Is it befitting to attribute such a
matter to nature which is unconscious and unaware? Or is this not a reference to
God, whose knowledge and power are unlimited, despite the fact that they have
given Him the name nature?
From that which has been said so far we conclude that (1) love for God has
always been within our souls and will always be there. (2) Faith in God is an
eternal flame that always keeps our hearts and souls warm. And (3) we do not
have to take long journeys to know God. All we have to do is look within our own
beings and find faith in Him. The Holy Qur’an says,
“We are closer to the human being than his jugular vein.” (50:16).
Think and answer
1. Give a few examples of habits and a few examples of nature.
2. Why did unaware people go towards idol worship?
3. Why do materialists call God nature?
Lesson Five: A True Story
We have already said that those who deny God with their tongues believe in Him
in the depths of their hearts. There is no doubt that victories and
successes—especially for individuals with few possibilities—develop arrogance in
them. This arrogance becomes the source of forgetfulness, to the point that at
times human beings even forget their own nature. However, when the storm of
hardships knocks his life around and the strong winds of difficulties attack him
from all directions, the curtains of arrogance and selfishness move away from
his eyes and the natural instincts of monotheism (tauheed) and knowing God
become clear.
The history of humanity gives many examples of these types of individuals and
the following narrative is one example.
A very powerful and influential minister had taken control of most of the power
during his time and none could oppose him. One day he entered a gathering where
a group of religious scholars were present. He turned towards them and said
until when are you going to say that there is a god? I have thousands of proofs
against this claim. He said this sentence with a particular arrogance. The
scholars who were present did not say a word because they knew that he was not a
man of reason. Plus, power and authority had made him so proud that no truthful
words would have had an effect on him. They ignored him by staying silent. But
their silence was meaningful and disapproving of his actions.
This event passed. After a while this minister faced some accusations and was
captured and imprisoned by the government. One of the scholars who was present
at that gathering thought that the time for his awakening had arrived. [He
thought to himself] now that he has been separated from the saddle of pride, the
veils of egocentricity have been removed from his eyes and the possibility of
accepting the truth is awakened in him, if I contact him and give him some
advice it may have a good result. He took permission to meet the minister and
went to see him in prison. As he got near, he looked from behind the bars and
saw that the minister was in a single room and was walking back and forth,
thinking. He was also whispering a poem to himself. This scholar listened
closely and noticed that he was reading this famous couplet:
We’re all lions but lions on flags
Our attacks are from the wind, moment by moment
Our attacks seen or unseen are wind
May I be sacrificed for the one who is needless of wind
Meaning we are like those drawings of lions that are drawn on flags. When the
wind blows they have movement and attack, but in reality they do not have
anything of their own. It is the force of the wind which gives them power. No
matter how powerful we become we do not have anything of our own. God has given
us this power and can take it away from us whenever he desires.
The above mentioned scholar saw that under these conditions, not only does he
not deny the existence of God, but he has become a passionate believer in God.
In the meanwhile, after greeting him, he asked him do you remember that day when
you said I have thousands of reasons for the nonexistence of God. I am ready to
answer all those reasons with one reply. God is He who took that great power of
yours with such ease. The minister hung his head in shame and did not answer
because he had acknowledged his mistakes and was witnessing the light of God
from within his soul.
“When the Pharaoh found himself drowning in the waves of the sea, at that moment
he called out, I believe that there is no god but the God of the Children of
Israel.” (10:90)
Think and answer
1. Describe the results of this true story in a few sentences.
2. Why do they call the Children of Israel as such?
3. Who was the Pharaoh? Where did he live and what claims did he make?
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