Faith
Faith and Science
In relation to faith and science, one
can discuss this from two points of view. One is whether there is an
interpretation which would increase ones faith and ideals and at the
same time be logical. The other is whether all thoughts which science
and philosophy inspire, are against faith, hope and optimism? The
second aspect is the influence of science upon man on the one hand, and
faith on the other. Does science lead man to one thing and faith to
something else, opposite to one another? Does science intend to make
something else? Does science drag us to one side and faith to another?
Are science and faith completely to each other, science forming half and
faith the other half accordingly? What does science and faith give us?
Science gives us power and enlightenment, and faith gives love, hope
and warmth. Science creates technology and faith creates purpose.
Science provides us with momentum and faith with direction. Science is
the ability and faith is good-will. Science shows us what there is
while faith inspires us as to what to do. Science is the external
revolution and faith is the internal one.
Science makes the world humane and
faith elevates the human spirit. Science expands man horizontally, and
faith promotes him vertically. Science re-shapes nature, and faith
molds man. Both science and faith give power to mankind. What science
gives to human beings is detached strength, but what faith gives to them
is an attached string. Both science and faith are beauty, science being
the beauty of wisdom and faith being the beauty of spirit. Science, as
well as faith, gives man security against anxieties, loneliness,
helplessness, and absurdities. Science harmonizes man with the self.
The human need for faith and science
has completely occupied the minds of learned scholars, irrespective of
their being religious or irreligious. The scholar, Muhammad Iqbal
Lahouri believes:
"Humanity needs three things
today: a spiritual interpretation of the universe, spiritual
emancipation of the individual, and a set of principles universally
upheld which would explain the evolution of human society on a spiritual
basis. Modern Europe, has no doubt, built idealistic systems on these
lines, but experience shows that truth revealed through pure reason is
incapable of bringing that fire of living conviction which personal
revelation alone can bring. This is the reason why thought alone has
influenced man so little while religion has always elevated individuals,
and transformed whole societies. The result is a perverted ego seeking
itself through mutually intolerant democracies whose sole function is to
exploit the poor in the interest of the rich. Believe me, Europe today
is the greatest hindrance in the way of man’s ethical advancement. The
Muslim, on the other hand, is in possession of these ultimate ideas
resulting from a revelation, which coming from the inmost depths of
life, internalizes its own apparent extremity. With him or her, the
spiritual basis of life is a matter of conviction for which even the
least enlightened person among us can easily lay down his life."
Religious Faith
Man cannot live a good life or achieve
anything useful for mankind and human civilization without having
beliefs, ideals, and faith. Any individual who lacks ideals and faith
will become either a thoroughly selfish person who does not see anything
but his own personal interests, or an irresolute, wavering being who
does not recognize his duties toward life, or moral and social values.
Man constantly confronts moral and social problems and has to respond
accordingly. If a person is associated with a school of thought,
ideology and faith, his or her position is clear. But, if that person
is not disciplined by a school of thought and a religion, he or she will
constantly remain irresolute and will occasionally be pulled in many
different directions. He or she will become an aimless being.
What must be taken into consideration
is that only religious faith can make man a true believer; only faith
allows him to overcome selfishness and egotism through faith and
ideology and to create a kind of "devoteness" and "conviction" in the
individuals, by which they accept fully even the minor issues of their
ideology. At the same time a person holds his faith so dear and
precious that life without it would become absurd and
meaningless. Therefore he will support it with zeal and fidelity.
Strong religious beliefs cause man to
struggle against his natural, individual inclinations and man may
sacrifice his life and his prestige of his beliefs. This is possible
only when man considers his beliefs sacred and gains absolute control of
himself. It is only religious power which is able to sanctify beliefs
and allow man to be completely ruled by them.
Sometimes, not because of religious faith, but under great
psychological pressure, hatred, revenge, or reaction against oppression
and cruelty, people sacrifice their lives, their property and their
honor, many examples of which can be found around the world.
But the difference between a religious
idea and a non-religious idea is that wherever there is a religious
belief to sanctify the idea, sacrifices are made quite willingly and
naturally. There is a difference between what is done with willingness
and faith which is a kind of choice and that which is done under great
psychological pressure. Secondly, if man’s outlook is merely a
materialistic one exclusively based on perceptive reality, any social
and human idealism is contrary to perceptive realities which people
observe in their relation with the universe. "What
results from a sensory out-look whose logical result is that idea, it
will not go beyond illusion, that man has to devise a world separated
from the existing realities with his illusion and be happy with this.
If idealism originates in religion, it will be based on a kind of
out-look whose logical result is following social ideas and ideals.
Religious faith is a congenial link between man and the general ideals
of the world and result in making an imaginary world for oneself which
is in no way supported by the real world."
It is not that religious faith dictates
a series of duties contrary to people’s natural inclinations, but is
changes the perspective of the world in their eyes. It introduces
factors different from the ones perceptible in the world. It changes
the bleak, mechanical, materialistic world into a living, animate,
conscious world. Religious faith changes their interpretation of the
world and creation. William James, the famous American philosopher and
psychologist of the early 20th century believes,
"The world interpreted religiously is not
the materialistic world over again, with an altered expression, a
natural constitution different at some point, that which a materialistic
world would have."
Apart form this, there is a natural
inclination in all men towards certain sacred truths and entities. Man
is the center of a series of non-materialistic potential talents and
inclinations which can be developed. Man’s inclinations are not
inclusively materialistic, and spiritual inclinations are not merely
inculcated acquired. This is a fact confirmed by science. William
James suggest, "So far as our
ideal impulses originate in this region (and most of them do originate
in it, for we find them possessing us in a way for which we cannot
articulately account)".
Because they exist, these
tendencies must be trained and if they are not trained properly and used
correctly, they take a wrong course and cause incredible damage, such as
the worshipping of idols, of man, nature, and thousands of other objects
of idolatry. All this is the effect of deviation from the correct path.
Erich Fromm believes, "There is
nobody who is not in need of religion, and does not want regulations for
his guidance and a subject for his love and interest. He might not be
aware of his religious beliefs as something different from his total
beliefs and, on the contrary, he may even think that he has no religion
and consider his love and interest for apparently non-religious ends
such as power, wealth and happiness only the sign of his interest in
practical affairs and in accord with the opportunity. The question is
not whether one has or has not any religion, but which religion he
practices." What this
psychologist means is that man cannot live without the need to sanctify
and adore something; for example if an individual does not believe in
Almighty God, that person will consider something else as the ultimate
truth and will make it the subject of his or her faith and worship.
Since it is inevitable for man to have and ideology and faith and
science religious faith is the only faith which can truly influence man
and satisfy his natural inclination towards sacred truths and entities,
there is no way for him but to embrace religious faith.
The Glorious Qur’an is the first book to consider religious faith as a
kind of harmony with the divinity:
"Seek they other than the
religion of God, when unto Him submit whosoever is in the heavens and
the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and unto Him they will be
returned." (3:83)
It also considers religious faith an element of human nature:
"So set thy purpose (O Muhammad
) for religion as a man by nature upright - the nature (framed) of God,
in which He has created man……(30:30)
The Effects and Benefits of Faith
Although the effects of religious faith
have to a certain extent come to light in our discussion so far, in
order to fully understand the truly beneficial effects of this valuable
property of life and this spiritual possession.
Tolstoy, the Russian thinker believes, "Belief
is what people live with."
The philosopher, Nasser Khosrow
Alavi says to his son,
"I turned to religion from the
world because; To me, without religion, prison and dungeon would be the
world. O son, religion is a world in my heart, this one is in no way a
destructible world."
Religious faith has tremendous
positive effects, from the point of creating joy and happiness, or
bettering social relations of decreasing and eliminating difficulties
which are inevitable in the world system.
Effects of Religious faiths are
in three sections:
First, Joy and Happiness
The first effect of religious
faith, from the point of creating joy and happiness is optimism:
optimism towards the universe. It represents creation as something
which has goals - goals which are blessed, evolutionary and rich - and
naturally gives man an optimistic outlook towards the whole of creation
and the rules governing it. The position of the believer in the world
is like that of an individual living in a country who considers the
laws, orders and organizations of that country to be correct an just.
He also believes in the good will of the principal leaders of that
country. Naturally, he finds the groundwork for progress and promotion
available to himself and everybody else. He believes that the only
thing that might hinder him would be his own laziness and inexperience
of that of the other dutiful and responsible people.
In the view of such a person, the responsibility for any hindrance lies
with himself and not with the organizations and systems of the country.
He knows that he and his like are also responsible for whatever
deficiency results from their not having fulfilled their obligations and
responsibility. This naturally inspires him to work optimistically.
But for an unbeliever, the world is like a person living in a country
who considers the law and institutions of that country corrupt and
cruel, while he has no choice but to accept them. Such an individual is
full of contradictions and hatred. He never thinks of reforming the
self, but thinks that since the whole universe is incompatible and full
of cruelty, tyranny and dishonesty, what can one insignificant honest
person like himself do? Such an individual never enjoys his or her life
because the world is always a horrible prison. This is why the Holy
Qur’an says:
"But he who turneth away from
remembrance of Me, his will be a narrow life." (20:124)
Yes, it is the faith of man that broadens the spirituality of his life
and saves him from depression. The second effect of religious faith
from the point of creating cheerfulness and happiness is enlightenment
in the heart. When man, because of religious faith, finds the universe
enlightened by the divine rays of truth, such an enlightenment brightens
the spirit, acting as a torch lit in one’s conscience. This is contrary
to an unbeliever to whom the universe is absurd, dark, incomprehensible
and empty of insight and clarity. Because of this, that person is
imprisoned in the dark world of his own creation. The third out-come of
religious faith, from the point of creating cheerfulness and happiness
is "hope" for the good results of good action.
From the materialistic point of view,
the universe is indifferent and impartial towards people, regardless of
their course of action: Whether they act in the direction of right or
wrong, of justice or oppression, of integrity or deceitfulness. The
result of their action depends on one thing only and that is the amount
of their effort." From the point of view of a believer, though, the
universe is not indifferent towards the effort of these two groups. The
universe does not react equally towards these two, but the divine system
supports the people who struggle for righteousness, truth, integrity,
justice and good will.
"O ye who believe! If you help
God’s cause, He will make your foot-hold firm."
(47:7)
"For surely God does not waste
the reward of those who do good."
(12:90)
The fourth out-come of religious faith, from the point creating joy and
happiness is peace of mind. It is in the nature of man to seek
happiness for himself. He takes great pleasure in the thought of
reaching this state; and the thought of a gloomy, deprived future
disturbs him and fills him with anxieties and worry.
The cause of happiness are:
1. Effort.
2. Confidence in circumstantial conditions.
A student’s success depends on two
factors: his own effort and hard work, on the one hand, and the school
atmosphere, that is the encouragement and the effectiveness of the
school authorities, on the other hand. If a studios pupil has no faith
in the school that he studies in, if he has no confidence in the teacher
who grades him at the end of the academic year and if he anxiously
anticipates unjust treatment, throughout the whole year he will be full
of anxiety, torment and fear.
The duty of man towards the self is
clear. From his own side, he does not worry, because anxiety and fear
are caused by uncertainty and doubt. Man has no doubt about what is
related to himself. What pulls a person towards uncertainty and doubt
is his duty towards the universe which is unclear. Is good work
useful? Are honesty and trustworthiness useless? In spite of all
efforts and fulfillment of responsibilities, is the final result
suffering? This is where anxiety appears in its most horrible form.
Those who have formed a relationship with the universe, through
religious faith, are given trust and confidence. Anxiety and fear in
dealing with the universe are removed and replaced by comfort and ease.
This is why we say that one of the effects of religious faith is peace
of mind. Another result of religious faith, from the point of creating
happiness, is the benefit from a series of joys which are called
spiritual pleasures. Man has two kinds of joy: one belongs to his
senses, created by a kind of contact between a sensory perception and an
external object, such as the joy which results through the mouth by
tasting, and through the sense of touch by physical contact. The other
is the kind of joy which is related to the depth of one’s spirit and
conscience, and has nothing to do with any specific organs; joys which
do not result from contact with any external matter. Joy of this kind
is that which man gains from generosity, and helpfulness, or from
popularity and respect, as well as from his own and his child’s
success. This kind of joy has nothing to do with the senses and is not
affected directly by an external factor.
Spiritual joys are not only stronger
than materialistic joys, but they last longer too. The joy of
worshipping God and the joys of prayer is of this kind. The mystics,
whose worship is modest, receive the greatest amount of pleasure from
their prayers. In religious terminology they talk about the "sweetness
of faith." Faith has a sweetness superior to all others. Spiritual joy
is increased when acts such as acquiring knowledge, generosity,
helpfulness, success and victory initiate from religious faith, and all
are performed for God in the area of ‘worship’.
Second, the Function of Faith in
the Betterment of Social Relations
Man, like some other animates,
is born instinctively social. An individual is not capable of
satisfying his needs alone. Life must be shared with others who
participate in all duties and creativity, and a kind of
work-distribution should be established among them, as there is among
other animals such as bees, with one essential difference. That is,
work-distribution among non-human beings is instinctive and compulsory
by nature, the possibility of disobedience or violation of being absent,
contrary to man who is a being with a free will and should perform work
freely, as a "duty and responsibility". In other words, the non-human
animate beings are under the influence of innate social instincts.
Human needs are social without being governed by instincts. Human
social instincts, as a series of "drived", exist in the sub-conscience
of man and they must be cultivated through education.
A healthy social life is that in which
individuals respect each other's rights, rules and restrictions;
consider justice sacred and offer love to each other. They want for
others what they do not want for themselves; they want not for others
what they do not want for themselves; they believe and trust in each
other. The guarantee of their mutual confidence is their spiritual
values. Each individual considers himself responsible and under
obligation to his society. Every individual shows the same virtue and
chastity whether in private or in the open. They help one another
without having the slightest sense of greed; they move against
oppression and tyranny and do not allow dictators and agents of evil to
engage in tyranny and corruption. They hold dear moral values and are
allied and united like the members of a single body.
What, more than religious faith
respects righteousness, holds justice sacred, softens hearts towards
each other, establishes mutual confidence between individuals, causes
virtue and chastity to deepen their roots in the conscience of human
beings, gives credit to moral values, creates the courage to make a move
against cruelty and unites everybody like members of a single body. The
glories of mankind, which glitter like stars in the sky of their
adventurous history, are those whose source is religious faith.
Third, Relief from Distress
Human life, whether we like it
or not, has its pangs, sorrows, failures, losses, bitterness, and
disappointments, as it has its joys, sweetness, achievements and
successes. Many of life’s sorrows can be either prevented or removed
though often with great effort. Obviously, man is obliged to struggle
with nature and change the bitterness to sweetness. Some of the events
in the world, though, they cannot be prevented or removed, like the
advance of old age. Man, at any rate, ages. The candle of his life
burns down. The on sequences of old age, such as weakness and physical
inadequacy and the like hinder activities. Moreover, the thought of
death, leaving life behind, leaving the world of family and friends
causes people to suffer in different ways.
Religious faith creates the power to
resist in man and turns bitterness to sweetness. A man of faith knows
that everything in the world is under a certain law and if he reacts
towards bitterness properly, Almighty God will compensate him in one way
or another, even if the incident seems in-incompensatable. Because old
age does not mean the end of life, and moreover, an individual with
faith always occupies himself or herself with intimacy and praying to
God, life in old age becomes more delightful than the period of youth
for believers. The prospect of death is different in the eyes of a
person with faith than in the eyes of an individual without faith. To a
believer, death is not mortality but a transfer from a transitory world
to a permanent one, from a finite world to an infinite one.
Death is a transfer from the world of action and cultivation to a world
of consequence and harvest. This is why such an individual removes his
or her fear of death by efforts in doing good or 'Amal-i-Saleh', as it
is said in religious terminology.
It is obvious and clear to psychologist’s that most of the mental
illnesses which are caused by psychological disorders and bitterness
towards life are found among non-religious people. Religious people,
depending on the extent of their steadfastness in their religious faith,
are protected against such illness. Therefore, one of the consequences
of contemporary life, whose source is loss of religious faith, is the
increase in psychological and nervous illnesses.
This source of information was taken
from:
1. Mutahhari, Morteza. Man and Faith. Published by Iran University
Press. Iran, 1981. |