Introducing Shia 2
As in the first episode was said, the religion of Islam has been divided into two major branches and schools(madhhab), Shia and Sunni, and we are going to talk about perspectives and history of one of these branches, Shi’ism. So, it’s a good idea to begin our episode series to answer this question that, basically, what is the meaning of religion? When it is said that for example religion of Judaism, religion of Christianity, religion of Islam or other religions, what exactly the meaning of that and what is the purpose of this word? After that, we can better talk about Islam and Shi’ism.
What is the meaning of Religion?
Ok, let’s talk about religion or what is called in the Islamic terms, Din. All of us know that Human is a social being. It means that, every act that humans do, is interrelated and interconnected to other human’s actions. Every activity that man does, at the same time that it is formally and externally distinct, is invariably connected with each other. For instance, activities like eating, drinking, talking, listening, sitting, walking and all of human’s activities that supposed to be individual, are completely social. That means, man cannot perform just any act in any place or after any other act; and there is an order which must be observed. When it is said, therefore, man is a social being, it means his life is under an order and system which governs his performs in the journey of this life.
Now this question arises. What is the origin of this order and system? The system that links human’s behavior to each other. In reality, these acts all originate from a distinct source. That source is man’s desire to possess a happiness and a felicitous life; a life in which he can reach to the greatest extent possible the objects of his desire and be gratified.
Based on what was said, two subjects are clarified. The first one is the reason that man accept to be under rules, because in the shadow of the laws and rules, he can possess a felicitous life. These laws were either devised by himself or accepted from others. The second subject is that, man try to choose the best order of life for himself because it has direct relationship to man’s happiness.
All rules and laws that govern human life, are based on a basic belief that man has concerning the nature of universal existence; and also, upon his judgment and evaluation of that existence.
So, the type of view of man concerning the nature of the universe, makes his beliefs and his beliefs makes his type of behavior in the journey of life, or what is called in one word, law. There are three different perspectives concerning the nature of universal existence.
The first perspective is that, the Universe is confined only to this material and sensible world. Based on this belief, man is completely material. This group, follow a way of life designed to provide for their material desires and pleasures. They strive solely on this path and seeking to bring under their control the natural conditions and factors of life.
The second perspective, like the common people among idol-worshipers, believes that the world of nature is created by a god above nature who has created the world specially for man and provided it with multiple bounties, so that man may benefit from his goodness. Such men organize their lives to attract the pleasure of the god and not Invite his anger. They believe that if they please the god, he will multiply his bounty and make it lasting and if they anger him, he will take his bounty away from them.
The final perspective is according to the belief of the eternal life. The fans of this belief, like the followers of the divine religions, follow the “high path” in this life for they believe in God. They believe, man is responsible for his good and evil acts. They also accept the existence of the day of judgment and follow a path that leads to felicity in both this world and the next.
Ok, after this relatively long introduction, let’s back to our main question. What is the meaning of religion? The totality of these fundamental beliefs, means believe in solely material life, believe in a god above nature and believe in eternal life, concerning the nature of man and the universe, and regulations in conformity with them which are applied to human life, is called religion.
According to this definition, religion is not limited in a divine program of life which has been sent by God. Because based on this definition, religion has a more general meaning, i.e., the type of the view of man concerning the nature of man and the universe. There is no difference, in that view god exist or not, and if god exists, he is the oneness God or other god. We Can, therefore, say that, man even if he does not believe in the Deity, can never be without religion. So, religion can never be separated from life, because religion means life style.
What is the meaning of Islam?
After clarifying the meaning of religion, it’s time to talk about the meaning of Islam. Islam etymologically means surrender and obedience. The Holy Quran calls the religion which invites men toward this end “Islam” since its general purpose is the surrender of man to the laws governing the universe and men, with the result that through this surrender he worships only the One God and obeys only His commands. This meaning is extensively stated in the Quran. In the chapter 4, verse of 125, is said that:
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ وَٱتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۗ وَٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ خَلِيلًا
And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.
As the Holy Quran informs us, the first person who called this religion “Islam” and its Followers “Muslims” was the Prophet Abraham.
مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّىٰكُمُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِين
[It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He named you “Muslims”.
What is the meaning of Shi'ism?
Ok, now it is appropriate to talk about the meaning of Shi’ism. Shia literally means partisan or follower and technically refers to those who consider the succession to the Prophet a to be the special right of the family of the Prophet and who in the field of the Islamic sciences and culture follow the school of the Household of the Prophet.
