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The reason of lack of imitation in religious principles

The reason of lack of imitation in religious principles

Islamic learning includes three sections as follows:
1- The principles of beliefs: the subjects which everyone is supposed to obtain beliefs about them
2- Morals: the characteristics which each Muslim is supposed to obtain them
3- The commandments: the commandments related to the human objective and outward activities, including this-worldly, spiritual, individual and social activities

According to Shi'ism the principles of beliefs are divided into five principles: monotheism, justice, prophecy, Imamate and resurrection.
These principles should be obtained individually with a comprehensive knowledge and it is not allowed and accepted to follow others without knowing and searching profoundly.

It is absolutely necessary to confirm that the principles of beliefs are never separated from the secondary articles of religion (Foru') such as: saying the daily prayers, fast, forbidding the evil, enjoining the good paying the tithe, haj, jihad, etc.
There is a close relation between the principles and the secondary. In fact the one who observe monotheism (as a principle) also will observe saying daily prayers.
In Islam imitating and obeying the principles of beliefs without knowing the reason ever suffices. Each person should obtain independently the correctness of the beliefs.
In this religion there are not just physical worship (saying prayer and fast) or financial worship (paying tithe) but there is intellectual worship which could be greater.
The difference between the principles of religion and the secondary is, the secondary of articles are the things which should be performed but principles need knowledge and certitude.

There are four kinds of imitation:
1- Following an ignorant person by an ignorant person
2- Following a learned man by a learned man
3- Following an ignorant person by by a learned man
4- Following a learned man by an ignorant person

Only the fourth kind is logical and acceptable, because there are two important factors in imitation (following): firstly the follower should have a complete confidence in the person who imitates them. Secondly the imitation should eliminate follower's needs and lead him to perfection.
Imitating the principles of beliefs is not allowed in Islam.
Each Muslim himself should research into the principles of beliefs. The only subjects which should be followed (imitated) are the practical commandments (the way of doing worship) which are explained generally in the Koran and traditions.
Also in the subjects of secondary articles, we are not allowed to imitate. For example: distinguishing whether a land is usurped or not, our clothes are pure or impure, the direction of qiblah, etc. because in these cases Muslims themselves should research into them; jurist is supposed to explain the commandments not correspond them with subjects.

We are only allowed to follow the unnecessary commandments which there are different ideas about them: the rules of doubt in saying prayer, the way of performing haj, fast, etc.

References: man and faith
Acquaintance with the Koran

Categories: commandments < theology="" of="" commandments="">
Beliefs < prophecy="" and="" religion="">< religions="">< islamic="" sciences="">< jurisprudence="" and="" principles="">< juridical="" and="" principle="">

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