ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Are you Free or Slave? Chapter 3: Research in Ideology In previous discussions we have while proving that Taqlid in fundamental beliefs is wrong from the points of view of reason and Islam. and at the same time we proved the necessity for earring out investigation and research into such matters.

In this chapter the importance that Islam ascribe to research including research into Islam itself and the view that persons engaged in this task cannot be called infidels. will also be examined. Three main aspects of research will therefore be looked at: a) the Islamic view, b) the relationship between science and faith, c) the relationship between ignorance and kufr .

[^1] The Islamic View Of Research In order to establish what the Islamic view is of the importance of research and investigation into convectional matters we must first study such terms as ‘Ilm (science) ' aql (reason) m'arafat (knowledge), fikr (thought), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) Hikmah (wisdom, tadabbor (foresight) tazakkor (reminding), tabyin (explanation) and ro’yat (observation) in the Quran and the hadith.hadith.

Such a study conclusively proves that no school of thought attaches such importance to research into the foundations of belief and investigation of the truth or to the eradication of obstacles as well as the creation of circumstances conducive to this end as docs Islam.[^2]39 With astonishing insistence Islam invites people to investigate and think for themselves about their fundamental beliefs.

The extent to which Islam appreciates the importance of science and knowledge is well illustrated by numerous hadith such as: 'Science is the highest attainment.[^3] 'the veil of calamity.’[^4] ‘the most valuable of treasures.[^5] 'the basis of all goodness.[^6] the soul of the self.[^7] 'man is judged by the extent of his knowledge.[^8] 'it is incumbent on every Muslim, both male and female, to seek knowledge in all circumstances.[^9] 'those who seek knowledge are closest to the rank of prophet hood.[^10] 'the angels place their wings beneath their feet.[^11] 'forgiveness is implored for the student'.[^12] 'paradise seeks the student.”[^13] scholar is heir to the prophets.[^14] 'the scholar's pen is mightier than the blood of martyrs.[^15] regard for scholars is an act of worship’;[^16] Islam ascribes dozens, perhaps hundreds, of other virtues to knowledge.