ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Faith and Reason Question 15: Attaining Perfection Question: How can perfection be attained? Brief Answer This topic needs to be discussed in three parts. 1. Definition of Kamal (Perfection) and How It Differs from Tamam (Completion) and Progress Completion applies when speaking about the parts of a thing, as in the case where a thing is composed of several parts and all the parts are put together, it is said that that thing is complete.

In other words, completion pertains to the parts that are necessary to bring something into existence. But perfection pertains to the levels and stages of something. When something reaches completion, there still might be more perfect states for it. Thus a thing could be complete but not perfect. Also, the term progress could apply to a movement that is merely horizontal. However, elevation is embedded in the meaning of perfection.

For, perfection is meaningful only in the context of an ascending and vertical movement. Hence, it is possible to achieve progress without attaining to perfection. 2. Human Perfection from the Point of View of Islam a. Perfection is in vision and acquisition. One must fully comprehend the Divine sciences and act accordingly. b. Perfection is dependent on sensing, for the human being is compelled to action when feeling threatened and realizing one’s own imperfection. 3.

Different Views on Perfection a. Ideology of Power According to this ideology, the perfect human being is synonymous with the powerful human being. The more powerful one is, the higher the level of perfection he has attained to. Even if knowledge is of value, it is due to the fact that it enables the human being to strengthen himself and to subjugate the surrounding environment. This view has two problems. First, knowledge in this ideology has no intrinsic value and sanctity.

It is power alone that is considered perfection. Second, not only is knowledge not perfection and a means to transcendence, it serves as grounds for war and the exploitation of the weak. From the point of view of Islam, power is not intrinsically negative. There are instances where it has been promoted, but with the condition that it be employed in the way of advocating moral values and social reformation. b.