Nature of Knowledge and Faith in Religious Beliefs and their Relations from Imam Khomeini's Perspective

Knowledge" (ilm) of and faith in religious beliefs are among the most important issues is Islamic dialectical theology (Kalam). The discussion of faith is often dealt with in Kalam books under the title of "Names and Prescriptions" and accordingly the issue of "knowledge" is raised. In addition to the nature of knowledge and faith, their relation is of prominent importance. Imam Khomeini among others on many occasions explored the nature of knowledge and faith as well as the way they are related and interacted. The present article is an attempt to examine and explain the above-mentioned problem from Imam Khomeini's perspective. He believes that knowledge consists of mental acknowledgement and theoretical belief. This representational and indirect knowledge is acquired through two epistemic sources: either by way of "rational reflections" or by "religious scriptures". In order to be useful and fruitful, this rational perception must be changed into "faith by heart" so that practice and morality are produced. By faith is meant "embodiment of rational perception in realm heart". The necessity of basing religious belief on philosophical principles particularly on the basis of Transcendent philosophy of Mulla Sadra is an innovative view presented by Imam Khomeini, which runs in counter with the view of many theologians, jurists, and traditionists.