The Role of Awareness in Denying the Necessities of Religion

Among the factors that cause heresy are the denial of the necessities of religion and disrespecting them. What is meant by necessities of religion is those beliefs and instructions that are proved to all Muslims. In the present paper, while investigating the necessities of religion, the role of awareness in denying the necessities of religion by the denier is examined and it is concluded that the denier of the necessities of religion is considered as heretic when he/she is aware that what he/she denies is part of necessities of religion. Basically, the knowledge and awareness of the denier that what he/she denies is part of the necessities of religion is among the principal conditions of heresy. Then, the controversy among the Shi’ite jurists whether the denial of the necessities of religion is an independent cause of heresy or the denial of the necessities of religion and the prophthood of Prophet of Islam are the requirements of heresy is dealt with and after quoting and examining the jurists’ opinions and their reasons, the second opinion is accepted. In this regard, if the denial of the necessities of religion is due to an existence of doubt from the denier, this is not only the cause of heresy, but his/her doubt should be responded and he/she should be guided.