نشریه کلام اسلامی
پیاپی 133 (بهار 1404)

Near-death experienceis not a new phenomenon and have been a long-standing issue among various human races, Meanwhile looking on it from a scientific perspective is relatively new and dates back to the second half of the 20th century. What is currently preoccupying many scholars, especially those involved in theology and philosophy of religion, is the meaning of these experiences, their degree of realism, and their value of truth and epistemological validity. From the aforementioned perspective, the question arises as to whether such experiences play a role in realism and self-evident truth. This issue has caused a serious challenge between the two naturalistic and supernaturalistic approaches. The naturalistic movement tries to employ scientific and natural explanations of these experiences in order to strengthen physicalism and deny the realism of near-death experiences. Among these efforts is the presentation of various physiological and neurological models in this field. Given the significant role of this issue in confirming or weakening a number of religious knowledge and beliefs, the upcoming research aims to identify and evaluate the aforementioned perspectives. The research method will be in the form of library collection and rational-analytical judgment. The result of the research is that none of the natural explanations presented in this field have been successful and are not supported by reliable scientific evidence. Moreover, even if successful, it does not imply the unreality of near-death experiences and is not successful in supporting them.

The Salafi interpretation of ritual monotheism, claiming a return to the righteous predecessors (Salaf), has practically led to a reductive and one-sided understanding of this fundamental religious concept. This perspective defines ritual monotheism solely in terms of negating apparent polytheism and worship of anything other than God, neglecting the broader dimensions of monotheism, such as its systemic nature, social responsibility, governmental transcendence, and divine lordship. This article, employing a descriptive-analytical method, examines the most significant theological implications of this interpretation. The findings reveal that this approach has led to consequences such as a literalist and reductive reading of religious texts, rejection of theological and philosophical methods, neglect of the systemic nature of monotheism, imposition of preconceived assumptions and selective reliance on the Salaf, reduction of monotheism to an individual matter devoid of social commitment, diminishment of the status of divine lordship, and imposition of preconceived notions and distorted narratives. Consequently, this interpretation has stripped monotheism of its transformative role in organizing individual and collective life, contributing to religious isolation and sectarian conflicts. The article concludes by emphasizing the necessity of a historical re-evaluation and intellectual reform of ritual monotheism to address these damages and revive the comprehensive and vital role of monotheism in all aspects of Islamic life.

Allama Tabataba’i considered the Imamate to be a station beyond mere guidance in presenting the path and social-political leadership, associating it with “inner guidance and attainment of the desired through ontological influence on receptive souls.” In contrast, some scholars have raised objections, such as the incompatibility of ontological guidance with the lexical meaning of “Imam,” the dependence of legislative guidance on revelation, the possibility of achieving attainment of the desired without the position of Imamate, and the theory’s inconsistency with certain narrations. This study, employing an analytical-critical approach, demonstrates that most objections stem from conflating the essence of Imamate with its attributes and functions, neglecting the precise opposition of Quranic terms, and overlooking the conditions and prerequisites for establishing the Imamate. Based on the presented analyses, it becomes evident that Allama Tabataba’i’s theory, in light of a comprehensive and precise examination of Quranic verses and supporting narrations such as the divine hadith of “proximity through supererogatory and obligatory acts,” enjoys coherence and strong epistemological backing. Thus, inner guidance and attainment of the desired can be regarded as a profound manifestation of the meaning and station of Imamate in the Quran, and Allama Tabataba’i’s theory can be evaluated as addressing a deeper horizon in explaining the Imam’s position.

The issue of the Battle of Tabuk and the appointment of Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (AS) to remain in Medina by the Prophet (PBUH) is one of the prominent virtues and proofs of his Imamate. Some Islamic sources have cast doubt on this matter. This study, organized using a descriptive-analytical method, examines the issue of succession from the perspective of Shiite and Sunni Islamic scholars and sources, clarifying the unique virtue of succession attributed to Amir al-Mu’minin (AS), proving its implication for his Imamate, and refuting opposing views.

The issue of the Battle of Tabuk and the appointment of Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (AS) to remain in Medina by the Prophet (PBUH) is one of the prominent virtues and proofs of his Imamate. Some Islamic sources have cast doubt on this matter. This study, organized using a descriptive-analytical method, examines the issue of succession from the perspective of Shiite and Sunni Islamic scholars and sources, clarifying the unique virtue of succession attributed to Amir al-Mu’minin (AS), proving its implication for his Imamate, and refuting opposing views

The issue of the Battle of Tabuk and the appointment of Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (AS) to remain in Medina by the Prophet (PBUH) is one of the prominent virtues and proofs of his Imamate. Some Islamic sources have cast doubt on this matter. This study, organized using a descriptive-analytical method, examines the issue of succession from the perspective of Shiite and Sunni Islamic scholars and sources, clarifying the unique virtue of succession attributed to Amir al-Mu’minin (AS), proving its implication for his Imamate, and refuting opposing views