Philosophy of Religion and Today’s Challenges

Felicitations to all the Muslims of the world on the Mab’as Feast of the Prophet of Mercy! To those who have realized the meaning of being a Muslim and surrendering (Taslim) to the Truth. Also, to those who are familiar with the “philosophy of religion” and have well identified the path of human intellectual development and recognition. To all those who believe in intuitive knowledge (the world of mental sparks, inspiration, etc.). To those who know that acquired science and philosophy do not solely answer all the fundamental questions of human beings (questions such as: Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going? What is the purpose of this coming and going and the philosophy of existence, or in other words, the philosophy of creation and…?) As, apart from the fact that science is absolutely incapable of entering into such issues and answering such questions, it is also facing more and more unanswered questions day by day and is moving towards the era of the “question crisis”; the era in which one question has not yet been answered, hundreds of other questions will be posed to human being. Because the more human knowledge increases, the number of questions and unknowns will also increase. Since philosophy itself relies on human intellect and reason, and human intellect and reason have many limitations, philosophy has not been, and will not be, sufficient in untangling the riddles of creation.

Although throughout history religion has always been a pawn in the hands of the powers in its instrumental use on the one hand, and the suppression of mysticism (Erfan) on the other hand, in the court of all kings and sultans throughout history and in the company of all the powerful figures, ceremonial religious officials have always been present to pave the way for sanctification and the deception of kings (as the shadow of God), and to help suppress the people by using religious tools, issuing fatwas, ordering the killing of mystics, etc., in order to further consolidate those powers. In cases where power has sadly fallen directly into the hands of religious authorities, it has also led to catastrophes in the history of the world, of which the medieval era and the current regime(s) have been among the most prominent ones. Undoubtedly, history will never forget such painful memories. However, religions (such as Islam, Judaism, Christianity, etc.) including theology and mysticism, which have long been the providers of intuitive knowledge, do answer part of the questions that science and philosophy can never address or step into, the questions about humanity, life, etc. Without religion, the human being is faced with an epistemological void and a lack of intuitive knowledge, and the important questions of where we come from, where we are going, what is the purpose of existence, etc. must be archived and discarded forever. In other words, with the abandonment of religions, the human being can no longer ask these questions to seek the truth after them. And for the mentioned reasons, neither science nor philosophy will be capable of dealing with such matters.

On the other hand, by abandoning religions (theology and mysticism), specifically in our country, due to the widespread anti-religiosity caused by the theocratic government and instrumental religion during the past few decades, human beings have been confronted with an existential void of knowledge and spiritualism, and they will face a crisis that nothing can compensate for. At the same time, we know very well that the root of all human problems is the lack of Marefat and not illiteracy or lack of common knowledge, which is one of the most important reasons for the abandonment of religions. Throughout history, even if kings and sultans were illiterate, there were still intelligent, tactful, and educated ministers who ran the court, and their court was full of resourceful, clever, and educated people of their time (although without exception, they did nothing but looting and oppression). In recent centuries, most of the people involved in governments and authorities have all had scientific and academic degrees (but human beings are still living in poverty and deprivation, and are plundered, as the literacy of the officials has not cured the pain of the masses). In addition, the historical experience of the definite abandonment of religion in all social and governmental institutions in the former Soviet Union also showed that such an act did not contribute to the cultural growth or the improvement of the living conditions of the masses, especially the workers. The supporters of scientism, who discerned religion as the cause of human misery or “the opiate of the masses,” turned out to be absolutely wrong, and the people, freed from the shackles of scientific and materialistic thinking, once again turned to the establishment of religious centers, realizing that the problem is not in religion and religiosity, but in the abusive, plundering, and ignorant human being, who only intends to abuse in every garment and thinks only of one’s self-interests and pleasures. No matter if in the guise of science, religions, etc., it is always advisable to bend oneself instead of breaking the mirror. Scientism and materialism have also been experienced without religion. Hence, ironically, everything has been tested throughout history, and the scientific mindset to administer the people and the oppressed masses has also received its due rejection!  

Moreover, by approaching the era of “modern slavery” (which will emerge in full force within the next few years), human beings will suddenly realize that they have lost everything to become an identity-less creature who is identified only by an international number (the international code) with no value more than a digit, and that human uniqueness in the universe, human dignity and respect have absolutely been demolished and… Thereupon, they will realize what precious value has been lost, the return to which will be the only rescuer; in the sphere of “Spiritualism and Epistemology”, where humankind will begin to explore the “philosophy of religion.” The day when humanity will make every effort to tear down all manifestations of technology in order to save oneself from it. The day when the secret of earth and fire will be revealed, and…

Mohammad Ali Taheri
The Founder of Erfan Keyhani Halgheh & Taheri Peace Organization
Toronto, January 28, 2025 / Bahman 9, 1403