The Nature of Religion and Faith in Hypocrisy and Divine Religion

An Analysis of Chapter One by Sadeq Khademi

Introduction

The book Hypocrisy and Divine Religion by Sadeq Khademi offers a profound exploration of the essence of religion and faith from a theological and philosophical perspective. Chapter One, entitled “The Nature of Religion and Faith,” examines religion as a revelatory, innate, and monotheistic phenomenon, positing faith as its foundational pillar. This article, drawing on the text of Chapter One and authoritative Islamic sources, analyzes the core concepts of religion, faith, and their constituent elements, including judgment, intention, assurance, and guardianship. The objective is to present a coherent and scholarly perspective on these concepts and their role in religious life.

Section One: The Essence of Religion

Khademi defines religion as a cognitive and descriptive entity that establishes God’s worthiness for worship, thereby engendering obligation and devotion in the devout (Khademi, 1403/2024, p. 1). Beyond its theoretical dimension (knowledge and insight), religion encompasses an operational dimension manifested in obedience and submission to divine rulings. This definition portrays religion as a comprehensive, revelatory program surpassing empirical science and conceptual reason, providing guidance and salvation through faith in the unseen (ibid., p. 2).
The term “religion” (dīn) derives from the Akkadian “denu,” meaning judgment or ruling, and in Semitic languages, including Arabic, it denotes divine law and adjudication (ibid., p. 4). This etymology underscores religion’s connection to adherence to divine mandates. Khademi emphasizes that religion is innate and monotheistic, reflecting God’s existential law, such that obedience to it leads to salvation (ibid., p. 3).

Section Two: Faith, the Foundation of Religion

Faith, as the cornerstone of religion, is defined as heartfelt affirmation and inner conviction accompanied by verbal confession (Khademi, 1403/2024, p. 12). Khademi describes faith as an intrinsic tendency rooted in prior insight, present in humans as an evident reality without external form (ibid., p. 13). The absence of faith manifests as hypocrisy (confession without belief), transgression (belief without action), or disbelief (refusal to confess), all of which obstruct religiosity (ibid., p. 12).
The Holy Quran also links faith with affirmation and submission. Verse 65 of Surah An-Nisa underscores that true faith requires complete acceptance of divine rulings without doubt or distress: “By your Lord, they do not believe until they make you judge” (Quran, An-Nisa, 4:65). This verse highlights the necessity of total submission to divine mandates for the realization of faith.

Section Three: Components of Faith

Khademi identifies the components of faith as affirmation, judgment, intention, and assurance. Affirmation is the comprehension of the truth or falsity of a statement, accompanied by judgment (Khademi, 1403/2024, p. 14). Judgment is the practical reason’s acknowledgment of connections between entities, leading to faith when accepted (ibid., p. 16). Intention is the divine motive in action, reinforced by will and love for God, transforming religiosity from obligation to love (ibid., pp. 17–18). Assurance is a stable psychological state that safeguards faith from doubt, granting the devout tranquility and steadfastness (ibid., p. 20).
A hadith from Imam Baqir or Imam Sadiq (peace be upon them) corroborates this. It recounts a man whose forty days of worship went unanswered due to doubt in Jesus’ prophethood, illustrating the critical role of assurance and the absence of doubt in faith (Khademi, 1403/2024, pp. 26–27). This hadith emphasizes that doubt, even if involuntary, nullifies faith.

Section Four: Guardianship and Love in Religiosity

Khademi locates the root of religiosity in divine love and guardianship. Guardianship is existential proximity to God, realized through love for the divine Imam and adherence to him (Khademi, 1403/2024, p. 32). A hadith from Imam Baqir equates religion with love: “Religion is nothing but love and friendship” (ibid., p. 32). This love blossoms faith and guides the devout toward eternal life.
The Quran also emphasizes love in faith: “Those who believe are stronger in love for Allah” (Al-Baqarah, 2:165), highlighting the intensity of believers’ love for God. Guardianship, as a legitimate guide, renders the silent text of religion articulate, transforming religiosity into guardianship-centered devotion (Khademi, 1403/2024, p. 33).

Section Five: The Unseen and the Subject of Religiosity

Religion, particularly through divine revelation, addresses the unseen and hidden realities beyond the reach of empirical science, conceptual reason, and mystical intuition (Khademi, 1403/2024, p. 35). Humans innately yearn to uncover the mystery of creation and seek meaning, and religion quenches this thirst through faith in the unseen. Khademi notes that religion offers confirmatory statements for rational or observable matters but plays a foundational role in revealing unknown metaphysical truths (ibid., p. 36).
Verse 132 of Surah Al-Baqarah emphasizes the continuity of religiosity: “Do not die except as Muslims” (Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2:132). This continuity renders religiosity a perpetual, non-temporary state, achieved through faith in the unseen and unwavering obedience to God.

Conclusion

Chapter One of Hypocrisy and Divine Religion presents a comprehensive portrayal of religion and faith, rooted in divine revelation, love, and guardianship. Religion, as an innate and monotheistic program, guides humanity toward divine proximity, while faith, with its components of affirmation, judgment, intention, and assurance, paves this path. Khademi’s emphasis on the continuity of religiosity and the pivotal role of love and guardianship, supported by Quranic verses and hadiths from the Ahl al-Bayt, offers a profound and coherent perspective that can serve as a foundation for theological and philosophical studies. This analysis invites reflection on the essence of religion and its place in human life.

References

• Khademi, Sadeq. (1403/2024). Hypocrisy and Divine Religion. Shiraz: Sobh-e Entezar.
• The Holy Quran. Surah Al-Baqarah, Verses 132 and 165; Surah An-Nisa, Verse 65.
• Hadith from Imam Baqir or Imam Sadiq (peace be upon them), cited in Khademi (1403/2024), pp. 26–27.
• Hadith from Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) on love, cited in Khademi (1403/2024), p. 32.