Hawzah News Agency (Qom, Iran) - The Leading Role of Knowledge

Since the highest aim of Divine Revelation is revival of humanity, the three principles (that is the principle of knowledge, the principle of action, and the principle of leadership of knowledge over action and subservience of action to knowledge have occupied a prominent position in the teachings of the prophets (saws).

This so because, with their realization life comes into existence, and these principles are abandoned, human life would deteriorate. This is clearly stated in the Qur'an, so that sometimes it praises “certain knowledge” and encourages “firm action”, exhorting human beings to strengthen the bond between knowledge and action.

At other times, it denounces ignorance, idleness and disunion between knowledge actions. The Qur'an thus attempts to provide grounds for correct action and accurate knowledge and a harmonious relation between the two which is the basis of the "rational life" of individual and society.

Thereby it seeks to safeguard humanity from falling into the abyss of ignorance, inertness and death, and to vitalize it. Furthermore, in order to make it easier for humanity to traverse this path and reach its sacred end, the prophets, as perfect human beings who had attained to "rational life" on the basis of the three principles mentioned, accepted the responsibility of guiding humanity towards realization of this ultimate goal.

Reference:
Ayatullah Jawadi Amuli, Divine Revelation, Human Reason and Science, Journal: Vol.1, N.2, Translated by Shahyar Sa'adat, Published by Ahlul Bayt World Assembly.