Hawzah News Agency- the scientific conference "The Place of Monotheism in the Intellectual System of the Martyr Leader" was held with the participation of scholars and seminary students at Al-Mustafa International University in Karachi, Pakistan.
At the conference, Dr. Javad Haider Hashimi, a professor at the University of Karachi, emphasized the importance of drawing on the works, thoughts, and views of the Martyr Leader of the Islamic Revolution regarding monotheism. He stated that examining his works and ideas on the belief in monotheism is of particular importance, because the central message of his teachings in this area is that monotheism is not merely a theoretical belief, but rather forms the foundation of individual and social human life.
He then explained various dimensions of the place of monotheism in the intellectual system of the Martyr Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the most important of which are as follows:
1. Monotheism: The Axis of the Call of All Divine Prophets
One of the fundamental axes of monotheistic thought is its central place in the call of the divine prophets. An examination of the life and mission of the prophets, from Prophet Adam (PBUH) to the Seal of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), makes clear that the call of all of them was based on the oneness of God Almighty and His worship. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) also began his call by conveying the message of monotheism and invited people to worship the One God. On the path to fulfilling this divine mission, he endured many hardships, persecutions, and obstacles, but he did not abandon calling people to monotheism.
This fact shows that monotheism is not merely one of the doctrinal teachings of religion, but rather the most fundamental principle of religion and the main axis of the invitation and efforts of the divine prophets. The essential goal of this call was to liberate humanity from servitude to other than God and to guide it toward the true worship of God Almighty.
2. Faith in God and the Necessity of Steadfastness on Its Path
Another important axis of this discussion is the link between faith in God and perseverance on His path. In a well-known hadith, when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was asked for a comprehensive statement about religion, he said: "Say: I believe in God, then remain steadfast." This short but profound statement contains two fundamental principles: first, believing in God Almighty, and second, adhering to and remaining steadfast in that faith.
Although faith in God is of fundamental importance, preserving and protecting it amid life's ups and downs is also a great test for human beings. On life's path, a person faces difficulties, carnal desires, personal interests, and various social pressures. In such conditions, adhering to religious beliefs and principles and moving on the path of truth is a manifestation of true steadfastness.
The Holy Quran also refers to this truth in Surah Fussilat, verse 30, stating that those who say, "Our Lord is God," and then remain steadfast in this belief, the angels descend upon them and give them glad tidings that they should have no fear or grief.
Accordingly, true faith is not limited to verbal affirmation, but must also manifest in a person's behavior, actions, and way of life. Practical adherence to divine values and perseverance in religious principles are among the most important signs of faith and monotheism in individual and social life.
3. Monotheism: Beyond Verbal Affirmation and the Basis of Practical Life
Monotheism does not merely mean verbal belief in the oneness of God Almighty and the denial of any partner for Him. Rather, the effects and consequences of this belief must also become evident in a person's behavior, actions, and decisions.
If a person verbally affirms the oneness of God but ignores divine rulings in practical life, it is necessary for him to carefully and seriously review his faith and conduct, because true monotheism must manifest in all dimensions of human life.
Belief in monotheism influences a person's outlook, behavior, and decisions and guides him toward obedience to God, establishment of justice, support for truth, and observance of the rights of others.
From this perspective, the effects of monotheism should not remain limited to individuals' personal lives, but must also appear in social structures. In a society formed on the basis of monotheism, justice, observance of human rights, and following divine guidance must hold a fundamental place. Therefore, true monotheism both transforms a person's individual life and provides the ground for the reform and elevation of society.
4. Following Carnal Desires: In Conflict with True Servitude to God
Another important axis in explaining the concept of monotheism is the necessity of avoiding unconditional obedience to carnal desires. The Holy Quran states in Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23:
"Have you seen the one who has taken his desire as his god?"
This verse warns man against enslavement to carnal inclinations and emphasizes the necessity of placing divine guidance as the main criterion of life. When a person prioritizes his personal desires over God's command, he gradually distances himself from the reality of servitude.
If carnal desires and personal interests so dominate a person's decisions that they lead him to ignore divine commands, the ground for his moral and religious decline will be prepared.
Therefore, the requirement of monotheism is that a person harmonize his desires, interests, and decisions with divine guidance and, in all areas of life, prioritize the pleasure of God Almighty over his personal inclinations.
5. The True Meaning of Worship and the Necessity of Adhering to Divine Rulings
Another important topic in explaining the truth of monotheism is understanding the real meaning of worship and servitude. The Holy Quran points in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 31, to those who took their religious scholars and monks as lords and absolute authorities of obedience instead of God.
According to a narration from the Holy Prophet (PBUH), when one of the followers of the People of the Book asked about the meaning of this verse, the Prophet explained that their following of scholars and monks was such that whenever they declared something lawful or unlawful, they followed it without question.
This statement shows that the concept of servitude is not limited to performing outward acts of worship or uttering specific words. Rather, the issue of obedience and acceptance of command also holds a fundamental place in the reality of worship. Therefore, when a person replaces unconditional obedience to others with God's guidance in relation to divine rulings, he will face one of the most important doctrinal and monotheistic issues.
Of course, this does not mean denying recourse to religious scholars and benefiting from their knowledge and guidance. Rather, it emphasizes the necessity of adhering to divine guidance and avoiding absolute, independent obedience to any authority against God's command.
Therefore, true servitude requires that a person make divine guidance the main criterion in his beliefs, behavior, and decisions, and base obedience to God Almighty in all dimensions of his life.
6. Monotheism: A Path Toward Individual and Social Transformation
In conclusion, Dr. Javad Haideri Hashimi said that it must be noted that the path of learning religious teachings is not only a way to gain knowledge and increase information, but is also a path for correcting beliefs, elevating morals, and transforming human behavior and performance.
The true goal of religious education is that a person, in addition to knowing divine teachings, can apply them in his life and, through acting on these teachings, provide the ground for his own reform and that of society.
Accordingly, belief in monotheism should not be limited to theoretical discussions, library studies, and lectures. Rather, the effects of this belief must become evident in individual and social life, decision-making, ethics, and human relations with others.
Monotheism becomes an influential reality in human life when the worship of God, obedience to divine commands, and seeking His pleasure become the basis of human behavior and decisions in various areas of life. Such an outlook can pave the way for the individual's spiritual growth, the strengthening of moral values, and the reform of society on the basis of justice and divine guidance.
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