"Man's destination is God"; a glance at Imam Khomeini's social anthropology
Pars Today- Imam Khomeini (God's mercy upon him) was beyond a founder of a political system. He was a profound sage with a comprehensive philosophical theory on human being who believed that the way to reach truth passes through religion and rationality.
Imam Khomeini was not only an inexhaustible combatant of the modern age, but, with a new look at human being, drew up his path of sublimity and, with linking the degrees of humanity with monotheism, took a big step in presenting monotheistic anthropology and its practical role model. According to Pars Today, quoting from Mehr news agency, the philosophy of Sadra, which was developed in the 11th century AH (17th century AD) and the Islamic Gnosticism, played an important role in shaping Imam Khomeini's viewpoints and his social practice.
Imam Khomeini, using logical and religious foundations, gave a clear image of man in the path of sublimity. In his opinion, man's awareness of his own existential degrees and his effort for reaching high levels play a fundamental role in this path. Islam, as a divine call, is the main tool for recognition of these degrees and training of the perfect man. The strong point of this thought is to combine the revelation-based look in anthropology which broadens human degrees from the earth to the heaven and from natural to the divine phase. In his opinion, man is the only being which possesses these degrees potentially. This comprehensive approach brings about philosophical, theological, logical and gnostic consequences which contribute to development of Islamic humanities and system-building. Imam Khomeini's sublime philosophy has been based on a combination of revelation and intellect. Thus, his sublime man is both religion-oriented and enjoys theoretical and social rationality.
The starting point of man's sublimity in the view of Imam Khomeini has been intermingled with the philosophical bases and transcendent wisdom, especially Mulla Sadra's "Originality of Existence". He has drawn up the beginning and end of man on the basis of this originality. Man's existence is original and materialized in the outside world, yet he is in absolute need and dependent on the existence of Almighty God. According to the theory of doubt, man's existence has degrees of intensity and weakness and his merits and perfection are also based on this doubt. Man, in his essential move, marches towards sublimity and intensity or is diminished in the direction of fall.
Mulla Sadra's philosophy, stressing the existence and essential move, presents a more profound perception of the universe and its relation with God and man. In Imam Khomeini's opinion, this philosophy helps man know deeper concepts of life and his aim in this world. Sadra's philosophy stresses axial existence. According to this thought, existence is a practical and perceivable reality which should be heeded by human beings. Imam Khomeini (God's mercy upon him) considers man a being who, in his training, perfection and existence, besides having a look at himself, should also pay attention to the source of existence. This statement of the Imam, indicates that real cognizance of God and man's existence paves the way for solving many social and individual problems. This viewpoint helps man take step in the way of self-building and society-building.
According to Sadra's philosophy, the universe is developing and this constant alteration, per se, calls on activity and endeavor to improve individual and social conditions. Imam Khomeini stresses the importance of development inside human beings and considers training of the soul and self-building as the key to every development and innovation, and we should embark on self-building in order to be effective in the society.
In addition to philosophy, Islamic Gnosticism was also very effective on Imam Khomeini's personality. Islamic Gnosticism, especially on the basis of the instructions of the Ahl al-Bayt (Peace be upon them) and gnostic experiences thereof, is considered a path towards cognizance of God and reality of life. Enjoying this kind of Gnosticism, Imam Khomeini paid special attention to the social aspect of religion. Genuine gnostic teachings put emphasis on love of God and fellow humans.
Imam Khomeini said, "All efforts of prophets were for building up social justice for man in society, and building inward justice for man as individual."
RM/ME
