Dogmatic Rigidity; Thoughtful Flexibility - Part 2

Dogmatism: A Cause of an Unfortunate End / Pride in Righteousness Breeds Dogmatism

Information:

• Date: 2023/07/08
• Location: Imam Sadiq University (a.s.), Heyat Misaq ba Shohada
• Topic: Dogmatic Rigidity; Thoughtful Flexibility
• Audio: Here

Dogmatism: A Cause of an Unfortunate End

One of the main reasons people fail to meet a good end in life is dogmatism (tahajjur). A primary root of dogmatism is that an individual feels arrogance, self-admiration ('ujb), or pride simply because they stand on the side of truth. The late Ayatollah Shah-Abadi—the master of mysticism to Imam Khomeini (r.a.)—believed that the fundamental ailment of the community of believers was their pride in being on the side of truth. This expression belongs to an era when the faithful were estranged, weak, and oppressed, leaving little apparent room for arrogance. Today, however, when that isolation and weakness have been overcome, we must be far more vigilant against the perils of pride in our righteousness.

Pride in Righteousness Breeds Dogmatism

In our time, we are particularly susceptible to pride regarding our righteousness. Pride in being on the side of truth breeds petrification, rigidity, and dogmatism. Once this happens, one becomes incapable of understanding the deeper facets and subtle mysteries of that very same truth—especially when knowledge becomes intertwined with religion. The learned are prone to arrogance and rigidity in one way, while the devout are vulnerable in another. Self-admiration ('ujb) is one of the manifestations of arrogance. 'Ujb is the plague of worship, and a champion of truth can easily fall prey to it.

Joy Mixed with Arrogance and Intoxication: A Factor of Dogmatism

The Holy Quran states in Surah Ghafir (verse 83): «فَلَمَّا جاءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُمْ بِالْبَیِّناتِ فَرِحُوا بِما عِنْدَهُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ وَ حاقَ بِهِمْ ما کانُوا بِهِ یَسْتَهْزِؤُنَ» (“And when their messengers came to them with clear proofs, they exulted in what they had of knowledge, and they were enveloped by what they used to ridicule”). In the Quran, ‘farah’ is not pure joy. Farah is a joy tainted with arrogance, intoxication, ignorance, heedlessness, and shallow complacency. The verse reveals that because these people possessed some knowledge from past prophets, a sense of conceited delight overtook them, and they became unable to accept the truth; they could not even recognize that this new Prophet was the continuation of the very same prophets whose stories they knew so well.

One's Grasp of Truth Can Lead to Dogmatism

Dogmatism is a widespread trial (ʿāmm al-balwā). When you expand the definition of dogmatism in light of Quranic verses, you realize that those who rejected the Prophet’s (s) call were the very people waiting around Mecca for the final Prophet, knowing where he would appear and what his signs were. Yet, when the final Prophet arrived, those who should have been his foremost companions and supporters became his bitterest enemies. These people possessed some knowledge; if they had possessed nothing, they would not have resisted so fiercely. Likewise, when Imam al-Mahdi (aj) reappears, some will confront him by citing the Quran! This means both the Messenger of Allah (s) and Imam al-Mahdi (aj) faced forms of dogmatism. Amir al-Mu'minin (a) and Imam al-Husayn (a) also struggled against dogmatism. Dogmatism is by no means a simple or trivial matter.

We are in grave danger of dogmatism. It can arise from our very possessions—even good emotional and spiritual assets! Consider the emotional state of those in Karbala about whom it was said: “Their hearts are with you, but their swords are against you” (qulūbuhum maʿaka wa suyūfuhum ʿalayk); their hearts were with Imam al-Husayn (a), yet their swords were drawn against him. We must draw profound lessons from this.

Dogmatism: A Pervasive and Universal Issue

We must recognize dogmatism as a pervasive issue threatening anyone who becomes acquainted with an aspect of the truth. We need to engage with this broader, deeper understanding of dogmatism. One of our major cognitive flaws is assuming that dogmatism belongs exclusively to certain eccentric groups throughout history. This is a universal affliction. Just as we are vulnerable to disbelief (kufr) and idolatry when they are discussed, we are equally vulnerable to dogmatism.

The Role of Taqwa in Preventing Dogmatism

The Holy Quran employs a unique approach: it calls everyone to Taqwa (God-wariness), yet Taqwa itself and the attainment of it remain open and profound. It is truly a magnificent framework. For instance, it says: Fast, so that you may perhaps attain Taqwa. If you become a person of frequent worship, does that necessarily make you a person of Taqwa? No! It is not guaranteed. If we champion justice in social affairs, is the matter settled? No, pause and reflect: «اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوى‌» “Be just; that is nearer to Taqwa” (Al-Ma'idah, 8). What then is that ultimate Taqwa? Reveal it to us! After engaging in extensive worship, fasting, and good deeds, the Quran tells you: God willing, you may attain Taqwa! When I see someone who prays, I cannot conclusively declare that they are truly pious. What is the wisdom behind this approach to Taqwa? It means God has withheld absolute certainty so that you never become arrogant. Then He states: «إِنَّمَا یَتَقَبَّلُ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِینَ» “Indeed, Allah only accepts from the God-wary” (Al-Ma'idah, 27). We might wonder: What about the deed we just performed? The response is: It remains unknown whether it was genuinely rooted in Taqwa or not. This shatters your pride and instills a holy awe in your heart. This awe constantly compels you toward honest self-examination, serving as an enduring shield against dogmatism.