of Nokounam, , Session (1887)
Religious psychology, as a branch of spiritual anthropology, delves into the depths of human existence and its connection to exalted values and divine knowledge. This discipline, grounded in the verses of the Holy Qur'an and the narrations of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), analyses human behaviours, motivations, and existential orientations, opening a path towards perfection and divine proximity. This treatise, by systematically and scientifically rewriting the delivered lectures, provides a coherent and profound text for researchers in religious and psychological domains. The content encompasses all details and key points of the lectures with full elaboration and in a lofty, dignified language. By adding specialised titles, supplementary analyses, and literary allegories, the concepts are elucidated systematically to establish semantic and scientific connections among the subjects. The structure of this work is designed so that while faithfully preserving the original content, each section concludes with a detailed summary, ultimately culminating in a comprehensive synthesis of the entire work.
This section, content of the first lecture, examines the pivotal role of intention in religious psychology and elucidates its connection with behaviour and human perfection.
Intention, as the essence and reality of action, holds a fundamental position in religious psychology. This principle finds its roots in the noble hadith "Verily, deeds are judged by intentions," which states that the value of every deed depends on the intention underlying it. Intention is like a light that illuminates the darkness of the deed, guiding it from a mechanical exterior towards a profound spiritual depth. In another narration it is stated: "The believers intention is better than his action, and the disbelievers intention is worse than his action" (Source: The Book of Rules and Benefits). This statement demonstrates the superiority of the believers intention over his deed, because intention, due to its limitless scope, has a value surpassing the outward act. If action is likened to a body, intention is the spirit that breathes life and meaning into it.
From the viewpoint of religious psychology, intention acts as the primary motivator of behaviour, determining the existential orientation of a human being. A pure intention directs action towards knowledge and perfection, whereas an impure intention leads it towards corruption and destruction. This perspective aligns with motivational psychological theories that emphasise the role of intrinsic motives in behaviour. For instance, an individual entering a mosque with the intention of drawing nearer to God performs an exalted act; however, if the intention is ostentation or greed, the same act loses its value.
A person is capable of performing a single action with multiple intentions, a capacity that significantly elevates the value of the act. For example, entering a mosque may be accompanied by intentions such as obedience, remembrance, anticipation of prayer, seeking knowledge, avoiding sin, and proximity to God. This multiplicity of intentions transforms the act from a simple behaviour into a sublime deed, as noted by religious scholars: a person may enter a mosque with "twenty intentions."
And mention the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion.
(Al-Muzzammil: 8)
This verse emphasises the importance of sincerity and concentration upon God in actions. From the perspective of religious psychology, the multiplicity of intentions reflects the depth of human knowledge and self-awareness. This principle corresponds with cognitive psychological theories that stress the role of multiple intentions in goal-directed behaviours. Multiple intentions are like rays of light that connect the act to the sky of meaning.
Sincerity is a fundamental prerequisite for the acceptance of action before the Divine presence. In a sacred hadith it is stated: "If anyone associates a partner with Me in his deed, I shall leave it to his partner" (Source: The Book of Rules and Benefits). This admonition invites humans to avoid hypocrisy and non-divine intentions. An act performed with a non-divine intention is like a rootless tree that bears no fruit.
From the standpoint of religious psychology, sincerity plays a pivotal role in shaping behaviour. This view corresponds with motivational psychology, which emphasises the importance of intrinsic motives. An action performed for the sake of fame or material gain, even if outwardly commendable, is worthless in the Divine court.
Intention, as the core of religious psychology, determines the value and quality of action. An act not arising from a pure intention lacks spirit and meaning and cannot guide the human being towards perfection. The multiplicity of intentions illustrates the human capacity for existential elevation, and sincerity, as a condition for acceptance, invites humans to avoid hypocrisy and non-divine intentions. This section calls on humans to reassess their motives in order to avoid mechanical and soulless actions.
This section, connected to the discussion of intention in the first section, examines the importance of the quality of actions over their quantity and emphasises the necessity of selecting the best deeds.
Humans must choose the best deeds through understanding and knowledge. This principle is rooted in the words of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him): "Take the best of everything" (Nahj al-Balagha). A good deed, though valuable, holds a lesser position compared to the best deed. The best deed varies according to individual circumstances; for a scholar, deepening knowledge and understanding is the best action, whereas for an ordinary person, performing supererogatory prayers or simpler acts might be the best choice.
This perspective distances humans from routine and mechanical actions and guides them towards transcendence. From the perspective of positive psychology, choosing the best deed requires self-awareness and focus on exalted goals that result in personal and spiritual growth.
The culture of quantification, which values the volume and number of deeds, marginalises quality and pure intention. For example, in educational and occupational systems, emphasis on hours worked or books read without regard for quality leads to superficiality. A metaphor contrasting high-quality pistachios with low-value ones aptly illustrates this critique.
Those who humble themselves in their prayers.
(Al-Muminun: 2)
This verse stresses the importance of quality and humility in worship. From the standpoint of religious psychology, the quality of action, which arises from pure intention and divine knowledge, determines its existential impact.
Social and scientific systems should transition from quantification towards quality enhancement. For instance, employee remuneration should be based on work quality rather than base salary or working hours. This critique highlights the necessity of revising social and economic structures.
This view aligns with modern management theories that emphasise qualitative productivity. For example, military personnel whose pay is based on rank might provide lower quality work.
Without advanced religious sciences, society cannot achieve scientific and spiritual authority. Religious science must lead in the production of knowledge and philosophy to liberate society from dependency on secular sciences.
Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?"
(Az-Zumar: 9)
This verse highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding. A
