“The Impact of Faith on Purifying Cognition and Removing Epistemological Obstacles in the Development of Knowledge in Islamic Thought"

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Esfandiar Gholami 1
Saeed Alizadeh 2
Ghorbanali Karimzadeh gharamaleki 2
1 PhD student of Islamic Theology of Tabriz University. Teacher of education courses at Zanjan University.
2 PhD in Islamic Philosophy and Theology - Faculty Member, University of Tabriz - Faculty of Theology - Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology
10.30470/phm.2025.2058230.2686
Abstract
This article provides an in-depth and critical examination of the interplay between faith and knowledge from the perspectives of Islamic philosophy, mysticism, and theology. With an innovative approach, it explores the role of faith as a “divine light” in enhancing human cognitive processes. The study argues that faith, beyond being a mere belief, establishes a robust foundation for liberating rationality from relativism and radical skepticism, thereby creating a coherent framework for attaining authentic knowledge. By expanding cognitive horizons, faith facilitates access to intuitive and heart-centered wisdom, acting as a cognitive filter that removes barriers such as hedonism and materialism from the path of epistemic pursuit. Furthermore, the article introduces an integrated model, “Dynamic Interaction Theory”, to analyze the synergistic relationship between faith and knowledge across diverse scientific and philosophical domains. The findings not only offer novel insights into the faith-knowledge nexus but also propose actionable implications for moral philosophy, education, and social sciences. This research bridges traditional Islamic thought with modern cognitive science, advocating for a holistic epistemology that harmonizes divine illumination with empirical inquiry.

Keywords

Subjects

Philosophical Meditations

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 September 2025