The Ranks of Faith from the Viewpoint of Allameh Tabatabaei

Islam meaning submission to God's commandments and prohibitions is of different ranks and stages and since man’s essence changes gradually, the various ranks of Islam are materialized in man over time. To remunerate this submission, God fills man’s heart with peace and tranquility and there is a reciprocal relationship the submission and peace. Allameh Tabatabaei believes Islam is of four ranks and each rank has a corresponding rank of faith. Therefore, man’s material and spiritual life has certain stages and ranks and the holder of each rank has a duty to uplift his rank with the assistance of those residing in higher ranks and to be vigilant and gracious toward those in lower ranks so that they may rise to higher ranks as well. Thus, Muslims have various ranks in understanding religious truths and their realization in their existence and what is of main concern among Muslims is having dialogue, understanding, cooperation and mutual assistance.