The Role of Rationality in the Establishment of New Islamic Civilization from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the role of rationality as an element in the establishment of new Islamic civilization and the fulfilment of its 5 stages according to the ideas of Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei. In this regard, the written works of Imam Khomeini, especially Sharh-e Hadith-e Junud-e ‘Aql va Jahl, Sharh-e Chehel Hadith, Sahife Imam, and also the speeches of the Supreme Leader during the years of his leadership and authority were accurately studied. The results of the study indicated that rationality is pivotal to the formation of all the stages of new Islamic civilization. Furthermore, the advice and guidelines provided by Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei to achieve new Islamic civilization correspond to the rational tenets mentioned in the noble Hadith of wisdom and ignorance. If rationality flourishes and manifests in a civilization, that achieves its perfect and high goal, that is to say human prosperity, hence transcendental civilization would be formed. On the other hand, if rationality follows ignorance it moves to Asfal as-Safel’in (the lowest of the low) so mundane civilization would be formed.