Encyclopedia of Islam

faith

  

223  J

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elation and in opposition to the hypocrisy (nifaq) 

of those who only pretend to be true believers 

(for example, Q 3:90–91, 167; 4:60–61). Those 

who believe and do good works are promised a 

reward in the 

aFterliFe

, while those who do not 

believe will be punished.

As Islamic religious thought developed, Mus-

lim theologians and philosophers pursued the 

discussion of faith in more depth. Among the 

topics they debated, apart from that of faith and 

action, were those of differences in degree of faith, 

whether faith remains constant or increases and 

decreases, and the relation of reason and faith. 

The Shia, meanwhile, extended the content of 

faith to include belief in the infallibility and moral 

perfection of the i

mams

, and, among the Twelve-

Imam Shia, the rise of the messianic Imam m

ahdi

.

They also argued that 

JUstice

 was an attribute of 

God. Sunnis disagreed and even went so far as to 

label such beliefs heretical. In the modern era, 

Sunni and Shii religious thinkers have sought 

to demonstrate the compatibility of faith and 

reason in order to defend Islam against secular 

rationalism. At the same time, intensive religious 

outreach (

daawa

) programs have been directed as 

much at enhancing the faith of Muslims as at win-

ning new converts.

See also  a

llah

; 

covenant

; 

kafir

; 

theology

; 

t

Welve

-i

mam

 s

hiism

.