Real Knowledge (Part 1)

Is there even any such thing? And if there is, how do you know?

I am a Shia Muslim and to many, this in itself is irrational. Belief in God? Not many can say that's rational. And yet, who can say it's wrong? I was born a Shia Muslim, but I also journeyed to the belief. I've been through the notions, rationalised my every core belief. I could walk you through each logical conclusion, step-by-step, beginning with only the simple premise that Existence Exists. But the question I pose to myself now is this. If there was a flaw in my logic, would I spot it?

With this random train of thought, I’m focusing mainly on differences we have when it comes to religious or traditional issues. Why is it that families rarely differ in their stance on any issue? It’s a rare occurrence to have father oppose his son, or wife oppose husband in any viewpoint. Take it a step further – how often does a man who is born into a religion convert? How are nations able to maintain their religious stance? Shouldn’t people all come to different conclusions? If not, how come there are many religions in the world?

The answer seems simple. The upbringing of a person shapes their thoughts until they are entrenched to the extent that they seem logical. But are they logical? And how do we purify them? How do I know I don’t believe in this just because of the way I’m brought up?

To Be Continued…