Ma`rifat Kalami

The especial status which faith has among the religious concepts has prompted every religious tradition (Sunnah) to propose its clear view on epistemology, nature and characteristics of faith. Such view is called "theory of faith". The present paper tries to identify the main constituents of the theory of faith which was proposed by earlier Ash'arite theologians. By analyzing the views of some of the most important earlier Ash'arite theologians, we can evolve a theory that has the following features: according to Ash'arites, the origin of faith is inner certainty in the Messenger's traditions; the nature of faith is a heartfelt and intentional reality; the object of faith is of a propositional kind and the thing which drives man towards it is the hope for God's bounteousness in regard with reward and punishment; the external cause of realization of faith is God's will; being Muslim is different from being believer; faith is subordinate to reason and superior to knowledge; knowledge is a necessary but not sufficient condition of faith, and inner feeling together with heartfelt submission constitute a sufficient condition.