The Jurisprudence Faculty of the University of Kufa held the first (in-person) international post-con meeting of the International Conference on Imam Reza (PBUH) and Interreligious Dialogue on February 25, 2024. At this session, Dr. Haydar A. Aletaha (Assistant Professor, Imam Sadiq University, Iran) delivered his speech under the title “Forgotten Knowledge from the Teachings of Divine Religions: Knowledge of the Self"

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There is no doubt that the prophets, peace be upon them, spared no effort, to guide humanity to its true perfection and to salvation through the knowledge of God Almighty, via the monotheistic teachings inspired to them by God the Most High. They made significant achievements in spreading these divine teachings, heavenly knowledge, and divine truths. Some of these achievements have been established, ingrained, and have borne fruit, while others still require study, and dissemination, and some have been neglected and forgotten, possibly needing revival and special reminder. Thus, the journey of humanity toward perfection continues to grow, bloom, and evolve. Self-knowledge is among these teachings that have been defined and called for in the heavenly teachings from the sacred texts, the words of the prophets, and their successors. However, it has been integrated into some disciplines like philosophy, mysticism, and ethics, and specialized by some of those who learned these disciplines. Therefore, the research problem is stated as follows: What is the importance of self-knowledge, and what are its effects according to the teachings of the heavenly religions? This is what we seek to answer in this research using the descriptive-analytical method. The following hypothesis is mentioned: Self-knowledge is among the most important, best, and most noble of heavenly knowledge, playing a pivotal role in the movement of man towards perfection and his sought-after goal. In contrast, ignorance of it and neglecting it leads man to stray and drags him to doom in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, the call for this knowledge must exist and be mentioned in all heavenly religions. Thus, it undoubtedly must be part of the subjects of interfaith dialogue, as it is a necessary, fundamental, and general knowledge for all people, despite their different rituals and ideas, and everyone needs it, each at their own level. Accordingly, this study is divided into two main parts: the importance of self-knowledge in heavenly religions, and the effects and results of self-knowledge according to rational principles and religious teachings.