THE IMPORTANCE OF REASON

Power of the Mind

THE Quran gives great importance to the faculty of reason. Several verses in the Quran emphasise the importance of rational thinking. Here is a translation of a related verse.

The worst creatures in God’s eyes are those who are deaf and style="text-align: justify;"dumb, and who do not use their reason. (8: 22)

What is reason? Reason is the power of the mind to think, analyse and form judgements in a logical manner. It is the most powerful faculty and the distinctive quality of a human being.

Reason is not an isolated faculty. According to the Quran, the whole of creation is based on reason. The religion revealed by God is also a rational religion. Everyone is required to plan one’s life using reason. Those failing to do so are considered deaf, dumb and blind (THE QURAN 2: 10). Only that belief is valid which is based on reason and understanding.

Reason is what makes man a rational animal. Man has a mind with boundless capacity, and is like a hidden-treasure. It is his first duty to unfold this potential. Dying without unfolding one’s intellectual potential, is to die like an animal. Such a person fails to fulfill the creation plan of God.

Reason needs to be developed. The Quran mentions several methods for this intellectual development—study, contemplation, observation, taking lessons from experiences, etc. Every individual must inculcate the spirit of learning. This will consistently improve one's personality. Reason cannot be created but it can certainly be developed. Everyone has a twofold duty of developing his reason or mind, and then using it in life. Reason is a powerful potential of the human mind, and we are duty bound to turn this potential into actuality.

The Quran says that reason has both positive and negative outcomes. When used with sincerity and modesty, it serves as a constructive and healthy agent of one's personality. But if one is a victim of egoism, then reason makes him an arrogant person and that is a negative outcome.

Understanding the Quran requires deep contemplation. Without applying reason no one can contemplate. On reading the Quran one will find that it always addresses reason. Reason is the master key to a better understanding of all human issues.