By: Dr Shabeer Ahmad Khan
Dim as the borrowed beams of moon and stars
To lonely, weary, wandering travellers,
Is Reason to the soul: and as on high
Those rolling fires discover but the sky,
Not light us here; so Reason’s glimmering ray
Was lent, not to assure our doubtful way,
But guide us upward to a better day.
(Religio Laici; John Dryden)
Faith is a cornerstone of religious belief, often encompassing aspects of the unseen and the divine that transcend human understanding. However, the increasing emphasis on reason in contemporary discourse has led some to misapply and misappropriate it in theological matters, leading to confusion or even misinterpretation of religious teachings. While reason plays a vital role in understanding faith, it has its limitations: especially in matters of the unseen (ghayb). This article explores how theological understanding should balance reason with revelation. It uses examples of misappropriated reasoning to shed light on the importance of contextual knowledge and divine wisdom.
Reason in the Framework of Faith
Reason is a gift bestowed by God to humanity, enabling critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the world. In Islam, the use of reason is encouraged to reflect on creation, recognize the signs of Allah, and strengthen faith. The Quran frequently invites believers to ponder:
“أَفَلَا يَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْض
Transliteration:
Afala yatafakkaroon fi khalqi as-samawati wal-ardi?
Translation:
Do they not reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth? (Quran 3:191)
However, reason is not absolute. Matters of faith, particularly those related to the unseen, are revealed by Allah through scripture and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These matters cannot always be comprehended fully by human intellect and must be approached with humility and trust in divine wisdom. Misapplying reason to interpret such aspects often leads to misunderstanding, as demonstrated in contemporary discussions.
The Incident of Misplaced Reasoning
One such incident, quoted by a gentleman in our mosque recently, involved one of his associates during the Jamaat service. This event, which prompted me to write this article, highlights the tension between reasoning and revelation.
A knowledgeable individual, narrating a Hadith, explained to a group of young learners that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed his wife, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), that a particular house was being guarded by angels. The men of the house were absent, engaged in jihad, and the angels were assigned by Allah to protect the house during their absence.
While the younger listeners were awed by this profound reminder of divine protection, another person overheard the conversation and interjected. This person, a rational skeptic or perhaps a neophyte from a faction that overemphasized reason without much thought—or one who considered himself a helper of God—questioned why the speaker mentioned angels instead of attributing the protection directly to Allah. ‘Why not say that God Himself was guarding the house?’ he asked, implying that mentioning angels detracted from God’s omnipotence.
As we all witness such incidents in our daily lives, this interjection reflects a common misunderstanding rooted in the misapplication of reason. While it is true that Allah is All-Powerful and capable of guarding the house without intermediaries, the role of angels does not diminish His power. Rather, it demonstrates the organized system within creation that Allah has established, where angels serve as obedient servants executing His commands, much like John Milton famously wrote, ‘Thousands at His bidding speed.’
The Organised System of Divine Governance
Islamic teachings emphasize that Allah’s power is absolute, but His wisdom manifests through the structured roles He assigns within creation. Angels, for instance, are tasked with various responsibilities, such as recording deeds, delivering revelations, and protecting believers. This delegation of roles highlights the perfection of Allah’s system, where every being serves a purpose in alignment with His divine plan.
The Quran states:
لَهُ مُعَقِّبَاتٌ مِّن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِ يَحْفَظُونَهُ بِأَمْرِ اللَّهِ…
Transliteration:
Lahu mu‘aqqibātun min bayni yadayhi wa min khalfihi yahfazoonahu bi amri Allah…
Translation:
For each person, there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the command of Allah…. (Quran 13:11)
This verse clarifies that angels act as agents of Allah, fulfilling His commands. The presence of angels guarding a house does not imply that Allah is absent but reflects His mercy, wisdom, and organised governance.
The Pitfalls of Misappropriated Reasoning
Misappropriating reason often stems from a lack of contextual understanding or a superficial approach to faith. In the example above, the individual who questioned the role of angels failed to grasp the theological principle that Allah’s use of intermediaries demonstrates His power and wisdom, not any limitation.
Such reasoning is akin to questioning why a king employs ministers to carry out his commands when he could rule directly. The king’s decision to delegate does not undermine his authority but reflects his administrative acumen. Similarly, Allah’s delegation of tasks to angels or other entities reflects His divine order and wisdom.
Lessons for Addressing Misplaced Reasoning
To address such instances, it is essential to approach them with compassion, patience, and clear explanations rooted in scripture and tradition. The following steps can help:
- Affirm the Fundamentals of Faith: Begin by emphasizing Allah’s omnipotence and His authority over all creation. This reassures the questioner that no act of delegation diminishes His power.
- Explain the Role of Angels: Use Quranic verses and Hadith to clarify the purpose of angels as obedient servants of Allah, acting solely by His command.
- Highlight the Limits of Human Reason: Gently remind the questioner that reason has limitations and that faith often requires submission to divine revelation, especially in matters beyond human perception.
- Use Analogies for Clarity: Relate theological concepts to everyday experiences, such as the analogy of a king and his ministers, to make abstract ideas more relatable.
Conclusion
The interplay between reason and faith is a delicate balance that requires humility and a deep understanding of theological principles. While reason is a valuable tool for reflecting on faith, it must be guided by revelation and contextual knowledge. Misappropriating reason in matters of faith, as illustrated by the incident of the questioning individual, underscores the need for patience and education in addressing such misunderstandings.
In the end, true understanding comes from recognizing that Allah’s wisdom surpasses human comprehension, and His system of creation is perfect in its organisation and purpose. By cultivating a balance between reason and revelation, believers can deepen their faith and appreciate the beauty of Allah’s divine plan.
The writer is lecturer in higher education and holds a PhD from AMU, Aligarh
Email: sakhan4@myamu.ac.in
