Is religious belief based on circular reasoning

  Circular reasoning is when the premise and the conclusion of an argument are the same, or when one premise depends on another premise that depends on the conclusion. Here is an example of a circular argument:

Premise: The Bible is the word of God.

Conclusion: Therefore, the Bible is true and infallible.

In this argument, the premise assumes that the Bible is the word of God, which is the same as the conclusion. The argument does not provide any independent evidence or reason to support this claim. Instead, it uses its own conclusion as a premise, which is circular and fallacious.

We use reason and logic to understand the Quran and the Sunnah, to derive rules and principles for various aspects of life, to evaluate different opinions and interpretations, and to dialogue with other faiths and cultures. We believe that reason and logic are compatible with faith and revelation, and that there can be no conflict between them if they are properly employed and understood.

We know that the Quran and the Sunnah are true sources of revelation because they have internal and external proofs that confirm their authenticity and validity. For example, the Quran has linguistic, literary, scientific, historical, prophetic, moral, and spiritual proofs that demonstrate its divine origin and challenge any human or natural explanation. The Sunnah has rigorous methods of verification and authentication that ensure its reliability and accuracy. These proofs are not circular, but rather based on objective criteria and rational arguments that can be examined by anyone who seeks the truth.

For instance, the linguistic and literary proofs of the Quran are not based on subjective taste or appreciation, but on objective standards and criteria that have been recognized by experts and scholars of Arabic language and literature for centuries. The scientific proofs of the Quran are not vague or inaccurate, but precise and accurate in describing natural phenomena that were unknown or misunderstood by human beings at the time of revelation. The historical proofs of the Quran are not biased or outdated, but fair and relevant in narrating past events and predicting future ones. The prophetic proofs of the Quran are not self-fulfilling or coincidental, but miraculous and verifiable in foretelling events that were beyond human knowledge or control. The moral and spiritual proofs of the Quran are not relative or arbitrary, but universal and rational in providing guidance for human conduct and happiness.