The Qur’anic View of Reason and Revelation: A Harmonious and Complementary Relationship

 This is a very interesting question that has been discussed by many Muslim scholars and thinkers throughout history. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different perspectives may emphasize different aspects of Islam. However, one possible way to approach this question is to consider the Qur’anic view of reason and revelation, and how they relate to each other.

The Qur’an, as the word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is the primary source of guidance and knowledge for Muslims. The Qur’an invites people to use their reason and intellect to reflect on the signs of God in themselves and in the universe, and to recognize the truth and wisdom of God’s message. The Qur’an also warns people against following their whims and desires, and against being deceived by false arguments and claims. The Qur’an thus affirms the value and importance of reason as a gift from God that enables human beings to seek knowledge, understanding, and certainty.

However, the Qur’an also acknowledges the limitations and shortcomings of human reason. Reason alone cannot comprehend the mysteries of God, the unseen realities, and the ultimate purpose of life. Reason alone cannot provide moral guidance and spiritual nourishment. Reason alone cannot guarantee happiness and salvation. For these reasons, the Qur’an also emphasizes the need for revelation, which is God’s mercy and grace to humanity. Revelation complements and completes reason by providing divine guidance, illumination, and inspiration. Revelation reveals what reason cannot reach, clarifies what reason may doubt, and confirms what reason may discover.

Therefore, from a Qur’anic perspective, reason and revelation are not opposed or contradictory, but rather harmonious and complementary. They are both sources of knowledge and guidance that God has bestowed upon humanity. They both serve the same goal of helping human beings to know God, worship Him, and live according to His will. They both require devotion and submission to God, who is the source of all truth and wisdom.

Hence, one may argue that devotion and reasoning are both important in Islam, as they are both aspects of faith and worship. Devotion without reasoning may lead to blind imitation, fanaticism, or superstition. Reasoning without devotion may lead to arrogance, skepticism, or disbelief. Devotion with reasoning may lead to sincerity, understanding, and piety. As the Qur’an says: 

ٱلَّذِینَ یَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِیَـٰمࣰا وَقُعُودࣰا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمۡ وَیَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِی خَلۡقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ ٰ⁠تِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقۡتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلࣰا سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

Those who remember Allah while standing, and sitting, and reclining on their sides, and ponder about the creation of the heavens and the earth; “O our Lord! You have not created this without purpose; Purity is to You, therefore save us from the punishment of fire.”(Qur’an 3:191)