In response to the argument that marrying a sibling is medically harmful because research (Human Urge) has shown that sexual intercourse between relatives (incest) can have medical consequences, it is worth noting that many books in the Western world argue that incest is a part of human nature, claiming that the medical harms associated with it are exaggerated or incorrect.
The same slogan that Obaidullah bin Hassan Qairwani chanted eight hundred years ago has not only gained traction in the Western world but is also being practiced. Why do these issues arise? The primary reason is that reason is being applied where it does not belong (its jurisdiction), in areas where we need the guidance of “divine revelation.” The result of dismissing reason in favor of divine guidance is exemplified by the British Parliament’s approval of the legalization of homosexuality, which was met with applause from those present.
Today, homosexuality is even treated as a science. In one of the libraries in New York, there is a special shelf labeled “Gay Style of Life,” containing a series of books on the subject. Numerous associations support this viewpoint, and there are many organizations and groups whose leaders hold important positions, including a mayor of New York who identified as gay.
The American magazine “Times” reported that one thousand military participants in the Gulf War were dismissed from the army due to their homosexuality.
Following this action, there was an uproar and demonstrations, with voices echoing that the dismissal of these individuals from military posts because of their sexuality was unreasonable and that they should be reinstated.
This is framed as a part of human nature (Human Urge), and today, people conveniently use this notion to justify moral transgressions. All these actions are permitted on that basis, with the claim: “What is wrong with this behavior from the perspective of reason?” The previous discussion focused solely on the human race, but now it turns to animals—dogs, donkeys, and horses—with pride in this comparison.
To clarify the issue, consider the modern world’s anxiety surrounding the consequences of atomic bombs and its desire to limit nuclear activities. An entry in the Encyclopedia Britannica states: “The atomic bomb was tested in two places: Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
The rationale provided is that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved one million lives by preventing a prolonged war, which would have resulted in even greater casualties. Thus, they describe the atomic bomb as “a device with which the lives of a million people have been saved!”
They attempt to rationalize this tragedy while condemning its consequences, recognizing that future generations were adversely affected. Innocent lives were lost, and this justification was based on reason. Therefore, there is no significant evil or destruction for which reason does not furnish a rationale and permission.
Today, the world condemns fascism, and names like Hitler and Mussolini are among the most reviled. However, if we examine their philosophies, we find that they framed fascism as a philosophical principle. An ordinary person studying fascism might see the rationale behind it because reason can lead to such conclusions.
There is no evil that has not been justified under the guise of reason, as reason is often applied beyond its scope.
Allamah Ibn Khaldun, may Allah have mercy on him, was a great historian and philosopher. He wrote, “The reason that Allah has given to man is very effective as long as it is used within its limits; but when it exceeds its scope, it loses its effectiveness.” He provides a vivid analogy: reason is like a gold weighing scale, designed to weigh a limited quantity. Trying to weigh something significantly heavier, like a mountain, with this scale will break it. When someone breaks the scale due to misusing it, others recognize that he has applied it incorrectly rather than deeming the scale useless.
The Difference Between Islam and Materialism
The fundamental distinction between Islam and materialism lies in Islam’s insistence on reason: “Be sure to use reason, but only as far as it applies.” There exists a point at which reason becomes ineffective and provides incorrect answers. A simple example involves computers: if you use them for their intended purpose, they function instantly.
However, if you attempt to install a program not compatible with your computer, it will not only fail to function but may also produce erroneous results. Similarly, what is not grounded in reason requires a third means of understanding, which is divine revelation. Using reason beyond its limits will yield incorrect answers.
This is why the Prophet of Islam, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent, and the Holy Quran was revealed. As stated in the Holy Quran: «إنا أنزلنا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَق لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ الناس» “We have sent down this book to you in truth, so that you may judge between people.”
The Holy Quran clarifies what is right and wrong, true and false, good and evil. These determinations are not solely established based on reason.
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