Author: "Abu Aisha"
Mu’tazila (Part 53)
Introduction
One of the most significant and frequently debated topics concerning the Mu’tazila sect is their view on reason. As mentioned in earlier sections, the Mu’tazila have elevated reason to such a high status that they consider it superior to religious texts, rejecting many concepts that do not align with rational thought. In this section, we will explore the issue of “reason and rationality” from both the Mu’tazila and Sunni perspectives, providing a clear definition from each viewpoint.
Reason and Its position in Islam
Reason is one of the most important means of knowledge, and Islam has given it great value. Dr. Mohammad Abdul Fattah writes: “There is no religion among the heavenly religions that has given as much importance to reason as Islam. This issue is evident in the text of the Qur’an, which serves as definitive proof and clear evidence. The word of Allah Almighty is free from any kind of doubt, higher than any form of truth, and every truth originates from it, illuminating the world with the light of certainty.”
The numerous occurrences of terms related to reason in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, indicate its high status and dignity in Islam. The word ‘Aql’ (reason) and its derivatives appear 49 times in the Qur’an, and the term is also present in many hadiths of the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him.
Reason in Words and Terms
Definition of Reason (Aql)
The term ‘Aql’ is derived from the root “Aql Yahqell, Aqlan, and Maqoulan.”
Aql (reason) can also mean determination in affairs. Ibn Manzoor writes in “Lisan al-Arab”: “Aql (reason) is the determination of things.”
Additionally, Aql (reason) sometimes refers to the heart. Allah, the Almighty, says: «أفلم یسیروا في الأرض فتکون لهم قلوب یعقلون بها» (“Haven’t they traveled on the earth to have hearts by which they can understand?”), and in another place He says: «لهم قلوب لا یفقهون بها» (“They have hearts with which they do not understand”). Reason is called ‘Aql’ because it protects its owner from falling into destructive situations. A wise person is one who keeps his soul away from carnal desires.
Aql al-Shey (reason of a thing) means to understand it, while Aql (reason) also signifies prohibition, as it prevents its owner from deviating from the right and straight path.
