Understanding the Uniqueness of the Qur'an
Murtada Mutahhari
Chapter# /Title
10. Conception of Reason in the Qur’an
Heretofore we have discussed briefly the diction of the Qur’an, and said that, for the purpose of communicating its message, the Qur’an makes use of two types of languages, namely, the language of rational argument and the language of feeling. Each of these languages has a specific appeal. The first type addresses and appeals to the intellect or reason, while the second one is meant to appeal to the heart. Now we shall examine the point of view of the Qur’an regarding reason (‘aql).
It is to be seen whether or not the Qur’an acknowledges the “authority” (hajjah) of reason –as the scholars of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and usul put it. This means whether or not we should respect the judgments of reason and act according to them if they happen to be correct and rightly deduced by it. Moreover, if one acts according to the dictates of reason and occasionally falls into error, will God exonerate him for it, or whether He will punish him on account of that error? And, if one fails to act according to the ruling of reason, does he deserve punishment?