The Importance of Reason

dumb and blind (2:18). Only that belief is a valid belief which is based on reason and understanding. Reason is so important that it is said that man is a rational animal. Man has an unlimited mind, full of unlimited capacity, but mind is like a hidden treasure. It is everyone’s first duty to unfold his or her potential. One who dies without unfolding one’s intellectual potential, is dying like an animal. Such a person fails to fulfil the creation plan of God. Reason needs to be developed. According to the Quran there are several ways of this intellectual development— study, contemplation, observation, taking lessons from experiences, etc. It means that every man and woman must inculcate the spirit of learning in their personality. Reason cannot be created but it can certainly be developed. So, everyone has a twofold duty, developing his reason or mind, and then using it in different activities of life. Reason is like a potential in the human mind, and it is the duty of every man and woman to turn this potential into actuality. According to the Quran, reason has both the points: plus point as well as minus point. When you use your reason with sincerity and modesty, reason will then serve as a constructive and healthy agent of your personality. But if you become a victim of egoism, then reason makes you an arrogant person and that is the minus point of reason.