Quranic Wisdom

mind so that he or she may be able to think in an unbiased manner. The Limitations of Human Knowledge I n the chapter Al-Isra’ (the Night Journey) of the Quran there is a verse which concerns the art of thinking. The translation of this verse is as follows: They question you about the Spirit. Say, ‘The Spirit is at my Lord’s command, and you have been granted but little knowledge.’ (17:85) This Quranic verse enshrines a very important principle regarding the theory of knowledge: that man was created with certain limitations, due to which he cannot apprehend everything. To accept this limitation is the greatest wisdom, for it opens the door to all possible knowledge. Philosophy has a long history, but it has failed to provide any clear-cut knowledge about human life. In fact, all the philosophers of the past and present have been purveyors of confusion. On the contrary, scientists have been able to provide us with fruitful knowledge. Indeed, modern civilization is a gift of the scientific community. Why is there this difference between the two disciplines? The reason is that philosophers have failed to accept human limitations, while scientists have accepted them. Acceptance of limitations opens the door to all kinds of genuine knowledge. It is good to think about the things around us, but it is bad to try to think about everything. A wise person is one who differentiates