THE FOUNDATION OF REALITY

THE FOUNDATION OF REALITY Contemporary Intellect M ODERN theological science is a substantiation of religious beliefs with due regard for contemporary intellect. This is truer indeed of a presentation of Islamic teachings according to modern rational methods. To begin with, we must ascertain exactly what this contemporary intellect is. Contemporary intellect is synonymous with scientific intellect, or that intellect which emphasizes the importance of the essential nature of things. In other words, modern mind validates those beliefs that are observable and demonstrable. The scientific revolution has had a profound effect on human thought. Owing to science, theories are required to be based on experiment and observation rather than on hypothesis and analogy. The intellectual and material upheaval of the present age has occurred because of the discovery of the realities of nature. All things, from the bicycle to the aeroplane, from light bulbs to huge factories, operate on the basis of these natural realities. This is the revolution which has, in fact, stolen the limelight in our modern age, for it has affected every department of human life. For thousands of years man was engaged in a futile attempt to turn iron into gold by means of highly secret formulas. Now, thanks to the discovery of natural realities, iron is converted into machines more precious than gold. These developments have added credibility to the theories which are proven by the realities of nature. This mindset is to be expected. Since the progress of modern man has been due to his discovery of natural realities, he is bound to attribute importance only to that theory which is supported by these realities. This difference between the modern and ancient intellect may be understood by means of a simple example. A century ago, drugs were claimed to be manufactured following medicinal prescriptions based on family tradition, or prescriptions used by knights and kings. Terms such as “family prescription”, “hereditary cure”, “royally mixed medicine”, etc., used to carry great weight with physicians. If any of The intellectual and material upheaval of the present age has occurred because of the discovery of the realities of nature. All things, from the bicycle to the aeroplane, from light bulbs to huge factories, operate on the basis of these natural realities.