By Dr. Mawahib Saleh Mahdi – College of Islamic Sciences, Karbala University
In this article, we discuss intellectual development, noting the distinction between mental development, which refers to the capabilities granted by Allah, endowed with the power of perception. This is influenced by several genetic and prenatal factors, as the Quran refers to when it mentions the Prophet Zakariya’s request for an heir: “And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife is barren, so give me from Yourself an heir * Who will inherit me and inherit from the family of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, pleasing” (Surah Maryam, 19:5-6). We all know that it wasn’t referring to material inheritance but rather the ability to receive prophethood, as evidenced by how Allah granted Yahya (John): “O Yahya, take the Scripture with determination, and We gave him judgment while yet a boy * And affection from Us and purity, and he was God-fearing * And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a tyrant or disobedient * Peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised alive” (Surah Maryam, 19:12-14). These verses illustrate his intellectual and mental capacities, as he was granted wisdom while still a child. In this article, we aim to understand the intellectual development that is a skill acquired through refinement and training as described by the Quran.
The topic of thinking is one of the most critical, important, and sophisticated, as the types of thinking are countless, and their effects on the individual, society, and everything they touch are vast. Human excellence or degradation is linked to it, as well as the rise or decline of societies, their material prosperity, or their deterioration. Human thought plays a crucial role in advancement or regression, in rising or falling, in faith or disbelief, in piety or corruption, and in happiness or misery. Through thinking, knowledge is gained, and ignorance is conquered. It is the most precious thing for a human being, and for it, Allah commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam. Even though humans have recognized the pitfalls and consequences of flawed thinking, the process of thinking has remained elusive to them. Attempts by scholars to define thinking and determine its factors, methods, and types have often yielded results that are inaccurate, as many of these attempts were influenced by flawed intellectual backgrounds, such as insisting on a materialistic view of the world, or denying the Creator’s connection with life.
The Sources of Ideas
The human mind is a tool prepared to receive subjects as raw material for thought. We see that the Quran guides us toward the receptors and points to them when it says: “And Allah brought you out from the wombs of your mothers, you knew nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that perhaps you would be grateful” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:78). Here, the Creator reminds us that He granted us the senses through which we engage in the intellectual process and arrive at knowledge. Therefore, it is stated in the verse, “you knew nothing,” followed by the mention of some senses, implying their role in acquiring knowledge. This emphasizes our gratitude to Allah for the greatest gift He gave us: the ability to think. It is through the use of human senses that knowledge is produced, leading to thinking, reasoning, judgment, correction, elevation, and selection. Additionally, the term “hearts” mentioned in many verses is figurative, representing certainty and conviction when ideas are tied to the heart. This suggests that when intellectual processes occur correctly and the heart is convinced of the conclusions, they can propel the person into action.
Thinking Skills
The Quran highlights several factors that develop thinking skills. Some are presented theoretically, prompting the individual to engage in a similar intellectual experience, while others challenge them to take practical steps to enhance their cognitive abilities. Here are some brief examples, not exhaustive, to avoid lengthening the discussion:
- Intellectual Deduction
The Quran’s method of negation and affirmation, reasoning, persuasion, and proof involves pointing out the laws that govern the universe to make humans grasp and recognize them as decrees from the Creator. For example: “Say, ‘Allah brings the sun from the east, so bring it from the west.’ So the disbeliever was overwhelmed” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:258). This verse shows that the material world operates according to fixed laws, which the intellect recognizes, and the Quran demonstrates that these laws are imposed by the Creator of the universe, human beings, and life. - Contemplation of Consequences
The Quran encourages a method of thinking that, if properly used, would prevent deviation and misguidance. For instance: “And they say, ‘If we had but listened or used our intellect, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.’” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:10). Improper use of intellectual faculties leads to erroneous actions and thoughts, resulting in deviation and disbelief. - Doctrinal Inference
The Quran emphasizes the use of logical thinking when discussing beliefs and arguing for the Islamic creed. It subjects the material world to intellectual inquiry, revealing the falsehood of polytheism and disbelief by demonstrating that they lack rational foundations. The Quran insists that these logical methods are the basis for understanding religious principles, and that faith itself forms the foundation for all decisions, actions, and judgments. - Building Action on Thought
When it comes to establishing the foundation of beliefs, the Quran asserts: “Is one who lays the foundation of his building on the fear of Allah and His pleasure better, or one who lays the foundation of his building on the edge of a crumbling bank, so it collapses with him into the Fire of Hell?” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:109). This verse illustrates that an unstable foundation will lead to collapse, much like flawed thinking will lead to incorrect actions. - Engaging in Intellectual Experience
The Quran’s approach to negation, affirmation, reasoning, and argumentation is based on intellectual engagement, where material reality is explored deeply through the intellect, building upon previous knowledge accepted by the mind. This approach pushes for a thoughtful and enlightened inquiry into the material world and its connection to spiritual and broader truths. The Quran does not accept surface-level thinking, but urges a profound exploration of ideas to shape correct beliefs and actions.
In conclusion, the Quran’s guidance on intellectual development teaches that thinking is a skill to be nurtured through reflection and engagement. By reflecting on the Quranic verses and applying this intellectual methodology, one can enhance their cognitive abilities and build a sound intellectual framework. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and his pure, virtuous family.
