Contemplations on Reason in Islam - Book Recommendation

Book title: Contemplations on Reason in Islam

No. of pages: 361

Readability: Easy

What is this book about?

This book covers the very important topic of reason (ʿaqil in Arabic) and the mind from an Islamic point of view. It discusses the way in which Islam encourages the human being to think and use their minds rather than to blindly accept things. The author brilliantly breaks down numerous topics of immense importance especially in this day and age including, but not limited to: the purpose and essence of religion, the purpose of life, atheism, science, psychology, rationality, Islamic principles, Qur’anic teachings, teachings of the prophets and Ahlulbayt, wisdom, the concept of freedom, patience, depression, loneliness, confidence and self-esteem, open-mindedness, leadership, the correct of way debating with others, mental illness, women is Islam.

In sum, it is a book that has the power to realign the reader’s perspective of life into a more perseverant and Islamic mindset in all areas of life, all under the banner of reason.

“Reason is the basis for the whole of Islam” p16

“If your mind is not utilised in your consciousness and life, you are in darkness” p47

Who should read this book?

This book is for the Muslim who believes in Allah (swt) and lives an Islamic lifestyle, but wants to dig deeper and learn more about why Islam is the most complete religion and what the teachings of Islam truly are.

It is mandatory that every Muslim strives to learn more about the religion of Allah (swt), so that they can promote it and defend it in the face of rumours and misconceptions. By the end of the book, the reader will be able to confidently assert that Islam is a logical, rational religion that provides the solution for all the problems faced by people in this world.

Most importantly, this book is for the one (Muslim or not) who finds himself lacking in purpose, and unable to recognise the purpose of life. It will make the world and life in general make sense, and will give the reader hope that this seemingly purposeless and immoral world can be redeemed.

“Those who give their minds a holiday are giving their existence a holiday, since their existence will fall and stumble in chaos if it loses this compass” p47

Who is the author and/or publisher?

The author is the late Islamic thinker and scholar Sayyed Muhammad Hussain Fadlullah, who dedicated his entire life towards serving the religion of Allah (swt) and finding solutions for the issues in society based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah narrated by the Prophet and the Ahlulbayt. He is a reputable scholar who has authored countless books as well as a tafsīr of the Qur’an, and basis all of his work on the authentic teachings of Islam.

“The role of the Qur’an is to educate the mind about the things that it cannot reach” p93

What is the best part about this book?

The best part about this book is not only that is helps the reader realign with their purpose in life as mentioned, but it also strengthens the Muslim identity. Many Muslims nowadays practice only a superficial Islamic lifestyle, but lack the deeper spiritual understanding of their religion that has the remedies for any problem one may face in their life.

“The problem is that our relationship with God has become a traditional one, with no pulse in the heart or action in the mind” p108

You can think of this book as a ‘survival guide’ and a life-changing book that you will definitely not regret reading.

Also, what makes this book so valuable is that breaks down and utilises Qur’anic verses and hadiths in an analytical and simple way – it is not based on the author’s personal opinion but on the pure Islamic perspective.

Contents:

Introduction
Chapter 1: The Terminology, ʿaqil (Reason)
Chapter 2: The Role of Reason
Chapter 3: Wisdom and the Wise – God and Creation
Chapter 4: Wisdom and the Wise – Life and People
Chapter 5: The Value of Reason
Chapter 6: Developing Reason
Chapter 7: Preaching with Reason, and the Enemies of Reason
Chapter 8: Applications I
- Knowledge of God
- The mind of Prophets, Imams and Leaders
- Evaluating Narrations
- Evaluating Deeds
- The Minds of Women
- The Good and the Bad
Chapter 9: Applications II
- Capital Punishment
- Crime and Mental Illness