Philosophical and theological perspective in Islam – Darul Ma’arif Islamic Boarding School

Darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, August 15, 2025 | 10.00 WIB

Writer: Ust. Ade Reza Muhammad, Lc.*

In the current modern era, when the flow of information flows endlessly and various competing ideologies affect the way we think humans, many people – especially the younger generation – began to question the foundation of their beliefs. The phenomenon of overthinking, spiritual doubt, to the crisis of religious identity becomes a real issue that we often encounter.

In the midst of the onslaught of global thought and instant culture, Islam offers a strong foundation that is able to answer the anxiety of the times: Harmony between reason and revelation as a path to monotheism – full awareness of the oneness of Allah SWT.

Since the beginning of Islamic civilization, Muslim scholars and philosophers have discussed the relationship between reason and monotheism. They believe that reason is one way to recognize the oneness of Allah.

Philosophical perspectives see reason as a tool to understand reality rationally, while theological perspectives place reason as supporters of revelation in strengthening faith.

The argument of the Qur’an and the hadith about the function of reason

Al -Qur’an repeatedly uses a rational approach to strengthen monotheism. In QS. Al-Anbiya 22, Allah SWT says:

If there is a god, but God, they will spoil them, then God blesses God.

Meaning: “If it is in heaven and on earth the gods besides Allah, they will be permanently (QS. Al-Anbiya ‘verse 22)

This verse contains logical arguments: If there is more than one God, there will be chaos in the regulation of the universe. The perfection of natural order shows that there is only one God.

Rosululloh SAW said:

Anyone who wants God is good for him to approve the debt

Meaning: “Whoever God wants for him, he will give him an understanding in religious matters.” (Hours. Bukhori and Muslim Imam)

The relationship between reason and revelation

Imam al-Ghozali in the book of al-Mustashfa Min ‘Ilm al-Ushul says:

The mind is a condition in knowing science, and working with sharia, but not independent by realizing all the decisions needed

Meaning: “Intelligence is a condition of knowledge and practicing sharia, but does not stand alone in understanding all the laws needed.” (Mustashfa Min ‘Ilm Al-Ushul Volume I, Al-Kautsar Library, p. 608)

Al-Ghozali emphasized that reason is a tool to understand revelation, but revelation is the source of truth that guides reason. Reason becomes a hujjah that he is not contrary to the Shari’a, but works together.

While Imam Ibn Taymiyyah in his book, Dar ‘Ta’arudh al-‘aql wa al-Naql emphasized that reason and revelation are not in conflict with each other;

Explicit thoughts do not oppose the correct transmission, but rather agree and testify about it

Meaning: “Clear reason will not conflict with valid revelation, even support and be a witness for him.” (Dar ‘Ta’arudh al-‘aql wa al-Naql, Juz I, Al-Mamlakah Al-‘Arabiyyah [Riyadh] TT. 1979)

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah denied the assumption that reason and revelation often contradicted; Conflict only arises if reason is damaged or revelation is misunderstood.

Understanding in religion includes the use of reason to understand the principle of monotheism. That is, the path to a solid faith is through knowledge processed by reason.

The views of other Muslim scholars and philosophers such as Imam Al-Farabi view reasons as a tool to understand the environment and conclude the existence of a creator.

Ibn Sina in the Asy-Syifa ‘book, he argues that the existence of God can be proven by the first goal.

Abu Hamid Muhammad Al-Ghozali himself emphasized that reason needs to be guided by revelation so as not to get lost, but without reason, humans cannot understand revelation correctly.

Meanwhile Imam Ibn Taimiyah in the argument of his other book rejected the total separation between reason and revelation, confirmed that the two were sourced from Allah and strengthened each other.

From the point of view of Islamic philosophy, reason is used to interpret the signs of God’s existence through the law of causal, cosmos regularity, and the limitations of creatures. Cosmological, teleological, and ontological arguments are used to prove that only one God has the right to be worshiped.

In terms of theology, reason is an instrument to understand the naqli argument. Kalam science teaches that valid faith must be based on science, not just taklid. Therefore, a mukalaf is required to know the proposition that proves the oneness of Allah.

Intellect as an opening way: leads humans to the awareness that the universe has a creator.
Revelation as a final guide: Explain the characteristics of Allah and how to worship Him.

Epistemology Unity: In Islam, reason and revelation originates from the same source – always – then both cannot be contradictory.

Intellect is one of the main paths to monotheism. In a philosophical perspective, he proves the existence and oneness of Allah through logic and observation. In a theological perspective, he strengthened faith by understanding the argument of revelation. The balance between reason and revelation gives birth to a complete belief: monotheism based on knowledge.

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.

*Al-Azhar graduate, Cairo-Estir Department of Tafsir Science