No Place for Logic in Accepting Allah’s Rulings

Recently a discussion about Reason applied to Islam, the Quran and the concept of the Will of Allah was put forward in UI – Part 104 – Revelation & Reason.

 (http://www.tombalderston.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/ )

There are websites that provide an open dialog about Islam. Some are more objective than others, while many are slanted towards Islamic intransigent discourse. Where concerns are raised, doubts call them, about statements made in the Quran, one response I made note of supports my discussion.

As to the use of logic: “There is no place for logic in accepting Allah’s rulings. This is another sickness that we are all faced with. When the command for hijab was sent down, the women did not contemplate about the logical benefits and pitfalls of putting on the hijab. When alcohol was prohibited in its entirety, the companions didn’t form a discussion circle to debate the pros and cons. No, they accepted it immediately wholeheartedly and without question. This is why Abu Bakr (rA) has the stature he does. Our obsession with logic has shot us in the foot. When we talk about prayer to non-Muslims, we say how it’s good to remember God 5 times a day and feelings of tranquility and peace. But really, we should be talking about how we pray 5 times a day simply because God has told us to (which is the real reason). All the other ‘logical’ reasons are only side-benefits that we can perceive. This should be our thought process: It is from Allah, so we should accept it fully and believe it is the best thing for us….If we have problems with this on any ruling, we should be working to reform that thought-process to accept that ruling, rather than grudgingly accepting it and tolerating it.” – S

As to any open debate (polemics): “I don’t think it’s acceptable for us to publicize discourse on opinions that raise doubt as to Allah’s Will. I understand that an issue such as polygamy many women are facing, but I don’t think individuals should publicly declare their distaste for any of Allah’s rulings. Since when has this been part of the community ethos? If you are having issues with something, you should see a scholar and discuss it. During the time of the Prophet (saws) and the sahabah, I really don’t believe they would approve of a woman going around and declaring… feelings in opposition to polygamy. We shouldn’t either. It only reinforces others’ beliefs in rejecting polygamy and confirms their ambivalent stance.” – S

From the referenced (Part 104) Blog I noted: “Quoting Tolstoy, “The impulse to seek causes is innate in the soul of man.” Is a Muslim man? If so, then the Muslim seeks causes or has no soul. Are we not always left to question, ‘Why?’ Is the question ‘Why’ the key to knowledge, to wisdom? On an Islamic Excel spreadsheet has the function ‘If, Then’ been removed. If not, then reason is a component of Islamic thought; how can it otherwise be denied. Has Allah Willed the ‘If, Then’ function and now demonstrated to the Muslim world umma the truth that cause and effect, reason itself, is allowed?

There was a discussion where a Muslim woman visited a scholar, as suggested, to raise her concerns and receive helpful feedback, advice if possible.   She had doubts.  The scholar (ulema) answered her with a question, “Do you believe in the Will of Allah?”  How could she answer but to say, “Yes.”   The discussion ended.

Grace and Peace.