قرآن و سنت اور عقل کا باہمی تعلق: تعارض کے شبہات کا تحقیقی و تنقیدی جائزہ

The Relationship Between Revelation and Reason: A Critical Study of the Alleged Conflict Between the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Intellect

Abstract

The Qur’an, as the final revelation of Allah, and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serve as the primary sources of Islamic guidance. Both are rooted in divine wisdom, with the Qur’an being revealed in both wording and meaning, and the Sunnah conveying divine meaning through the Prophet’s expressions. Throughout history, critics have raised objections claiming a contradiction between revelation and human reason. This study critically examines such claims and argues that no real conflict exists between authentic revelation and sound intellect. Reason (‘aql) is a significant endowment bestowed by Allah, enabling humans to distinguish truth from falsehood and elevating them above other creatures. However, its proper function depends on its alignment with divine guidance. Just as sensory faculties require external conditions—such as light for sight and air for hearing—intellect requires the illumination of revelation to function optimally. When reason operates within the framework of revelation, it leads to clarity, wisdom, and moral guidance. Conversely, when detached from divine guidance, it becomes susceptible to error, misinterpretation, and subjective biases. The study further explores the methodological harmony between reason and revelation, emphasizing that apparent contradictions arise not from the sources themselves but from flawed understanding or misuse of intellect. By establishing a balanced approach, this research demonstrates that revelation and reason are complementary rather than contradictory, providing a coherent epistemological foundation for Islamic thought.