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Reasoning in Islam attracts me
Brother Haroon Mustapha Leon
About the Author:
The Late Professor Haroon Mustapha Leon, M.A., Ph.D.,
LL.D., F.S.P., accepted Islam in 1882. He was a Fellow and Honorary
Member of many learned societies in Europe and America. He was an able
Philologist, and was at that time contributing a series of articles on
the "Etymology of the Man's Language" to the 'Isle of Man Examiner'. His
services to this important branch of science had frequently been
recognized by learned bodies. The Potomac University (U.S.A.) conferred
upon him the degree of M.A. Dr. Leon was also an earnest geologist. He
frequently lectured on scientific and literary subjects before learned
and other societies. He occupied the important position of Secretaitre-General
of "La Societe Internationale de Philologie, Sciences et Beaux-Arts"
(founded 1875) and was the Editor of "The Philomathe" a scientific
magazine, published from London. Dr. Leon received many decorations from
Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan, the late Shah, and the Emperor of Austria.
One of the glories of Islam is that it is founded upon reason, and that it
never demands from its followers an abnegation of that important mental
faculty. Unlike certain other faiths, which insist upon their votaries
implicitly accepting certain dogmas without independent inquiry, but
simply on the authority of "The Church", Islam courts inquiry and counsels
its disciples to study, search and investigate prior to acceptation. The
Holy Prophet, of ever-blessed memory, said: "Allah hath not created
anything better than reason, the benefits which Allah giveth are on its
account, and understanding is begotten of it."
On another occasion He said: "Verily, I tell you, a man may have
performed prayers, fasts, charity, pilgrimage and all other good works,
but he will not be rewarded but by the manner in which he hath used and
applied his reason."
The parable of the 'Talents' narrated by Jesus (on whom be peace) is in
strict accordance with Islamic doctrine, as also is the maxim: 'Prove all
things; hold fast to that which is good.' The similitude of those who
follow blindly and who neglect to use the intelligence which the Divine
Giver, of all good, hath bestowed upon them, is declared in the
imperishable pages of Al-Qur'an ( Sura 52: Al-Jumm'a - 'The Assembly') to
be that of 'an ass laden with books.' The noble and learned Caliph,
Hazrat Ali (on whom be peace) said:
"The world is darkness;
knowledge is light; but knowledge without truth is a mere shadow."
Muslims believe that Islam is a term synonymous with truth, and that under
the glorious and ever-brilliant sun of Islam, by the light of reason and
knowledge, truth can be obtained but in order to obtain that knowledge,
and thus attain that truth, man must use his reasoning faculties.
A most poignant pronouncement on this question was given by our Holy
Prophet only a few days prior to his decease.
There he lay, the last and
greatest of the grand chain of mighty men whom Allah, in His everlasting
mercy and compassion, had sent to the world as inspired messenger of truth
and of righteousness, his saintly head pillowed upon Hazrat 'Ayesha's
loving knee.
The true believers of
Medina, old and young, men and women -- nay, even the children -- had
gathered, in loving sympathy there around the mat whereon lay Mustapha Al-amin,
the chosen, the faithful, ar-Rasul-Allah. Tears glistened in their eyes,
and coursed down the cheeks of even the most grizzled and valiant of the
veteran warriors of Islam. Their leader, their friend, their beloved
pastor, and, above all, their Prophet, he who had led them from the
darkness of ignorance and superstition into the radiant brightness of the
truth, had brought them into Islam, the habitation of peace, was about to
pass from them. No wonder, then, that their eyes became fountain of tears,
and their hearts were heavy and oppressed.
In the agony of distress, almost of despair, one exclaimed: "O Prophet of
Allah, thou art ill, thou mayest die, then what is to become of us?"
"You have Al-Qur'an" said
Allah's Messenger.
"Oh, yes, Rasul-Allah, but
even with that enlightening book and unerring guide before us, we have had
at times to ask from you advice, counsel, and instruction, and if you are
taken from us, O Prophet who is there to be our guide?" said the
companions.
"Do as I did and as I have
said," was the reply.
"But, O Prophet, after you
have gone fresh circumstances may arise which could not have arisen during
thy blessed lifetime; what are we to do then? And what are they to do who
follow us?"
The Prophet slowly raised his illustrious and saintly head, and with the
lurid light of prophecy and inspiration shining radiantly from his noble
eyes exclaimed: "Allah hath given to every man as a personal monitor, a
conscience and as a guide, his reason; then, use them in respect of all
things and Allah's blessing will ever guide you aright."
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