The Mind

Living the Quran
Al-Anam (The Cattle)
Chapter 6: Verse 125

The Mind
"Whoever Allah wishes to guide, He expands his chest to Islam, and whoever He wishes to leave astray, He makes his chest narrow and constricted as if he were climbing up to the sky. So Allah lays abomination on those who do not believe."

One cannot possibly purify his heart unless he puts his mind to work, allowing faith and security into his heart. Mind and reason are an essential part of Islamic thought and legislation. One could not exist without the other. What exactly do we refer to when we talk about the mind? There are two kinds of reasoning by the mind that have been identified.

The first is intuitive reasoning that includes: the capacity to comprehend, make rational conclusions, form speech and behave sensibly. The second kind of reasoning is acquired from our environment, such as the things we have been taught or become familiarized with.

The Quran refers to the mind in different ways depending on the nature of the task being dealt with:

1. The mind is able to understand and process speech.

2. The mind is able to project coherent and non-conflicting thoughts.

3. The mind is able to understand proof and evidence of truth.

4. Actions must correspond to words.

5. The mind enables the person to make intelligent choices about what is good for him and what is harmful and should be rejected.

6. People of mind are able to give up immediate, short-lived benefits in favour of eventually gaining more valuable, eternal joy.

7. People of mind are able to learn valuable lessons from the events of life.

8. The mind enables us to learn from the lessons of history.

9. The mind enables us to understand and appreciate the signs of the Creator, while here on earth.

10. Sensible people will know to treat others with respect, particularly in their dealings with the prophets.

The qualities of the mind discussed are fairly indisputable and it is accepted by most people that a person who lacks these qualities will be seen as unreasonable or lacking in various ways. Thus the Quran has reminded us that certain behaviours are inconsistent with an intelligent and sound mind.

We must remember also that there are many verses of the Quran that do not specifically mention the mind; but indicate that thoughtful and reasonable people will be able to follow the way of Allah - making good use of their God-given gift: the mind.

Source:
"The Mind " - Dr. Jafar Sheikh Idris

O Allah, O Sufficer of the isolated and weak and Protector against terrifying affairs! Offenses have isolated me, so there is none to be my companion. I am too weak for Thy wrath and there is none to strengthen me. I have approached the terror of meeting Thee and there is none to still my fear. I beg for Your Mercy! Ameen
Push On Dua!