A Critical Analysis of the Relationship Between Reason and Religion
By: Dr. Zahid Mughal
During a PhD-level economics class, the discussion unexpectedly shifted to religion. The professor remarked:
❝Islam is not logic; religion is a matter of belief, because logical reasoning can yield different outcomes.❞
In response, some students objected, stating:
“No, sir! Religion is based on logic.”
While both claims — "Islam is based on logic” or “Islam is not logical” — are made with sincerity, they both share a fundamental shortcoming: neither defines what is meant by "logic". This lack of clarity is the root of the disagreement.
In philosophical discourse, the word “logic” has a very specific meaning, yet it is commonly used interchangeably with “reason” or “ʿaql”.
To understand whether Islam or any worldview is "logical" or "rational", we must first clarify the different meanings of reason.
This refers to the rules and structures of rational thought.
It deals with the internal consistency between premises and conclusions.
This refers to the use of reason as a tool to achieve goals, regardless of whether the goals are good or bad.
This refers to reasoning related to values and moral choices, such as:
To understand their relationship, one must realize the following:
❖ Understanding this distinction allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the respective roles of reason and religion in human thought.
By: Dr. Zahid Mughal
❖ Islam and Logic: A Clarification
During a PhD-level economics class, the discussion unexpectedly shifted to religion. The professor remarked:
❝Islam is not logic; religion is a matter of belief, because logical reasoning can yield different outcomes.❞
In response, some students objected, stating:
“No, sir! Religion is based on logic.”
While both claims — "Islam is based on logic” or “Islam is not logical” — are made with sincerity, they both share a fundamental shortcoming: neither defines what is meant by "logic". This lack of clarity is the root of the disagreement.
◈ The Varying Meanings of Logic and Reason
In philosophical discourse, the word “logic” has a very specific meaning, yet it is commonly used interchangeably with “reason” or “ʿaql”.
To understand whether Islam or any worldview is "logical" or "rational", we must first clarify the different meanings of reason.
◈ Three Core Definitions of Reason
① Reason as Logic
This refers to the rules and structures of rational thought.
It deals with the internal consistency between premises and conclusions.
- Logic does not concern itself with content (what is being said), but rather with structure (how it's being said).
- It does not determine moral values but only evaluates the validity of arguments.
② Reason as Instrument
This refers to the use of reason as a tool to achieve goals, regardless of whether the goals are good or bad.
- For example:
◈ Finding a comfortable way to offer prayer.
◈ Developing effective gambling strategies. - It is also called procedural reasoning and is value-neutral.
③ Reason as Value-Based Judgement (
This refers to reasoning related to values and moral choices, such as:
- Should one speak the truth or lie?
- Is saving a life more valuable than taking one?
- Is praying more important or gambling?
- In this mode, reason is used not just to choose means but to select ends (values).
- These conclusions vary based on individual value systems because there is no absolute moral standard in the world accepted by all minds alike.
◈ The Interplay Between Religion and Reason
To understand their relationship, one must realize the following:
- According to the first two types of reason (logic and instrumental reasoning), religion does have internal logic, as it adheres to structured arguments and provides coherent methods for achieving goals.
- However, based on the third type of reason (substantive reasoning), religion cannot be founded purely on logic, since its values and objectives are derived from revelation, not from the autonomous reasoning of the human mind.
- The true function of religion is to define good and evil, and to establish ultimate objectives.
- Reason does not determine these goals; rather, it helps in identifying means to achieve them.
- These goals are derived from revelation, tradition, or even personal desire, but not reason alone.
- Nonetheless, reason can be used to link these goals logically, which is referred to as internal coherence.
✿ Conclusion:
- In terms of logical and instrumental reason, religion — including Islam — possesses logic.
- In terms of value-based or substantive reasoning, religion does not rely on logic but on divinely revealed objectives.
❖ Understanding this distinction allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the respective roles of reason and religion in human thought.
