THE PROBLEMATICS OF REASON AND REVELATION IN ISLAMIC CREED: A CRITICAL FOUNDATIONAL STUDY

إشكالية العقل والوحي في العقيدة الإسلامية "دراسة تأصيلية نقدية"

Abstract

 This study explores the relationship between innate reason (al-ʿaql al-fiṭrī) and revelation in the formation of Islamic doctrine. Adopting a foundational and critical approach, it examines scriptural sources alongside theological and philosophical debates within Islamic intellectual history. The study argues that significant doctrinal confusion resulted from a methodological conflation between innate reason—as a pre-theoretical cognitive disposition—and theoretical reason developed within later kalām and philosophical frameworks. The research aims to clarify the function of innate reason in the initial acceptance of core beliefs while reaffirming revelation as the ultimate authority in matters of creed. It also highlights how excessive rationalization contributed to doctrinal complexity and weakened epistemic certainty. The study concludes by proposing a balanced methodological model in which revelation determines doctrine, innate reason facilitates acceptance, and theoretical reason plays a supportive explanatory role.