How Can We Trust Our Mind and Senses as Reliable Sources in Faith?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
If our senses (hawas) and intellect (‘aql) can be mistaken, how can they serve as reliable sources of knowledge in the Maturidi creed? Mistakes in perception are well known, and the mind can be deceived, as in dreams.
Given that disbelievers reject faith due to a divinely placed veil, how can we be certain that our own perception of reality is not similarly veiled or flawed?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Maturidi’s perspective asserts that, despite occasional mistakes, our senses and intellect are fundamentally reliable for acquiring knowledge, especially when guided by sincere intention, effort, and authentic revelation.
Can the Perception of Reality Be Veiled and Flawed?
Imam Maturidi interprets the concept of veils placed over the hearts of disbelievers as a consequence of their persistent rejection of the truth rather than an inherent flaw in human faculties. He emphasizes that those who earnestly seek the truth are not veiled. This aligns with the Quranic verse:
Allah Most High said,
“As for those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our paths.” [Quran, 29:69]
The Role of Revelation as the Ultimate Guide (Khabar Sadiq)
The Maturidis argue that revelation (wahy) is the ultimate source of knowledge that corrects the occasional errors of the senses and intellect. Just as the sun illuminates the world, revelation illuminates the mind and heart. While the intellect alone can arrive at basic truths about Allah’s existence, detailed knowledge of divine law and the afterlife requires prophetic guidance. [Maturidi, Kitab al-Tawhid, Taftazani, Sharh al-Aqa’id al Nasafi]
Please go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, they will provide you with guidance and direction.
Related
- What Role Should the Intellect Play When Seeking God?
- What is the Difference Between the “Heart” (Qalb) …
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
