The Qur’an and Philosophy

Moreover, that godless student is exceedingly arrogant. But because he can find no real point of support in his heart, he is in essence powerless, while outwardly presenting himself as a domineering and arrogant figure. He is also self-centered and driven by personal gain, his highest aim being the satisfaction of his ego, appetites, and lusts. He is a cunning egoist who, even under the guise of national interests, seeks his own personal benefit.

The sincere student of the Qur’an, however, is a servant, yet he does not lower himself to the worship of even the greatest of creatures. He is an honoured servant who does not regard even a reward such as Paradise, however great its benefit may be, as the aim of his worship.

Moreover, the sincere student of the Qur’an is humble, peaceful, and gentle. Yet he does not willingly lower himself in submission to anything or anyone other than his Creator, except within the limits of His permission. He is needy and weak, and he recognizes his poverty and helplessness. Yet he is rich through the treasures his Merciful Owner has prepared for him in the Hereafter, and strong because he relies upon the infinite power of his Lord. He acts and strives solely for the sake of Allah, to attain His pleasure and favour.

Thus, the difference between the wisdom offered by the Qur’an and the teaching of philosophy becomes clearly visible in the contrast between their students.

The Third Principle

A comparison between the teaching of the Qur’an and that of philosophy with regard to the social life of humanity.

Philosophy regards power as the foundation and core of social life. It places self-interest at the center as its aim and views life as a struggle. Its way of uniting people is based on racism and negative nationalism. The consequences of this are the gratification of base desires and the increase of human needs.

However, power inevitably leads to aggression. Self-interest causes struggle, because worldly benefits and gains are limited. Struggle, in turn, always brings conflict. Racism, which strengthens itself by suppressing others, inevitably leads to the violation of rights.

All of this has led to the loss of humanity’s happiness.

The wisdom of the Qur’an, by contrast, takes justice, rather than power, as its foundation. It places virtue and the pleasure of Allah at its center as its aim, instead of self-interest. In place of struggle, it adopts cooperation and mutual assistance as the principle of life.

Moreover, the Qur’an does not unite people on the basis of nationalism, but through religious, social, and communal bonds. Its aim is to restrain base desires, encourage the soul toward higher and more exalted ideals, satisfy noble feelings, and lead human beings toward human perfection.

For justice brings unity. Virtue promotes solidarity. Mutual assistance is expressed through mutual aid. The mark of religion is brotherhood and mutual connection. And restraining the ego while liberating the soul by encouraging it toward perfection leads to happiness, both in this life and in the Hereafter.