Is it always necessary to have a rational reason for faith?

In addressing the question of whether it is always necessary to have a rational reason for faith, the Holy Quran presents a comprehensive and balanced approach where reason and contemplation are not only not denied but are strongly encouraged and promoted. The Quran repeatedly invites human beings to reflect upon the divine signs (Ayat) in the universe and within themselves, including the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the movement of ships across the sea, the descent of rain and its revitalization of the dead earth, the diversity of living creatures, and the change of winds. These invitations are intended to awaken human intellect and logic so that through observation and reasoning, they may come to realize the existence of a wise and capable Creator and His Oneness. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 164, we read: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits humanity, and what Allah has sent down from the sky of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [in] the changing of the winds and clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth – are surely signs for a people who use their intellect.” This verse clearly demonstrates that reason and contemplation are fundamental bases for attaining faith. Faith in Islam is not built upon ignorance or blind imitation, but rather on understanding and knowledge. The Quran frequently criticizes deniers and those who turn away from reasoning, describing them with attributes such as “la ya’qilun” (they do not reason) or “summ, bukm, umy fahum la yarji’un” (deaf, dumb, and blind – so they will not return), which underscores the importance of tools of cognition, including reason, on the path to guidance. Faith in the “Unseen” (Ghaib), which is mentioned at the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah as one of the characteristics of the believers (“those who believe in the unseen”), does not negate reason. Rather, it signifies belief in truths that transcend the grasp of the five senses and material experiences, but which are demonstrable and acceptable through rational arguments and textual evidence (divine revelation). In other words, human reason can conclude that there must be a Creator for the universe, and this Creator must be All-Powerful and All-Wise, and this Creator must have sent prophets to guide humanity. It is here that the role of revelation complements the role of reason; revelation unveils details and truths that reason alone cannot discover but is capable of logically accepting. Therefore, it can be said that reason is the gateway to faith, acting as a lamp that illuminates the path. By utilizing their rational faculties, humans seek truth and discover the signs of God in existence. These discoveries strengthen the foundations of faith. However, faith is not merely a dry, intellectual product; it is a state of the heart accompanied by knowledge, love, submission, and trust. After the stage of reasoning and intellectual comprehension, the heart must also be illuminated and connect with the inner truth of faith. This heartfelt connection transforms faith from a mere theory into a living, dynamic belief that influences all aspects of an individual’s life. True faith, when faced with doubts and challenges, endures not only by relying on rational arguments but also by drawing strength from inner conviction and reliance on God. In summary, the Holy Quran encourages human beings to use their reason and contemplation to attain and strengthen faith. This means that Islamic faith is a conscious and reasoned faith, built upon observation, reflection, and the acceptance of unseen truths through divine revelation. Reason and faith, in this perspective, are not in opposition but are complementary; reason shows the way, and faith, with its light, makes the path traversable and brings tranquility to the heart. Thus, yes, a rational and reflective reason is necessary for the inception and deepening of faith, but true faith penetrates beyond mere dry logic into the depths of human existence, intertwining with the heart and soul, and this is the faith that God speaks of in the Quran.