What is the Relationship Between Submission and Intellect in the Quran?

In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, the concepts of submission (Islam) and intellect (Aql) are not contradictory; rather, they are complementary, like two wings of a bird, essential for reaching truth and human perfection. The Quran repeatedly urges humanity to reflect, contemplate, reason, and utilize their intellect. Simultaneously, it regards submission to divine will and commands as the primary condition for salvation. These two concepts, in fact, strengthen and enrich each other. True and conscious submission is the sweet fruit of deep intellect and understanding, and genuine intellect paves the way for sincere submission. The Holy Quran explicitly commands people to use their intellect and thought in numerous verses. Terms such as “yatafakkaroon” (they reflect), “yatadabbaroon” (they contemplate), “ya’qiloon” (they reason), “ulul al-bab” (people of understanding), and “yasma’oon” (they listen) are frequently mentioned alongside cosmic and individual signs (Ayat) of God in the universe and within human beings. These verses encourage humans to discover the existence of a wise and powerful Creator by observing the astonishing order of the universe, the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the orbits of the sun and moon, the creation of animals and plants, and even the complexities of their own existence. This discovery is not a blind belief but the result of a thoughtful and argumentative process stemming from intellect. For instance, Surah Al-Imran, verses 190 and 191, explicitly praise “ulul al-bab” – those who reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, and say: “Our Lord, You did not create this in vain; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” This reflection and contemplation lead them to recognize divine wisdom and subsequently to prayer and servitude. This demonstrates that intellect is not in conflict with submission; rather, it is the gateway to deep and conscious submission. Submission built upon knowledge and insight will be far from any weakness or instability. Furthermore, the Quran strongly condemns those who do not use their intellect, blindly follow their ancestors, or ignore truths. In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 179, it speaks of those who have hearts but do not understand with them, eyes but do not see with them, and ears but do not hear with them; it describes them as worse than cattle. These verses clearly state that ignoring intellect and failing to use it in the path of discovering truth is a great sin and a cause of misguidance. Indeed, Islam is a religion of thought and research, not of blind imitation. Submission, in its true sense, is the conscious acceptance of truth. This acceptance is not possible without deep understanding. God asks humans to submit with insight and awareness, not out of compulsion or ignorance. When a person, through intellect, concludes that the Creator of existence is the One, Wise God, and that His commands ensure happiness in this world and the hereafter, then they submit to Him with their whole being and complete satisfaction. This submission does not diminish freedom of thought and intellect; rather, it is the pinnacle of freedom from the shackles of ignorance, ego, and prejudices. The relationship between submission and intellect can also be observed in various aspects of life. In Islamic jurisprudence, ijtihad (intellectual effort to derive legal rulings) is a clear example of intellect used in service of submission to Islamic law. In ethics, distinguishing between virtues and vices requires intellect, and acting upon virtues is a form of submission to divine commands for self-purification. Even in science and technology, the discovery of natural laws by scientists is, in essence, the discovery of divine traditions and laws that God has placed in the universe. These discoveries themselves can lead to an increase in faith and submission to divine majesty and wisdom. Therefore, submission and intellect in the Quran are not only compatible but have a close and inseparable relationship. Submission without intellect may lead to fanaticism and intellectual stagnation; and intellect without submission to truth may lead to arrogance, self-centeredness, and the denial of realities. The Quran teaches us that the path to salvation lies in using one's intellect to understand divine signs and then, with awareness and insight, submitting to the will of the Creator of existence. This submission is the logical and natural outcome of a healthy and dynamic intellect that has led to the discovery of truth. In other words, intellect is a lamp that illuminates the path, and submission is stepping onto that illuminated path.