The Quran gives great importance to the faculty of reason. Several verses in the Quran emphasise the importance of rational thinking. Here is a translation of a related verse.
The worst creatures in God’s eyes are those who are deaf and dumb, and who do not use their reason. (8: 22)
What is reason? Reason is the power of the mind to think, analyse and form judgements in a logical manner. It is the most powerful faculty and the distinctive quality of a human being.
Reason is not an isolated faculty. According to the Quran, the whole of creation is based on reason. The religion revealed by God is also a rational religion. Everyone is required to plan one’s life using reason. Those failing to do so are considered deaf, dumb and blind (THE QURAN 2: 10). Only that belief is valid which is based on reason and understanding.
Reason is what makes man a rational animal. Man has a mind with boundless capacity, and is like a hidden-treasure. It is his first duty to unfold this potential. Dying without unfolding one’s intellectual potential, is to die like an animal. Such a person fails to fulfill the creation plan of God.