Al-Alwani, Taha Jabir. “Reason and its Place in Islamic Methodology,” Year 2, Issue 6 (Fall 1416 AH/ 1996 CE), Pp. 9-36.

Abstract

Taha Jabir al-Alwani begins his article by explaining the importance of reason and discussing the variety of writings about reason in Muslim and Arab thought. He discusses the function of reason and its place in Islamic methodology, beginning with the manner in which the early Muslim generations (al-salaf al-awal) dealt with revelation and reason and how they succeeded in reconciling them, holding steadfast to revelation while actualizing reason. His research addresses the reality of reason and knowledge of its essence, and it differentiates between scientific reason and theoretical reason. Al-Alwani also discusses the hierarchy of the five cognitive mental utilities, and the relationship of revelation with reason in the thought of the salaf. He treats, moreover, the early beginnings of schism in the debate over revelation and reason, and provides an explanation of the core differences between tafsīr (exegesis) and ta’wīl (hermeneutic interpretation), and between the roles of reason and scripture in the discipline of fiqh, presenting brilliant examples from Divine revelation and the thought of the four Imams.