حقيقة الدليل العقلي وحجيته

Abstract

The nature and validity of rational proof are among the important topics in Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy, as they explore the value of reason and its role in arriving at rulings and knowledge. Rational proof is that which relies on reasoning and logical deduction to reach a specific conclusion, without direct reliance on religious texts. It is based on self-evident rational principles such as causality and non-contradiction, and is used to establish religious beliefs and rulings, and to understand religious texts. The validity of rational proof refers to the extent to which it is considered a binding argument that can be relied upon to establish a ruling or truth. The majority of scholars and theologians have held that reason is a valid argument because it is the means by which humans perceive truths and distinguish between right and wrong. Furthermore, religious obligation itself is based on the existence of reason. They argue that Islamic law calls for reflection, contemplation, and rational inquiry in many Quranic verses. Rational proof is divided into two categories: Definitive rational proof: This leads to certainty and is not open to error, such as inferring the existence of the Creator from the order of the universe. Probabilistic rational proof: This is proof that can be interpreted in more than one way and is often used in matters of ijtihad independent reasoning. Islamic schools of thought have differed in their reliance on reason. The Mu'tazilites broadened its scope of application, while some scholars restricted it to cases where it does not contradict definitive religious texts. The moderate approach, however, views reason and revelation as complementary, arguing that a true contradiction between them is impossible because they both originate from the same source: God Almighty. The importance of rational proof is evident in addressing emerging issues, understanding the objectives of Islamic law, and refuting intellectual doubts, making it a fundamental tool in both scientific and legal research.