Day 17

By Shofi Ahmed 

The Value of Critical Thinking and Reflection

“Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)

Critical thinking plays an important role in Islam and is encouraged throughout the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam emphasises the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the world around us in order to better appreciate Allah SWT’s creation and fulfill our purpose in life.

The phrase “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘aalameen” is a reminder that Allah SWT is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and all its inhabitants. This phrase encourages reflection and critical thinking about the natural world, and inspires us to appreciate its complexity and beauty.

When children learn about the wonders of the natural world in college or university, reflecting on the phrase “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘aalameen” can help them approach their studies with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. By cultivating a sense of awe and gratitude towards Allah SWT’s creation, they can better appreciate the significance of their studies and be motivated to pursue knowledge for the sake of benefiting humanity and fulfilling their role as a human being. Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him said) “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Encouraging critical thinking and reflection in children is an important part of their intellectual and spiritual development, and can help them become well-rounded individuals who are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern

Many Hadis encourage Muslims to use intellect and reason in various aspects of lives, including seeking knowledge and understanding the world around us. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This Hadis emphasises the importance of seeking knowledge and encourages Muslims to use intellect and reasoning abilities to learn and understand the world around us.

Similarly, another Hadis states: “The seeking of knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim, and he who imparts knowledge to others is like one who provides them with sustenance” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This Hadis encourages Muslims not only to seek knowledge but also to share it with others, which requires critical thinking and the ability to articulate one’s thoughts and ideas clearly.

Therefore, critical thinking can be seen as an essential aspect of seeking and imparting knowledge in Islam, and is encouraged through various Hadis that emphasise the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the world around us.