It is obvious that reason, when it is clouded by passion, is not a
help, but a hindrance in the pursuit of worthy ends. It can guide
rightly only when it is functioning properly. However, it is not the
fault of reason that it sometimes leads us astray. The fault is ours, in
allowing reason to be dominated by our passions. In a well-regulated
mind, reason functions properly and gives right guidance. In a
mature and solid character, all passions and desires knit into a
harmonious whole and are organised into a rational system through
the operation of reason. In such a character, reason plays a
controlling but not a repressing role. Animal passions and sensual
desires are not suppressed but only put in their proper place. On the
other hand, a feeble or reckless character is not sustained by reason
and, therefore, reason plays in it the minor role of a subservient to
passion. Moreover, if reason has to have full play, it must be trained
and developed like other faculties of the mind. Reason functions
according to the role one gives it. The question is only of giving it
the proper role. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with reason as
such.
We admit that there may be a conflict between reason and
passion. However, the remedy lies not in suppressing one or the
other, but in striking a balance between the two. Reason as well as
passion are valuable constituents. The elimination or weakening of
either will leave a truncated personality. We have to discover a way
of introducing harmony between the two and enlisting them in the
service of man's best interests. This discovery has itself to be made
through reason. Passion is blind and can neither restrain nor direct
itself. Reason can examine itself and can discover its own
limitations. Passion, left to itself, will tend to suppress reason, but
reason recognizes passion's rightful place in life and does not
grudge it the satisfaction to which it is entitled.
Russell is no doubt right in advising us to refrain from siding
wholly with either reason or passion. We agree with him, with the
reservation that to side wholly with passion is much worse than to
side wholly with reason. The Qur'an speaks of the slaves of passion
in no uncertain terms:
And if they answer thee not, then know that what they follow is their
passion. And who goes farther astray than he who follows his passion
without guidance from Allah (28:50)?
The Role of Reason in Deen 127