The Inner Messenger

It can be said that man has a choice in every moment of his life; some of these choices will have a great effect on his future and destiny, such as the choice of religion and way of living, other choices will have less effect. One tool within the human that helps the person to discern right from wrong and good from evil is the power of the intellect. In fact, the level of success of persons greatly depends on the level of understanding and human effort in taking advantage of this faculty. In the Quran, God, because of this high position and effectiveness of the intellect, greatly encourages humans to contemplate. In Islamic narrations also, thought has not only be introduced as being worship. but actually the best form of worship. The religion of Islam has placed a great deal of emphasis upon the power of reflection because it considers it a tool with which to find the truth. Contemplation is regarded as being in the same category as human nature and revelation. That’s why, one of the primary objectives of the divine prophets was to actuate and liberate the minds of humanity. In fact, the degree of success that a person may achieve is dependent on the amount of effort exerted within this faculty and due to the high position and effectiveness of the intellect, God repeatedly encourages individuals to contemplate, in the Holy Qur’an. To spend time pondering is considered as one of the best forms of worship in Islamic narrations.

The intellectual and scientific achievements of today are indebted to the presence of the prophets in the history of humankind.

The Messenger of God (s) stated:

“God has not given anything better to His servants than the intellect.” (Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 29)

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as):

“The most important aim behind the mission of the prophets is making sense of divine knowledge and the training of the intellect.” (Nahj al-Balaghah, sermon 1)