Ma`rifat

The role and status of reason (Aql) in religious knowledge has always been one of the most fundamental debates in Islamic thought. Alongside rationalist currents, a group of Muslim thinkers, especially among the Akhbaris, Ash'aris, and some Mystical schools, have criticized or even denied the validity of reason in discovering and explaining religious doctrines. The present research, with an analytical-critical approach, re-examines and evaluates the main arguments of these groups concerning the invalidity of discursive knowledge. In this regard, their ontological, epistemological, and scriptural (Naqli) reasons are investigated, demonstrating that many of these arguments are based on internal fallacies, confusion of concepts, and neglect of the degrees and domains of reason. The final analysis of the article indicates that the absolute negation of the authority of reason is inconsistent with the principles of Islamic epistemology and Quranic texts. Ultimately, one can only speak of the limitations of reason in the realm beyond experience and revelation, not its invalidity. Accordingly, reason remains one of the valid and necessary sources for understanding and defending religion.