When we see something it is absolutely certain that there is...

When we see something it is absolutely certain that there is a mental image in our brain for there is no excuse for doubt about the existence of the image, but it is not neces- sary that what we see has an external reality. Our doubt about its external reality comes from our empirical experience. Hence we are in possession of certain facts, namely the prem- ises of knowledge which we have considered as characteristics of the mental images.

An applica- tion of these' premises in a probability con- sideration may allow a logical decision in favour or against a proposition. Hence rationally speaking a proposition is acceptable if it is more probable. I am in a position now to say that a doctrine is worth adhering to if it is logically favoured by higher probability considering its essence and conse- quences of adaptation.

The following pages could then be considered as an attempt to explain the rational support of the Islamic doctrine. It must be added that belief (iman) is a state of mind which God bestows on good Muslim (i.e., those who submit to His will). (p.b.u.h.a.h.p.) was not a philosopher.. It is well known that he was illiterate. The Islamic message was inspired in him by revelation. Islam encourages rationalism.

Throughout the holy Qur'an man is encouraged to think and reason out, but rationalism alone (i.e., without the purity of the soul which results from acting according to the will of God) is not sufficient for belief (iman). I am more concerned here with the rational support of the Islamic doctrine, bearing in mind that acting according to the will of God is a necessary requirement for a firm and lively belief. Previous…