In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Real Intelligence
Neurosurgeons, lawyers, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and academic achievers in general are among those labeled as intelligent. They have the mental capacity to understand, retain, and update their knowledge continuously and at speedy rates. There are other professions that demand the ability to quickly develop sound thoughts and healthy judgments in order to come up with productive strategies. Others require the readiness and fastness of comprehension and reasoning to interact with public. Those who can meet these standards are described as intelligent and are often referred to as "smart" or "winners" - they always earn high positions in all divisions, and in most of the time they achieve a high-end life style. There is no question about their high eyeQ level. We get impressed by their mental acuteness and cleverness in solving problems and coping with the daily advancements in science and technology.
It is conclusive that among the sub traits of intelligence is the continued desire to attain new knowledge. The abilities to reason with rationality, judge with sharp vision, and choose with wisdom are also manifestations of intelligence. Being intellectual is another sub trait which is a high level of intelligence that expresses not only the quickness in understanding and gaining knowledge but also the interest or the taste for more difficult or abstract concepts and the capacity to grasp these concepts.
In the light of Quran, we get more guidance in regard of intelligence and those who are blessed with it. Quran adds a sophisticated frame and necessary confines for intelligence to be considered a real one. It teaches us about the super intelligence behind our perfect creation and everything around us, seen and unseen. Quran also emphasizes the importance of using our brains to observe, process knowledge, reflect, take heed, reason based on facts, and decide with wisdom and intelligence. We are commanded to make use of this divine power within us to study the Quran and rationally analyze its data (47:24, 4:82). Intelligence with all of its sub traits are praised and counted among God's blessings in Quran, but they are validated within specific boundaries.
Within Quran, we encounter a logical explanation of the origin and purpose of life, and how we are exposed to two opposite sets of views to choose from. Along with that, there is a detailed presentation of the consequences of each choice using endless examples, accurate reminders from the past, and profound signs and scientific proofs. Once our divine mental power is appropriately geared to examine and analyze this knowledge, all the puzzle pieces come perfectly together - we recognize the authority behind the whole creation ; we find God and we fully comprehend the story of our existence from beginning to end. We reach an intelligent realization that we are here only to use all the chances to save, grow, and free our souls. It becomes evident that the thoughts and actions that lead to the righteous behavioral pattern or life style prescribed in Quran would eventually spare our souls and dictate our eternal peace and dignity. This is when we believe they are the real intelligent thoughts and actions. We become certain about returning to God and we start take His systems, promises, and oaths seriously - we value His words the way it should be. This is the unique frame and the confines of intelligence according to the master and the source of all intelligence.
Wasting our mental capacity in making decisions that would jeopardize our destinies and replace eternal peace and dignity with eternal loss and misery is not an intelligent or logical choice. If we fail to comprehend all of that, our intelligence becomes pointless- it becomes a useless resource that is not appreciated - a neutral power for the soul.
[23:78] He is the One who granted you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains. Rarely are you appreciative.
[55:3] Creator of the human beings.
[55:4] He taught them how to distinguish.
[17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.
[76:2] We created the human from a liquid mixture, from two parents, in order to test him. Thus, we made him a hearer and a seer.
[76:3] We showed him the two paths, then he is either appreciative, or unappreciative.
[90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).
[90:5] Does he think that no one will ever call him to account?
[90:6] He boasts, "I spent so much money!"
[90:7] Does he think that no one sees him?
[90:8] Did we not give him two eyes?
[90:9] A tongue and two lips?
[90:10] Did we not show him the two paths?
Out of His infinite mercy and compassion, God made us inherit the seed of this real intelligence. Every human is born with this seed:
We Are Born With Instinctive Knowledge About God [7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this."
Monotheism: Natural Instinct [30:30] Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.
In conclusion, we are truly intelligent when we recognize the truth,
[13:19] Is one who recognizes that your Lord's revelations to you are the truth equal to one who is blind? Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.
[34:6] It is evident to those who are blessed with knowledge that this revelation from your Lord to you is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Almighty, the Most Praiseworthy.
when we reflect on Quran and take heed,
[38:29] This is a scripture that we sent down to you, that is sacred - perhaps they reflect on its verses. Those who possess intelligence will take heed.
[2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.
[12:111] In their history, there is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not fabricated Hadith; this (Quran) confirms all previous scriptures, provides the details of everything, and is a beacon and mercy for those who believe.
[14:52] This is a proclamation for the people, to be warned herewith, and to let them know that He is only one god, and for those who possess intelligence to take heed.
when we choose the guidance,
Follow the Word of God [39:18] They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom GOD has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.
The Most Important Commandment [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.
[4:162] As for those among them who are well founded in knowledge, and the believers, they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you. They are observers of the Contact Prayers (Salat), and givers of the obligatory charity (Zakat); they are believers in GOD and the Last Day. We grant these a great recompense.
[61:11] Believe in GOD and His messenger and strive in the cause of GOD with your money and your lives. This is the best deal for you, if you only knew.
when we reverence God,
[35:28] Also, the people, the animals, and the livestock come in various colors. This is why the people who truly reverence GOD are those who are knowledgeable. GOD is Almighty, Forgiving.
[5:100] Proclaim: "The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence GOD, (even if you are in the minority) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed."
[65:10] GOD has prepared for them severe retribution. Therefore, you shall reverence GOD, O you who possess intelligence and believed. GOD has sent down to you a message -
[65:11] a messenger who recites to you GOD's revelations, clearly, to lead those who believe and work righteousness out of the darkness into the light. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. GOD will generously reward him.
when we oppose evil,
[11:116] If only some of those among the previous generations possessed enough intelligence to forbid evil! Only a few of them deserved to be saved by us. As for the transgressors, they were preoccupied with their material luxuries; they were guilty.
when we analyze signs and scientific proofs,
[29:43] We cite these examples for the people, and none appreciate them except the knowledgeable.
Those Who Possess Intelligence
[3:190] In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess intelligence.
[3:191] They remember GOD while standing, sitting, and on their sides, and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell.
[10:101] Say, "Look at all the signs in the heavens and the earth." All the proofs and all the warnings can never help people who decided to disbelieve.
[20:128] Does it ever occur to them how many previous generations we have annihilated? They are now walking in the homes of those before them. These are signs for those who possess intelligence.
[10:1] A.L.R. These (letters) are the proofs of this book of wisdom.
[13:1] A. L. M. R. These (letters) are proofs of this scripture. What is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most people do not believe.
[16:12] And He commits, in your service, the night and the day, as well as the sun and the moon. Also, the stars are committed by His command. These are (sufficient) proofs for people who understand.
More Proofs [30:22] Among His proofs are the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors. In these, there are signs for the knowledgeable.
Overwhelming Miracle of the Quran [6:39] Those who reject our proofs are deaf and dumb, in total darkness. Whomever GOD wills, He sends astray, and whomever He wills, He leads in a straight path.
[12:105] So many proofs in the heavens and the earth are given to them, but they pass by them, heedlessly!
when we benefit from reminders,
[39:21] Do you not see that GOD sends down from the sky water, then places it into underground wells, then produces with it plants of various colors, then they grow until they turn yellow, then He turns them into hay? This should be a reminder for those who possess intelligence.
[40:54] (Their history) is a lesson and a reminder for those who possess intelligence.
and when we fully comprehend and value God's oaths:
[89:5] A profound oath, for one who possesses intelligence.
[56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome.*
Taking our knowledge and our mental powers to fit into God's confines of intelligence is the real intelligence. Intelligence becomes a part of the illusion of this temporary world if we cannot use it to recognize God and to choose the appreciative, straight path.
Peaceful Friday, salaam, and God bless.