Thinking in Islam By: Jamela Elaizza K. Martin

Well done! What you did is an example of thinking or critical thinking. Read on to find out!<br>

I take the initiative to learn: Allah granted many gifts to man, including most prominently the gift of the mind, which He gave to man alone of all creatures. The mind enables man to distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil,which results in his success in this world and being rewarded in the Hereafter. It is the tool for reflecting and thinking about everything around man in the vast universe in order to acquire knowledge.

Allah said:
“Wa Allahu ‘Akrajakum Min Butuni ‘Ummahatikum La Ta'lamuna Shay’aan Wa Ja’ala Lakumu As-Sama Wa Al-Absara Wa Al-Af’idata La’allakum Tashkurun” (And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful)
[An-Nahl: 78]<br>

Allah encouraged his servants to think of his creations so that they discover His great power through his creatures and worship Him.

...But what exactly is thinking?
Thinking is using the mind to study and analysis of things in order to arrive at new facts and conclusions. It is referred to in the book of Allah using several words, such as: seeing reflection, consideration, reasoning and remembering, all of which are mental processes that compliment each other and are linked to thinking.
Thinking of the Holy Qur’an
Allah urged us to think of the verses of the Holy Qur’an by reflecting on its vocabulary in order to understand its meanings, apply its Sharia provisions and learn from its stories or lessons.
Sharia, Islamic law or sharia law is a religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Quran and the hadith. I use my skills to learn:<br>

Thinking of your own creation
If man looks carefully at his shape, he will find that he is distinguished from all creatures, as Allah created him in the most perfect image and with the best structure. The Holy Qur’an focused on two fields: Thinking of manifestations of the power of Allah in the universe
If man looks with his own eye the universe around him, he will find that we live in a globe that is hanged in space, with stars moving around us. This globe rotates around its axis at a fixed speed in front of the sun, which creates the sequence of day and night, thereby allowing man to rest after a hard day’s work.<br>

Enabling them to explore with their minds the consequences of things, act in accordance with public interest, and avoid sedition, thereby preserving and developing the wealth of their country. Thinkers acquire wisdom; What are the benefits of thinking? Scientific advances in all fields of life. There is a close connection between thinking of the universe and scientific advances, as evidenced by the inventions of previous scientists. Man feels and enjoys the beauty of the universe; Which results in a feeling of peacefulness and serenity. Strengthening the believer’s faith in Allah; Which makes him feel humble before His greatness and worship Him to get His mercy and His paradise. Fearing Allah; As people with more knowledge are more fearful of Allah than others.<br>

Let’s Apply: Social Studies Thinking is a basis of civilizational development:
Thinking is an essential requirement for human progress and development throughout the ages. The cultural and technical progress of developed countries today is a product of thinking, reflecting and the resultant creative ideas that have contributed to the advancement of humanity. Thinking is a way development and excellence at the level of individuals, societies, and countries.
The United Arab Emirates encourages innovation and creativity, and has ranked high among nations and gained respect and confidence of all. It won the confidence of the world to host the Expo 2020 amidst intense competition from several countries. All countries of the world will come and present their innovations and creations in the UAE, which has become a global hub in various fields, thanks to the clr=ear vision and sound thinking of its wise leadership.<br>

Assessment: Let’s see if you listened well! Questions 1/4 In your own words, what is thinking?<br>

Assessment: Let’s see if you listened well! Questions 2/4 Give two benefits of thinking.<br>

Assessment: Let’s see if you listened well! Questions 3/4 What are the two fields that the Holy Qur’an focused on?<br>

Assessment: Let’s see if you listened well! Questions 4/4 (Think critically) Every one has some talents and abilities, how can we develop them and make use of them?<br>

[Al-Baqarah: 2691] “He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.”<br>

Thank you! By: Jamela Elaizza K. Martin
7B-Bonifacio<br>