Why is intelligence just not a benchmark for success?

Intellectual Intelligence (IQ) is often considered a benchmark for success. However, the history of Islam teaches that intelligence without faith and monotheism actually backfires.

Allah Story said,

And there is no one, even if you are interested in believers َ

“And even though you really want to (so that they believe), most humans will not believe.” (Surah Joseph: 103)

Many intelligent and knowledgeable people actually reject the truth. The story of the magnifying (Al-Mala ‘) who opposed the sermon of Noah, Hud, Saleh, to the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam be a clear proof. This article will unravel why monotheism – not just intelligence – is the key to the safety of the world and the hereafter.

True science is the one who gave birth to piety, not pride. Many intelligent people are actually trapped in arrogant attitude, feel that their knowledge is enough to deny revelation.

Allah Story said,

But God is afraid of His servantsُ

“Indeed, the fear of God among his servants is only scholars.” (QS. Fathir: 28)

For example, Muslim Quraish who opposed the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. They are people who are good at literature and strategy, but their intelligence actually becomes a barrier to accept the truth. Therefore, intelligence must always be accompanied by humility and awareness of self -limitations as creatures.

Save the foundation

People who are tauhid will feel safe because they believe that all matters are in the hands of God. They are not easily swayed by worldly anxiety, because monotheism teaches to lean only on God.

Allah Story said,

And worship God and don’t share anything with Him

“Worship God and don’t hang out with Him with anything.” (Surah An-Nisa ‘: 36)

In another verse, God Story said,

Those who believe and do not use their belief in the injustice of those who have security and they are guidedَ

“Those who believe and do not disturb their faith in tyranny (shirk), they are people who have peace and they are people who have guidance.” (Surah Al-An’am: 82)

Intelligence without monotheism like a ship without captain: this may move fast, but it’s easy to crash into a gap. Conversely, monotheism directs intelligence to recognize the facts of creation and avoid intellectual arrogance. The intelligence of the world will not be useful if someone dies at Shirk. On the other hand, pure monotheism will be a savior, even if someone does not have much knowledge or wealth.

Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam say,

He died while he knew that there was no God but God who entered heaven

“Whoever dies in a state of knowing that there is no god (worship) who is entitled to be worshiped other than God, then he will go to heaven.” (HR. Muslim no. 145)

Why isn’t intelligence enough?

Intelligence is often considered the key to success. But in Islam, intelligence without faith can actually be a dangerous snare. Intelligent people tend to rely on logic and reason, so that they doubt the revelation and guidance from God Story.

In fact, God Story has reminded in the Qur’an,

But God is afraid of His servants

“Indeed, the fear of God among his servants is only scholars.” (QS. Fathir: 28)

True science is not what makes someone arrogant, but rather who fosters piety and humility before God. However, intelligence can also be misleading when a person is too following the majority flow.

Allah Story said,

And if you obey more in this country, they will mislead you from the way of God

“And if you obey most people on this earth, surely they will mislead you from the way of Allah.” (Surah Al-An’am: 116)

Even more dangerous, Satan often decorates shirk in the guise of “intelligence” and “rationality”. Sheikh Abdurrazzaq al-Badr in the Book “Brah Al -Tawhid“ (Evidence of monotheism) explains that Satan deceives humans by packaging shirk in the form of philosophical thinking that looks logical. For example, the cult of the pious person is considered a form of respect, even though it is a shirk that damages monotheism.

Therefore, intelligence must be balanced with the correct understanding of monotheism. Without monotheism, intelligence will only be a means of arrogance and error. Conversely, intelligence guided by monotheism will bring humans to the truth, calmness, and safety of the hereafter.

Also read: Three Keys to Successful Learning Fiqh

Simple, but saved

Tawheed is a concept that is easily understood, even the public. The Qur’an explains monotheism very clearly and gamblo, as in the verse of the chair (QS. Al-Baqarah: 255), which emphasizes the unity of God in power, knowledge, and life. No need to be a scholar or a religious person to understand monotheism, because monotheism is a trait that has been cultivated by God in the hearts of every human being. Every child born has brought this trait, and our job is to maintain and develop it.

Besides being easy to understand, monotheism is also a fortress that protects us from error. Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam say,

Built of Islam on Five: A testimony that there is no God but God

“Islam was built on five cases: testify that there are no gods (worship) who are entitled to worship other than Allah …” (Hours. Bukhari no. 8; Muslim no. 16)

This monotheism foundation keeps us from deviations from the creed, such as shirk, heresy, and khurafat. Even people who do not have a background in philosophical science or deep theology can be maintained as long as he upholds the principle of monotheism.

Tawheed not only protects, but also directs our intelligence for good. In the book Diwan al-Imam Asy-Shafi’i, Imam Shafi’i Rahimahullah Once said,

Knowledge is useful, not science is not preserved

“Knowledge is not memorized, but useful.”

“Kompas” towards Allah

Without monotheism, intelligence can backfire that plunged someone into error. History has proven how many smart people – like philosophers and scientists – who are actually lost because they ignore the principles “Religious service to God“ (Purifying religion only for God). They may reach the peak of scientific and worldly success, but without monotheism, it all becomes in vain.

Tawheed acts as a compass that directs intelligence to the right path. Without this compass, intelligence can fall into pride, arrogance, or even opposition to God’s teachings. Look at the story of Pharaoh, known as an intelligent and strong ruler, but because he is not tauhid, he actually becomes a symbol of tyranny and kufr. Tawheed teaches us to be humble and realize that all intelligence comes from God.

Therefore, let us make monotheism as a foundation in developing intelligence. Be a person who believes that intelligence is not only used to pursue worldly interests, but also to draw closer to God Story and provide benefits to others.

A smart and active Muslim will use his knowledge to fight the truth, uphold justice, and spread well. Let’s always purify our intentions and direct all our potential just to find their services.

Wallahu a’lam bish-shawab.

Also read: Golster Measurement of Human Description

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Writer: Fauzan Hidayat

Article Muslim.or.id