A rational approach to religion and the role of religion in ideal religiosity

The intellect is the most efficient tool for religious practice. For this reason, Islam denounces blind imitation and praises the intellect to this great extent. According to Islam, understanding the principles of the religion is among the duties or functions of the intellect. The intellect also considers revelation as proof. In general, any claim must be verified using rational proofs. In fact, religion, according to the Quran, is proof too. In the religious framework, the intellect and revelation are not rivals; they represent two sources for understanding religion. The intellect also has a prophetic mission. In the rational approach to religion, there is no contradiction between religion and the other human natural tendencies. In fact, the function of religion is to adjust and reform man's desires and tendencies.