When you use reason, it means you study, observe, and analyze things. Through these processes, you make discoveries at an intellectual level; this is one stage. After this stage, the intellectual journey moves forward, paving the way for the journey of love to begin. In other words, through a deeper emotional connection with God is established, and then it continues to grow and deepen. In my view, intellect is like a staircase. It’s not the destination itself. By climbing the stairs, you reach the destination, but the stairs are steps and the destination is the final goal. So, in my experience, intellect serves as a staircase. Once you reach the destination, you enter the realm of love. This is what I have understood through both my study and experience.
Maulana, Is closeness to God possible at the level of intellect, or at the level of emotions? See, if there is no closeness on an emotional level, then it's not real closeness at all; it's merely mechanical closeness. Love, obviously, is something emotional; it belongs to the realm of emotions. The Quran says: (وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِلَّهِ) Those who believe love God most (2:165) So, the truth is, you reach the gate of love through rational thinking. When you use reason, it means you study, observe, and analyze things. Through these processes, you make discoveries at an intellectual level; this is one stage. After this stage, the intellectual journey moves forward, paving the way for the journey of love to begin. In other words, through a deeper emotional connection with God is established, and then it continues to grow and deepen. In my view, intellect is like a staircase. It’s not the destination itself. By climbing the stairs, you reach the destination, but the stairs are steps and the destination is the final goal. So, in my experience, intellect serves as a staircase. Once you reach the destination, you enter the realm of love. This is what I have understood through both my study and experience.
