Heart And Mind In The Quran As Compared To The Cognitive Process In Modern Science

Abstract

The Quran states that the faculty of understanding lies in the heart and, unlike modern cognitive science, does not consider it to be a mere physical organ. This paper analyzes the role of the heart in human understanding as viewed by the Quran versus the role of the brain or the mind which is considered to be the site of cognition by modern science. The definition and perception of cognition in modern science has constantly evolved without a singular definition since the first attempts at understanding it. The objectives of this analysis are to understand the role of the heart, mind, and brain as explained by the Quran and delineate why modern cognitive science has not yet reached a conclusive definition of cognition. It will also attempt to find the gaps in understanding in the field of cognitive science regarding the connection between the mind and heart. The methodology used is to qualitatively analyze the various mechanisms of the cognitive processes as understood by modern science, and then after a thorough review of the entire Quran to compare and contrast these mechanisms in light of several relevant verses. The way this is addressed in the Quran is by use of different words for the heart and explained by several metaphors. This paper will also attempt a quantitative analysis of the mechanism of thinking in relation to the concept of understanding. We find that the explanation of human understanding by the Quran is heavily and solely focused on the human heart. However, the modern sciences consider the brain or the mind to be the seat of cognition. The biggest difference between the above two is that the Quran is a divine revelation which was sent for the guidance of humankind, both for the success of this world as well as in the life hereafter. The greatest requirement to understanding the concept of cognition and its processes in the Quran is the fundamental need to believe in the divine revelation sent by the Creator, an integral element which the modern sciences lack.