The Relation between Philosophy and Religion

The relation between religion and reason has always been controversial in the history of human thinking. Since the most apparent advent of reason is in philosophy, the discussion of religion and reason has led to the discussion of religion and philosophy. In this study, defining philosophy and religion, we examine some Muslim thinkers’ and Western thinkers’ views on them. Some thinkers who do not see any harmony between religion and philosophy believe that religion has precedence over reason, and resorting to reason to understand religion is not acceptable. Some also consider reason prior to religion. Most Muslim thinkers, however, do not see any conflict between reason and religion, and reject any inherent incompatibility between religion and philosophy. They believe that there is no conflict between a clear-cut and conclusive judgment of reason and a conclusive judgment of religion, and if there was a conflict between a conclusive judgment of reason and a speculative understanding of religion, the speculative understanding of religion should be reinterpreted.