"Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an in order that you may understand"
(Surah Yusuf, verse 2)
Among the blessings of Allah, Intelligence is a highly valuable one but ignored by humans. Intelligence distinguishes man from the rest of the creations in this universe. ‘Aaqil’ is an honourable term to define human beings.
And if you should count the favor of Allah , you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful ( Surah Ibrahim, 34)
Man is bestowed with leadership through a blessed Intelligence
Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant (Surah al-Ahzab verse 72)
Man picked up the trust because of his intelligence. Therefore if someone does not use his intelligence then he is said to be an animal.
Intelligence is a blessing and it will be asked how we used it
Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned ( Surah Isra, verse 36)
Using intelligence has been made obligatory by Allah and nobody is allowed to ignore it. The command to use our intelligence is repeated around 95-100 times in the Qur’an. For example:
Afala ta’qiloon? Will you not use intelligence?
Afala yatadabbaroon? Will you not ponder?
Using intelligence is highly appreciated by the Qur’an, "And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah , so will you not reason?" (Al-An’am, verse 32)
It is a part of intelligence to overlook the materialistic delight of the world and be focused on the life hereafter. The former is temporary and the later is long lasting.
Using Intelligence makes your stronger and takes you closer to Allah
Today man has almost conquered the entire world and also a big part of the universe by using his intelligence in developing technology. Making path in mountains and deep oceans is a big achievement of man. Getting control over many creations which are bigger than him is no less an achievement but he is encouraged to use his intelligence by studying about his own creation so that his faith in the existence of his Creator be firm.
“Does not man see that it is We Who created him from a sperm-drop? Yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open disputer!” [SurahYaseen:77]
The Qur’an speaks about embryology and directs us to study how Allah kept us protected in the womb of our mothers in every stage of pregnancy right from the time man is in the form of a sperm till he is delivered in the form of a human and then he grows up into a strong person and controls many aspects of universe.
Qur’an stirs up our Intelligence by discussing about the variety of food that sprouts out from the same water and earth
Then let mankind look at his food - How We poured down water in torrents,Then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts], and caused to grow within it grain, and grapes and herbage, olive and palm trees, gardens of dense shrubbery, fruit and grass - enjoyment for you and your grazing livestock. (Surah Abasa, verse 24-32)
Man has no power over the growth of his food. He can only sow seeds and water it. The rest of the phenomena is hosted by Allah the Creator. Even if man studies the variety of green colours in various green vegetable it will be difficult to count.
Both the examples cited above is a strong proof that nobody can interfere in running the administration of the universe.
Noting the creation of Allah and thanking Him is an intelligent approach
Consider your life today and compare it with those who are trapped in flood, storm wars and accidents and how much a privileged person you are.
It is He, who has made for you the earth as a bed [spread out] and inserted therein for you roadways ( Surah Taha verse 53)
Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created? And at the sky - how it is raised? And at the mountains - how they are erected? And at the earth - how it is spread out? (Surah Ghashiya, verses 17-22)
The heavens stand without pillars!
An intelligent person will compare the biggest monuments built by man with the creations of heaven, earth, mountains and rivers and realise how strong is the Creator. Manmade monuments do not last for more than few decades or some may cross over a centuries but mountains, heavens and rivers are there since millions of years! The creator who can create such a huge heaven is capable to give you a child or help you in calamity without any intercessor. It is due to non usage of intelligence that man rushes to associate others with Allah as His partners.
Intelligence stops you from hasty foolish decisions
“There are two aspects of Ilm of Deen,” said the Prophet (peace be upon him), “ Patience, Tolerance and Intelligence.” If I elaborate it, before you do any deed think about its impact. Is it beneficial or harmful? Do not rush to do anything without thinking. He also said, “Haste is from Shaytan.” Whenever Shaytan targets us to deviation, he blocks our intelligence and drags us to follow our desires. Therefore Allah and His Messenger has not only commanded to use our intelligence but also other people’s intelligence too. There is an entire Surah named, ‘Surah Shura, The consultation’ and in spite that the Prophet (peace be upon him) received revelation, he was instructed by Allah to consult his companions.
Consulting people even in the matter of family disputes will help sorting out issues and the Qur’an emphasises on taking advice from others. So please do not listen to your desires but also give a chance to your intelligence too.
Using Intelligence will get you connect to your Lord, your Creator
Every Prophet of Allah, from Noah to Mohammed (peace be upon them) insisted people to use their minds and reasoning power in order to understand the Oneness of Allah.
“Musa (Moses) said: "Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to use your intelligence." (Surah Shu’ara, verse 24)
Intelligence is also in obeying Allah’s command
For a person who claims to believe in Allah and accepts His Lordship, should not be difficult to obey him. If you are eating meals provided by Allah three times and a day and you offer prayers only once a week then it is time for you to check your (spiritual) intelligence. Observing the commands of Allah is an intelligent way to be grateful.
Therefore using intelligence will save you from sins and stop you from being a slave of your desires and lead you to eternal success.