Islam/mohammedanism is repugnant to reason

 Ayn Rand's philosophy, Objectivism, emphasizes the primacy of reason, reality, and individualism. Any ideology or belief system that contradicts these principles is considered repugnant to reason. Islam, or Mohammedanism, as a religion rooted in faith, mysticism, and collectivism, inherently conflicts with the principles of Objectivism.

Primacy of Faith over Reason: Islam is based on faith and revelation, which demand unquestioning belief in the divine authority of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. This reliance on faith over reason contradicts the Objectivist principle that reason is man's only means of knowledge and guide to action. Faith, being a form of mysticism, is a rejection of reason and reality [6].

Collectivism over Individualism: Islam emphasizes the submission of the individual to the collective will of the ummah (community) and to Allah. This submission undermines the Objectivist principle of individualism, where each person is an end in themselves and not a means to the ends of others. The collectivist nature of Islam is antithetical to the idea of rational self-interest and individual rights [6].

Rejection of Free Will: In Islam, the concept of predestination (qadar) suggests that all events are determined by Allah's will. This undermines the Objectivist view of man as a volitional being, capable of free will and independent thought. The denial of free will negates the responsibility of individuals to think and act rationally [6].

Moral Altruism and Sacrifice: Islam promotes altruism and self-sacrifice for the sake of Allah and the community, which directly opposes the Objectivist ethics of rational self-interest. Objectivism holds that the pursuit of one's own happiness and values is the highest moral purpose, whereas Islam demands submission and sacrifice, which Rand would view as a moral vice [6].

Mysticism and Supernaturalism: The metaphysical foundation of Islam is rooted in the supernatural, which denies the Objectivist principle of the primacy of existence. The belief in miracles, divine intervention, and an afterlife contradicts the Objectivist view that reality is absolute and cannot be rewritten by consciousness or divine will [6].

In conclusion, Islam, as a system of faith, collectivism, and mysticism, is fundamentally opposed to the principles of Objectivism, which uphold reason, individualism, and reality. These contradictions make Islam repugnant to reason. [6].

Sources

1 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner

2 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

3 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand

4 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

5 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

6 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

In addition:

Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism considers Islam or Mohammedanism repugnant to reason for several reasons, rooted in its fundamental opposition to the principles of reason, individualism, and reality. Let us delve further into these points:

Faith as a Rejection of Reason: Islam, like other religions, is based on faith—a belief in the supernatural and divine authority without evidence or rational justification. Objectivism asserts that reason is man's only means of knowledge and that faith is a form of mysticism, which denies the primacy of existence and the absoluteness of reality. Faith demands acceptance of ideas without evidence, which Objectivism categorically rejects as irrational [6].

Submission and Collectivism: The very name "Islam" means "submission," emphasizing the subjugation of the individual to the will of Allah and the collective religious community (ummah). This stands in stark contrast to Objectivism's advocacy for individualism, where each person is an autonomous being with the right to pursue their own happiness and values. Islam's collectivist nature undermines the moral sovereignty of the individual and promotes the idea that one's life and actions must serve a higher power or the collective, which Objectivism views as a denial of individual rights [6].

Denial of Free Will: In Islam, the concept of qadar (predestination) implies that all events and actions are determined by Allah's will. This fatalistic worldview negates the Objectivist principle of volition, which asserts that humans have free will and the capacity to think, choose, and act independently. The denial of free will in Islam reduces individuals to passive agents of divine will, stripping them of their moral responsibility and rational agency [6].

Altruism and Sacrifice: Islam promotes the idea of self-sacrifice for Allah, the community, and others, which aligns with the moral code of altruism. Objectivism, on the other hand, upholds rational self-interest as the highest moral virtue, rejecting the notion that individuals should sacrifice their own values and happiness for others. The Islamic emphasis on altruism and submission is seen as a moral vice in Objectivism, as it denies the individual's right to live for their own sake [6].

Mysticism and Supernaturalism: Islam's metaphysical foundation is rooted in the supernatural, including belief in miracles, divine intervention, and an afterlife. Objectivism rejects all forms of mysticism and supernaturalism, asserting that reality is absolute and cannot be altered by consciousness, divine will, or any other mystical forces. The reliance on supernatural explanations in Islam is fundamentally opposed to the Objectivist commitment to reason and the primacy of existence [6].

Moral Absolutism Based on Revelation: Islamic morality is derived from divine revelation as recorded in the Quran and Hadith, which are considered infallible and unchangeable. Objectivism, however, holds that morality must be based on reason and the requirements of man's life as a rational being. A morality based on divine command is arbitrary and disconnected from the objective requirements of human existence, making it incompatible with Objectivist ethics [6].

In summary, Islam's reliance on faith, collectivism, altruism, and mysticism directly contradicts the principles of Objectivism, which prioritize reason, individualism, and reality. These fundamental differences make Islam repugnant to reason.[6].

Sources

1 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner

2 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

3 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

4 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

5 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

6 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand