Usul al-Kafi Book 1: The Book of Intellect [Reason] and Ignorance Chapter 1 Traditions 1to 27 Intellect [reason] and ignorance 1. Imam Ali (p): Jibrael (p) (Gabriel) descended to meet Prophet Adam (p) and said, “O Adam, I have been ordered to offer you the choice of one out of three things. Therefore, choose one of them and leave the other two.” Adam (p): And what are those three things, O Jibrael? Jibrael (p): Intelligence, Modesty and Religion. Adam (p): I choose Intelligence. Jibrael (p) then asked Modesty and Religion to leave Adam. But they said, “O Jibrael, we have been ordered to remain with Intelligence wherever it may be.” Jibrael (p): Lo! That is your choice. Jibrael (p) then ascended to his heavenly abode. Translator’s note: This tradition clearly asserts that reason is an integral part of religion and modesty. Also, religion is based on reason and sound logical deductions. All commandments, rulings and forms of worship are based on sound reasoning. There is nothing irrational in religion. Similarly, norms of modesty emanate from sound reasoning.(B1,T2)
