Reflections and Insights of Knowledge.. By: Sheikha Issa
Reflection holds great significance in the Quranic narrative, as it constitutes one of the most important tools that deepen human understanding of oneself and one’s existence; in other words, reflection is the instrument of awareness and perception for humans. The Holy Quran repeatedly calls for reflection 18 times in contexts related to the self, the cosmos, history, and cosmic and human signs, as stated in the verse: “Indeed in that are signs for a people who reflect.” This verse appears in many places across various surahs, and this call represents a comprehensive methodology that drives the mind to discover the laws established by God in the universe. The most crucial behavior to follow is applying these laws to social life, psychological construction, and the production of knowledge, which serves as the foundation for human advancement toward development and progress.
Today, modern science confirms what the Quran indicated 1,400 years ago: deep reflection, known in neuroscience as “mindfulness,” has been proven to restructure the brain by enhancing areas responsible for focus and emotional balance. Studies have shown that regular practice of reflection lowers stress levels, improves decision-making efficiency, and increases happiness by stimulating hormones associated with calmness and inner equilibrium. Among the wonders of God’s creation is that reflection enhances the nerve cells responsible for building awareness, processing information, making decisions, forming balanced emotions, and constructing memory. How does this happen?
Recent research in neuroscience reveals that the human cerebral cortex, the region responsible for conscious thought, decision-making, and perception, contains a large portion of the brain’s approximately 86 billion nerve cells. It is the area most densely populated with cells linked to higher cognitive processes. Estimates suggest it contains tens of billions of neurons, with approximately 18 billion neurons according to published estimates on neuronal distribution within the cerebral cortex of adults.
Thus, the convergence of the number 18 (reflection) and 18 billion (neurons in the cerebral cortex) is not merely a numerical coincidence, but a symbol bearing scientific miracle in the importance of stimulating the mind, activating insight, and elevating human consciousness.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that reflection is not an intellectual luxury, but a force that manifests in human life as behavior, tranquility, and maturity. Through it, the circle of insight expands to produce knowledge that elevates societies. This is the secret behind the success of the most important educational institutions that play a major role in shaping humanity today: the family, school, higher education, and media. Their impact reflects societal needs for laws, economy, knowledge production, industries, and other requirements that form the foundation of a developed and sustainable society.
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