Modeling the Position of Thinking in the Geometry of Religious Knowledge through a System Dynamics Approach

Purpose: The present study seeks to reexamine the position of reflection (tafakkur) within the framework of religious knowledge by employing a system dynamics approach in order to model the mechanism through which reflection contributes to the existential elevation of the human being.
Design/methodology/approach: Based on content analysis of authentic Islamic texts (the Qur’an and the narrations of the Infallibles, peace be upon them) and informed by expert opinions, this research develops a structured model that explains the causal relationships among fundamental variables, including thought, remembrance (dhikr), piety (taqwa), and the purification of the heart, within six reinforcing feedback loops.

Findings: The findings indicate that reflection, as a strategic and leverage variable, transforms the system of human purposes and intentions, thereby activating the entire epistemic system and providing a scientific explanation for the exceptional value attributed to “one hour of reflection.” The proposed model also depicts the reciprocal interaction between reason and heart in such a way that the awakening of the intellect leads to inner purification, while the clarity and tenderness of the heart prepare the ground for deeper rational perceptions.

Originality/value: A precise understanding of the structure of religious concepts and the relationship between rational and spiritual dimensions requires analytical tools capable of explaining the internal dynamics of these teachings beyond a linear perspective. The ultimate aim of this system is identified as the attainment of the sound heart (qalb salīm) as the most balanced state of the system. Overall, the study demonstrates that the application of systemic modeling can open new horizons for understanding the complex relationships among religious concepts and contribute to the development of knowledge in Islamic management.