Examining the Cognitive Barriers to Creativity from the Perspective of Islamic Teachings

Abstract

One of the inherent faculties of humans for distinguishing between right and wrong is the power of reason and thought. This divine gift requires creativity, flourishing, and nurturing. In this case, it leads to the attainment of human perfection, although this flourishing is influenced by various factors and conditions. While the specific factors that deviate the process of creativity and thinking from its correct path and prevent humans from reaching the truth are open to discussion and examination in the fields of psychology and logic, the Qur'an and Hadith—serving as life-enriching teachings—provide clear guidance that highlights the obstacles which limit human intellectual growth and creativity in this journey. This article aims to identify and explain some of the individual and social cognitive barriers from the perspective of Islamic teachings, providing the reader with a clearer understanding.