Muhammad was quite unhappy. He was doing his usual poetry reciting when an intellectual interrupted him. Now, mind you, Muhammad wasn't much of an intellectual. Tradition says that before God spoke to him, he couldn't even read.
For most intellectuals, that is enough to dismiss a man. There are so many books, so many arguments, so many interpretations, so many details. All of this is essential to the intellectual. They have to discuss every iota of every atom. Everything must be analyzed. And if one doesn't have the capacity to know the analysis of the last thousand years, that person need not be paid attention to-- nay, they must be dismissed.
Nevertheless, Muhammad knew a thing or two, despite his lack of book knowledge. He knew that life, as complicated as it is, is better approached with simplicity. He says there are only a couple things that are most necessary to remember:
1. God made us all and provides for all our needs. If we remember and acknowledge God's constant action in our lives, we will remember to live lives of gratitude and contentment. And even the intellectuals have to admit that the studies show that those who are grateful and content with what they have live happier lives. Summary of science on happiness and gratitude.
2. God will judge us for our actions. Our future can't be seen intellectually by anyone, but our future is dependent on our present. What we do now effects our life in the future. And our future after we live, for all eternity, is dependent on how we live now. If we live for God, do good to all, then we will live in happiness for all eternity. This cannot be analyzed, but it has been communicated by God again and again by all of His prophets and teachers. And even the intellectuals admit that being moral and compassionate beings happiness. Study on altruism and happiness. Religion and intellectualism CAN meet!
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