Use of Reasoning in Moses’ Educational Method
Some people, whether they are among believers or not, have a strong sense of reasoning and logic Naturally, the method of education used for such individuals should not be the same that used for people inclined to follow and imitate others without questioning. Reasoning is a method usually used for educating and training the first group.
A teacher who is capable of reasoning has no fear of arguments and questions. He gives the students or opponents enough time to express their views and then uses reason and logic to respond to them.
Another point to remember here is that a teacher or parent must bear in mind the importance of properly confronting the student or child’s mistakes and trying to rectify their wrong behaviors through proper ways. If this is done the wrong way and through unreasonable methods, it could have consequences and negatively affect the mind of the student or child.
Sometimes a teacher or parent try to force the student or child to change his behavior but this method usually ends in failure and could even cause the wrong behavior to intensify.
Prophet Moses (AS), one of the great messengers of God, used the method of reasoning in educating people.
The Quran says: “And when you said: O Moses! we cannot bear with one food, therefore pray Lord on our behalf to bring forth for us out of what the earth grows, of its herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions. He said: Will you exchange that which is better for that which is worse? Enter a city, so you will have what you ask for. And abasement and humiliation were brought down upon them, and they became deserving of Allah's wrath; this was so because they disbelieved in the communications of Allah and killed the prophets unjustly; this was so because they disobeyed and exceeded the limits.” (Verse 61 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
In this verse, reasoning is given so that the Bani Isra’il may change their behavior:
1- Illogical demand for a change of food. Moses (AS) responded by arguing that they should not choose the worse food instead of the best.
2- Causes of abasement of Bani Isra’il.
A- Disbelief, disobeying God’s commands and deviation from monotheism to polytheism.
B- Killing divine prophets and disregarding divine commandments.
Thus, if the Bani Isra’il did not do these and instead acted in accordance with God’s commands, they would not face abasement and humiliation. But they did not change their behavior and so failed to achieve salvation.
