The Muslim Film festival in its essence embodies and calls for critical reflection over the changes and conflicts produced in Muslim societies around the world. The theme of our festival lies on the foundation of Tafakkur, which is a term that magnifies the main purpose of our festival.
Tafakkur, literally translated as deep thought, reflection and contemplation, is an Islamic concept derived from the Quran, enabling us to understand that reflection and critical thinking is essential to discovering the realities that surround us. In the Islamic context, it signifies reflection on matters that help a person develop mentally and spiritually. It is the essence of knowledge and a very important concept in Islamic epistemology.
The Quran has shed a lot of light on the term Tafakkur and calls the human being to use this as a means of increasing knowledge to understand the realities and depths of any matter. The concept of Tafakkur in the Quran sheds light on the importance of using one’s mind and intellect for spiritual development.
In the Quran it is mentioned:
“Are the blind and the one who sees equal? Will you not then take thought?”(6:50)
The words ‘blind’ and ‘one who sees’ is used metaphorically in this verse, to show the significance of using one’s intellect. This verse tries to show that the one who thinks, reflects, uses their intellect, and gains insight reaching the depths of matters, is the one who can achieve clear insight. As for the person that ignores the intellect and blindly follows, is someone who lacks insight on significant matters. The word Tafakkur is used in the specific verse, which is translated as ‘thought’.
Also, in 3:191, it is mentioned:
“And think deeply (contemplate and reflect) about the creation of the heavens and the earth”
Similarly, this verse calls the human being to reflect and contemplate on his surroundings. An individual that observes and studies his surroundings, and contemplates, with critical thinking and research, is able to find answers to many significant questions that pertain to himself and others.