Some very religious people might question the importance of answering the "why" and claim that you have to obey without asking questions. They claim that you have to learn as much as you can but without asking for the reason and wisdom behind every fact there is and every order you are given.
Well, these very religious people are very mistaken. I will ask them one question; do you claim that you are better than Prophet Musa (AS)? Are you stronger than and mightier in your faith than one of the "Prophets with determination" (uly al-"azm min ar-rusul)? Of course the answer is no.
The innate human nature that genuinly seeks the Truth always looks for answers and explanations and does not take things for granted. An example of a pure Truth seeker and someone with the deepest of faith and strongest of will who does not take things for granted is Prophet Musa (AS). We all know his story with al-Khidr (AS) that is mentioned in surat al-Kahf, which is so important that we try to recite it every Friday. Here is the initial part of it.
"M ûsa (Moses) said to him, "Shall I closely follow you on condition that you teach me of what you have been taught, right mindedness?* Said he "Surely you will never be able to (endure) with me patiently.* And how should you (endure) patiently what you have not encompassed in your cognizance?* He said, "You will find me, in case Allah (so) decides, patient; and I will not disobey you in any command (of yours)" (TMQ, 18:66-69).
Notice the underlined ayah 68. Innate pure human nature refuses to accept and be patient with something it does not understand the reason and wisdom behind it. The very well determined and deeply faithed Prophet Musa (AS) later in the story could not keep up with his promise of not asking "why" thrice!!
On the other hand if the answer to the "why" is known one attains the strongest of determination and deepest of faith. It is not just knowledge that is taken for granted that makes one a strong believer. It is the realization of the wisdom behind everything contained in that knowledge that deepens one's faith and enables one to be more steadfast. And that is why reverts to Islaam from other faiths (who came to deeply understand what Islaam is about ) are usually stronger and more giving Muslims than those born into Islaam (who take Islaam for granted).
And as Friedrich Nietzsche says "He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How".
May ALLAAH grant us wisdom.
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