In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), his family, companions, and all those who follow his guidance.
The question you have raised is an important one regarding the approach of the early Muslims, particularly the noble Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them), towards rational proofs. It is crucial to understand that the Sahaba were a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and levels of knowledge. While they possessed profound faith, their approaches to addressing doubts and clarifying matters varied depending on the circumstances.
It is incorrect to claim that the early Muslims, including the Sahaba, opposed rational proofs. In fact, many of the Sahaba actively engaged in intellectual debates, discussions, and utilized rational arguments to elucidate the truth of Islam. They employed their reasoning faculties to convey the message of Islam effectively to those who had doubts or inquiries.
The hadith you mentioned, seeking refuge in God when the question of "who created God?" arises, is not indicative of opposing rational proofs. Rather, it highlights the limitations of human intellect in comprehending the essence of the Divine Being. The question "who created God?" stems from a flawed understanding of the concept of God's existence and attributes. It is not a rational query, as it assumes a temporal framework for God, whereas God is beyond time and space. Therefore, seeking refuge in God from such a question is not a rejection of rational proofs but an acknowledgment of the limitations of human intellect in fully comprehending the Divine.
The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) conveyed the message of Islam using various methods, tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of his audience. While he did employ rational arguments in many instances, it is important to recognize that the primary purpose of the Prophet's mission was to convey divine guidance and invite people to believe in and worship the One true God.
The early Muslims and the Sahaba employed a balanced approach when it came to addressing doubts and clarifying misconceptions. They utilized rational proofs when appropriate and also recognized the limits of reason in comprehending certain matters of faith. They understood that while rational proofs can provide support and strengthen faith, the ultimate conviction and acceptance of Islam are matters of the heart and the guidance of Allah.
The Qur'an indeed challenges people with powerful and rational proofs to reflect, contemplate, and arrive at the truth. It appeals to reason, intellect, and sound arguments to establish the truth of Islam. The early Muslims, including the Sahaba, recognized and embraced this aspect of the Qur'an, and they utilized rational arguments to convey the message of Islam effectively.
In conclusion, it is incorrect to assert that the early Muslims and the Sahaba opposed rational proofs. They recognized the importance of reason, employed rational arguments when appropriate, and engaged in intellectual discourse. However, they also acknowledged the limits of human intellect in fully comprehending the Divine and understood that faith is ultimately a matter of the heart, guided by Allah. May Allah grant us understanding and wisdom in our pursuit of knowledge and faith. And Allah knows best.