There is no contradiction between religion and science

There is no contradiction between religion and s= cience

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; BS Foad, M.D 2009

We will discuss the following concepts:

1- Both the Qur’an and the ability to reach scientific facts are a blessing f= rom the One and only God

2- The Qur’an encourages us to look, search, consider, reflect, think critic= ally and reach conclusions. Islam is against ignorance and invites Muslims to le= arn and evolve

3- The Qur’an is not a book of science. Some of its verses refer to scientif= ic facts. We should not try to reconcile each scientific theory with verses fr= om the Qur’an

4- Scientists have the ability to better understand certain verses of the Qur’an because of their knowledge and background. They can explain and elaborate on these verses as long as their conclusions are not presumptive

The Qur’= ;an is a gift from God

God sent down the Qur’an as a guide and as a way= of life. If we follow these Qur’anic guidelines, we should improve as hu= man beings and become better persons, more useful to others. We understand our = goal in life and our priorities change.

Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a Light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come out? Thus to those without Faith their own deeds seem pleasing.

= ; Al-Ana’m 6:122

God gave mankind the ability to think and reason. Science is based on experimentation to prove or disprove a theory,= or on analysis and logical deduction. The ability to think critically, experim= ent or reason is a gift from God to mankind:

(Allah) Most Gracious!

&= nbsp; Ar-Rahman 55: 1

It is He Wh= o has taught the Qur-an.

&= nbsp; Ar-Rahman 55: 2

He has crea= ted man:

&= nbsp; Ar-Rahman 55: 3

He has taug= ht him speech (and Intelligence).

&= nbsp; Ar-Rahman 55: 4

Science tries to unco= ver the laws that God has set in motion in the Universe as well as in every living creature.

If both the Qur’= ;an and science came from God, then there should not be and cannot be any contradic= tion or clash between religion and true science based on knowledge and fact, not= on just theory. Scientific theory can be correct or could be wrong. Theories change to accommodate our expanding knowledge.

To give an example the Qur’an states that God created the Heavens and the Earth in six days:=

It is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six Days, and is firmly established on the Throne (of authority); ye have none, besides Him, to protect or intercede (for you): w= ill ye not then receive admonition?

&n= bsp; As-Sajda 32: 4

But what are these six days to Allah? They are certainly not six days of our calendar as human beings. Are they six thousand years like a verse of the Qur’an suggests:

Yet they ask thee to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His promise. Verily a Day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousa= nd years of your reckoning.

&n= bsp; Al-Hajj 22: 47

Or could it be fifty thousand years as another verse of the Qur’an sugge= sts:

The angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years:

&n= bsp; Al-Ma’rej 70: 4

Or could it be something else that only God knows. God is not confined by time= or space like we are as human beings. Therefore, when scientists use certain methods in determining the age of the Universe or of the earth, their conclusions could be accurate, or there may be a flaw in their calculations= or logic. If science proves beyond doubt that the earth is say 6 million years old, I have no problem in reconciling this with the Qur’anic verse th= at God created the heavens and earth in six days.

Similarly, when the Qur’an states that God created mankind from mud, and breathed into him of His spirit, and provided him with the faculties to survive, and that God has indeed everything that He has created:

He Who has made everything which He has created Most Good: He began the creation of man with (nothing more than) clay,

&n= bsp; As-Sajda 32: 7

And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a fluid despised:

&n= bsp; As-Sajda 32: 8

But He fashioned h= im in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave = you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): little thanks do ye give!

&n= bsp; As-Sajda 32: 9

Are these verses at odd with the theory of evolution as espoused by Darwin? If Darwin means that = Man has evolved from lower life form and at one time was an insect or a small animal and had no intelligence, then this theory seem to contradict what the Qur’an seems to suggest. But if evolution means that mankind did evol= ve and adapt to changes in his environment and that those who adapted to these changes survived, that I can accept. If a scientific theory suggests that m= an was created out of nothing, just a mere chance of evolution, then we can ta= ke issue with that, because the Qur’an states clearly that mankind was created by God in the form of Adam, and it is from Adam that countless men = and women came, and that they were not created from nothing: =

Were they created = of nothing, or were they themselves the creators?

&n= bsp; At-Tur 52: 35

O mankind! reveren= ce your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single Person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men = and women; fear Allah, through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (revere= nce) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.

&n= bsp; An-Nesa’a 4: 1

The Qur’an enco= urages us to study, learn, think critically, reflect and reach conclusions. The Qur’an praises useful knowledge and condemns ignorance

Faith based on knowledge is strong and can withstand tests and trials. In contras= t, faith that is dogmatic and is not associated with proper understanding wher= e it can be weak and dangerous. Many radicals and extremists have wrong or superficial knowledge not rooted in proper understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Therefore, they consider anyone that does not share their own ideology as a non-believer, and consider such a person without rights. This twisted thinking gives them the rationale of killing those who oppose them, even those who are Muslims.

Proper knowledge and understanding of Islam, on the other hand tells us to respect= and safeguard the rights and liberties of others, though they differ with our o= wn convictions. Human life is precious and a gift from God. No one is to take = the life of another human being:

On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of= the whole people. Then although there came to them Our Messengers with Clear Si= gns, Yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land= .

= ; Al-Maeda 5: 32

Nor take life - wh= ich Allah has made sacred - except for just cause.

&n= bsp; Al-Isra’a 17: 33

The Qur’an praises proper knowledge and states that those with knowledge, insight and understanding are different from those who are ignorant, and th= at those who know understand their accountability to Allah:<= /p>

Is one who worships devoutly during the hours of the night prostrating himself or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his Lord, (like one who does not)? Say: "Are those equal, tho= se who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.

&n= bsp; Az-Zumar 39: 9

Say: "O ye My servants who believe! fear your Lord. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world. Spacious is Allah's earth! tho= se who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!"<= o:p>

&n= bsp; Az-Zumar 39: 10

The Qur’an further explains that knowledge and understanding precedes fai= th, and such knowledge leads to submission to God and to being committed in His service and leads to proper guidance:

And that those on = whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Qur-an) is the Truth from t= hy Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way.

&n= bsp; Al-Hajj 22: 54

The Qur’an further explains that we should demand proof and believe based= on conviction. In other words, the Qur’an wants us to be scientists or to have a scientific mind that questions and searches for the truth:

And they say: &quo= t;None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your pr= oof if ye are truthful."

&n= bsp; Al-Baqara 2: 111

When the unbelievers questioned the divine origin of the Qur’an, the Qur’an explained that such a Qur’an could not be produced by hu= man beings and defied them to bring a Qur’an like it: <= /p>

Say: "If the = whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qu= r-an they could not produce the like thereof, even if th= ey backed up each other with help and support.

&n= bsp; Al-Isra’a 17: 88

The authenticity of the Qur’an is in the Qur’an itself: There is no contradiction in its verses; look and examine its message:

Do they not consid= er the Qur-an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely ha= ve found therein much discrepancy.

&n= bsp; An-Nesa’a 4: 82

(Here is) a Book w= hich We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may meditate on i= ts Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.

&n= bsp; Sa’ D 38: 29

The Qur= 217;an is not a book of science. Some of its verses refer to scientific facts, but= we should not try to explain every scientific idea with verses from the Qur’an

The Qur’an was revealed as a guidance to mankind, and as a source of peace and healing to the ills in our hearts. It has guidelines that govern our behavior and it has morals that shape our character. The Qur’an was n= ot revealed to be a book of science.

True some of its verses refer to scientific facts because the Qur’an is the truth that came from God. But these verses were intended to prove the divine origin of the Qur’an and to stimulate us to think and consider the majesty of God and His creation. It does not give us details or scientific theory, rather it encourages us to learn, experiment and reach conclusions based on the truth.

To give some examples:

The Qur’an in describing the power of Allah refers to the Universe around= us. In one verse it talks about the heavens above and that each galaxy runs according to certain laws, and that there is no collision between these celestial bodies:

Allah is He Who ra= ised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; then He established Himsel= f on the Throne (of Authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His La= w)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affai= rs, explaining the Signs in detail that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.

&n= bsp; Ar-R’ad 13: 2

This does not mean that the Qur’an was first to explain the laws of physic= s or the theory of Newton.

When the Qur’an describes the multitude of God’s creation and how bi= rds and animals alike are groups and nations, it does not mean that the Qur’an is a book of zoology, or described the classification of anima= l or plant life:

There is not an an= imal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flie= s on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. <= o:p>

&n= bsp; Al-An’am 6: 38

All these verses intend to encourage us to look into God’s creation and k= now His power and majesty. We know God through His creation. We are stimulated = to research, learn and understand through the nature around us. The Qur’= an explains:

Soon will We show them Our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of t= he earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this= is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?

&n= bsp; Fusselat 41: 53

Say: "Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things. <= /span>

&n= bsp; Al-Ankabut 29: 20

Scientists= have the ability to better understand fully some Qur’anic verses and expla= in its significance and implications

When the Qur’an talks about the creation of mankind in three veils of darkness, earlier Muslims understood the general meaning of God’s pow= er and creation. But nowadays, we can better understand these three veils to represent the amniotic fluid, the wall of the uterus and the abdominal wall= .

He created you (al= l) from a single Person: then created, of like nature, his mate; and He sent d= own for you eight head of cattle in pairs: He makes you, in the wombs of your mothers, in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness. Such is Allah, your Lord and Cherisher: to Him belongs (all) dominion. There is no = god but He: then how are ye turned away (from your true Centre)?

&n= bsp; Az-Zumar 39: 6

Earlier Muslims understood the general meaning of the creation of the newborn in the uterus, but scientists have described in detail the various stages of the development of the fetus and embryo, and when each organ is formed, and what can go wrong:

Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay);

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23: 12

Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed;

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23: 13

Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones wi= th flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, t= he Best to create!

&n= bsp; Al-Mumenoun 23: 14

The importance of water in the life of every creature is mentioned in the Qur’an. Science explains how water comprises a major portion of our tissues, and that without water we are not able to survive:

Do not the Unbelie= vers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder? We made= from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?

&n= bsp; Al-Anbia’a 21: 30

Doctors understand the complexity of the human body and marvel at the checks and balances in every system, and can appreciate God’s creation and its intricate balance and the wonders of its creation, much better than lay peo= ple. The more we see God’s creation and understand it, the more we appreci= ate God’s power and blessing. The Qur’an states that those who know fear Allah the most and are more grateful for His blessings:

And so amongst men= and crawling creatures and cattle, are they of various colours. Those truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge: for Allah is Exalted in Migh= t, Oft-Forgiving.

&n= bsp; Fatir 35: 28

There should be no clash be= tween religion and science

&nbs= p; BS Foad, M.D 2009

The Qur’an is a divine revelation from God, and the ability to think, experiment and reach scientific facts is a blessi= ng from God. Both came from the same source, the One and only God, and both teach the truth. Therefore, there can be no clas= h or conflict between proper understanding of religion and correct scientific th= eory

The Qur’an guides our life and let us understands our objective in life

“Can he who was dead, to whom = We gave life, and a light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like =

&nb= sp; Him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come o= ut? Thus to those without faith

&nb= sp; Their own deeds seem pleasing” Al-An’am 6: 122

God gave mankind the ability to think and reason

“Allah most gracious. It is He= who taught the Qur’an. He has created man. He has taught him speech<= /o:p>

&nb= sp; And intelligence” Ar-Rahman 55: 1-4

Apparent contradiction between divine revelation and science can be resolved: either= we understood the divine text wrongly, or our scientific theory is not correct= :

“It is Allah who created the Heavens and the earth, and all between them in six days” As-Sajda 32:= 4

These days of Allah are not like our days. Could it be thousand of years or more?

The Qur’an encourages us to think critically, reflect and reach conclusio= ns. The Qur’an praises knowledge and condemns ignorance=

The Qur’an tells us to respect= and safeguard human life and liberties, but those who are ignorant or have superficial knowledge have no regard for human life:

“..if anyone kills a person, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be = as

&nb= sp; If he killed all of mankind; and if any one saved a life, it would b= e as if he saved the life of all

&nb= sp; Mankind.. “ Al-Maeda 5: 32

“Are those equal, those who kn= ow and those who do not know? It is those endued with understanding=

&nb= sp; that are reminded and receive admonition” Az-Zumar 39: 10=

The Qur’an tells us to demand proof, in other words have a questioning scientific mind:

“And they say: ”None sha= ll enter paradise unless it be a Jew or a Christian” Those are their vain desires.

Say: “Produce your proof if y= ou are truthful” Al-Baqara 2: 111

If the Qur’an came from a sour= ce other than Allah, there will be in it a lot of contradiction:

“Do they not consider the Qur’an? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have fou= nd

&nb= sp; Therein much discrepancy and contradiction” An-Nesa’a 4:= 82

The Qur’an is not a book of science. Though some of its verses refer to scientific facts it does not give details

“Allah raised the heavens with= out any pillars that you can see; then He established himself on the throne; He= has subjected the sun and the moon to his law, each runs its course for a term appointed. He does regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail that you may believe ..” Ar-R’ad 3: 2

This verse does not mean that the Qur’an explains the laws of physics.

Scientists can better understand and appreciate God’s creation, and are therefor= e, more fearful and grateful than lay people

“Those who truly fear God, amo= ng His servants, are those who have knowledge” Fatir 35: 28

“Soon We will show them Our si= gns in the horizons, and in their own souls, until it becomes clear to

Them that this is the truth..” Fusselat 41: 53

“Say: “Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a lat= er

&nb= sp; Creation, for Allah has power over all things” Al-Ankabut 29: = 20

&nb= sp;