Islam and Science

There is no doubt that from the study of nature i.e. science man is benefited in this world, but the most basic aims of encouraging or advising people for studies of different subjects of science are to let people know by themselves that there is a creator, only one creator of the universe, he is the almighty, scientist of scientists, omnipotent, omnipresent and He is Allah (e.g. 2:225)

"The sun and the moon (move) by precise calculation. And stars and trees prostate (submit obediently to the laws of Allah)"- (55:5-6)

"... You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency..." - (67:3)

The universe is created in a well organised and balanced way with different components and objects obey natural laws as framed by Allah. This is what I personally believed as sunnatullah. Everything in this world is a Muslim, a tree, bird, water; even gravity is a Muslim, for they all obey willingly to what Allah has created them to be in order to attain harmony and balance in this universe. Everything is in perfect balance and harmony. As a student of science we should use this opportunity to look deeply into any matter regarding the universe, any branches will do fine, as we will find out the beautiful design, operations and laws behind all things, this what I meant as a sunnatullah.

Fine-tuned universe_[3] is an idea which connects all the fundamental principles of science (mostly physics) as being in harmony with each other, and were specifically designed as what they are today in order for the universe to not just support the existence of life on earth but also the existence of the universe itself. Indeed, many unbelievers try to deny such idea as it leads men to put the premise that there must be an agency of supreme power, which is Allah.

"And he has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heaven and on earth; behold in that are signs indeed for those who reflect." (45:13)

I will not say that all Muslims should stand for the idea of fine-tuned universe for Allah has all the power to create a universe built on formulae and laws which are different from what we understand today, no doubt. Although we know that it is the gravity that the force responsible to pulled everything back to the ground when it is lifted, we must believed that it is possible if and only if Allah permits it, this is the basis of a faithful student of science, to always put a premise of God in any branches of science he/she studied.

It is obvious that human are greater in authority than any other beings on earth. As Muslims we believe that it is not just a notion of survival, it is because we are given the responsibility as Caliph on this world. Perhaps this is the only reason why we are given with intelligence unlike any other creatures.

"And (mention, O Muhammad), when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a Caliph..." (2:30)

Muslim should use the knowledge of science as a tool to bring peace and harmony, and not to violate the nature. We have seen so many destructions brought unto this world by those who lusted for wealth and power. So science will be one of the methods to undo these mistakes. Make use of the knowledge and intelligence which have been given to us.

Scientific Miracles of The Quran*

The Quran is full with miracles that can be explained with science. There are many recently discovered facts that were already present in the Holy Scripture, which was revealed to men 1400 years ago. The creation of the universe, the development of a child in the womb, etc were unknown to the earliest Muslim, even to the prophet Muhammad himself. Thus, it is one of the solid proofs that no one can fabricate the Quran except the Creator himself, then proving that Muhammad is the prophets of Allah and Islam is the true religion.

A non-Muslim scientist acknowledges this fact in his statement:

“Summary: The Qur’an describes not only the development of external form, but emphasizes also the internal stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its creation and development, emphasizing major events recognized by contemporary science.”

Also he said: “As a scientist, I can only deal with things which I can specifically see. I can understand embryology and developmental biology. I can understand the words that are translated to me from the Qur’an. As I gave the example before, if I were to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I knew today and describing things, I could not describe the things which were described. I see no evidence for the fact to refute the concept that this individual, Muhammad, had to be developing this information from some place. So I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that divine intervention was involved in what he was able to write.”_[4]

It is perhaps easy to approach a non-Muslim through the door of science. Many of the atheist came from a non-Muslim family or if not, from a non-Muslim community. This is because some of them realize that there are many contradictions with science and the religion they believe. Earliest Christian’s churches will execute death penalties to scientists that put forward statements that contradict with the Christian’s belief, and because it happened so frequently, people resorted not to belief in the religion whenever they encounter contradictions. I believe that some people would be attracted to Islam through the scientific miracles in the Quran and then perhaps revert to Islam, just like this scientist from Chiang Mai University, Professor Tejatat Tejasen;

“During the last three years, I became interested in the Qur’an . . . . From my study and what I have learned from this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Qur’an fourteen hundred years ago must be the truth that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth, which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who iseligible [as the] creator. This creator must be God. Therefore, I think this is the time to say La ilaha illa Allah, there is no god toworship except Allah (God), Muhammadur rasoolu Allah; Muhammad is Messenger (Prophet) of Allah (God). Lastly, I must congratulate for the excellent and highly successful arrangement for this conference . . . . I have gained not only from the scientific point of view and religious point of view but also the great chance of meeting many well-known scientists and making many new friends among the participants. The most precious thing of all that I have gained by coming to this place is La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, and to have become a Muslim.”_[5]

Please take note that, scientific miracles in the Quran are not the only ways to preach Islam to the non-Muslim and might not be the best either. Plus, it can be quite difficult too. The difficulties might occur when a concept or a theory of science that we are trying to explain is not accepted or considered true by the person or people that we are preaching to, example; we cannot convince a non-Muslim that the Quran supports the Big Bang theory if he/she did not believe of the theory in the first place. However, we can pray to Allah to guide and help us in the course of da’wah, Insya-Allah.