One may wonder how a book, which was revealed in the seventh century is still used by Muslims as their reference and a book of guidance for all aspects of their lives in the twenty-first century. The answer to this question requires knowing more about the characteristics of this great divine holy book.
The Quran’s Authenticity and Timelessness
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) says in the Quran [1] that the Quran is His last book revealed to mankind and that it was revealed to Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam), who was the seal of the Prophets: “Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things” (Quran 33: 40). Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) states that He shall protect the Quran from being lost or corrupted: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian” (Quran 15: 9). Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) also mentions that the Quran has no contradictions or errors: “Then, do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction” (Quran 4: 82). Indeed, the Quran has been kept intact since it was revealed, and people have been reading it for the past 1436 years without identifying errors, changes, or corruptions.
The Quran was Revealed to an Unlettered Prophet
Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam) was an unlettered man. He did not know how to read or write. This fact was mentioned in the Quran by Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu): “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful” (Quran 7: 157). “Say, [O Muhammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided” (Quran 7: 158). Based on the above-mentioned verses, it is very clear that all the perfection and the greatness of the Quran are not, and should not be, attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam), rather they should be ascribed to Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) the Creator of everything. Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam) grew up in the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century. In that time, that part of the world was not a hub of science or an oasis of knowledge. On the contrary, it was a land inhabited by people who most of them were pagans and idol worshipers. They believed in magical powers, spirits, and witch-crafting. This is why the pre-Islamic era was named as the time of “Jahiliyyah” in the Arabic literature. The word “Jahiliyyah” in Arabic means the time of ignorance. Even though, the Quran was revealed in a time of ignorance, yet it talked about very advanced scientific issues to testify that it is the word of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) the Creator, the One Who knows everything.
The Quran and Science
The Quran approaches scientific topics in a logical style that is remarkably simple, accurate, concise, and timeless. In addition, the Quran encourages critical thinking and scientific reasoning. “Read” was the first word revealed of the Quran: “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not” (Quran 96: 1-5). The Quran tells us that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) ordered the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alay-hi wa-sallam) to say a prayer (supplication) asking Him to increase his knowledge: “and say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge” (Quran 20: 114). This verse is often seen written in large fonts in the classrooms and lecture halls of schools and universities in many Muslim countries. Also, it should be noticed that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) ordered the people who believe in Him to search and discover how the universe was created: “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” (Quran 29: 20). The aforementioned verses show that the Quran appreciates science, supports scientific research, and encourages discovery. The Quran calls for observing the natural world and thinking about how it was created: “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidence, signs, etc.) for people of understanding” (Quran 2: 164). Additionally, in the Quran, terms such as think and reflect appear in many verses, showing the importance of thinking and reasoning in the life of a human being: “Those who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire” (Quran 3: 191). “And He it is Who spread the earth and made in it firm mountains and rivers, and of all fruits He has made in it two kinds (Zawjain Ithnain); He makes the night cover the day; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect!” (Quran 13: 3). The Arabic words "Zawjain Ithnain" can be translated as “two in pairs” or “two kinds,” or it may mean “of two sorts,” e.g. male and female. This is one example of the richness of the Arabic language and also the challenge that faces people who try to translate the Qur’anic verses into other languages. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) mentions in the Quran that He will show mankind signs in the universe and even in their own bodies testifying that the Quran is undoubtedly His word as the Only Creator: “We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?” (Quran 41: 53). To Muslims, one of the fascinating aspects of the Quran is that the modern sciences agree with its verses, although the Quran was revealed in the seventh century. In all fairness, the topic of the Quran’s stance on science cannot be fully covered in few pages because it is really enormous; however, I will provide examples of some of the scientific facts mentioned in the Quran. You can find more verses by reading the entire Quran. Before we start reading the verses I find it very important to present the following key points:
1. Only Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) knows the complete and absolute meanings of each and every verse of the Quran. Thus, when we talk a bout a scientific aspect in one of the verses of the Quran we do this based on the state of knowledge in our time. More and deeper knowledge will be discovered in the future.
2. The Quran is the last holy book revealed from Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) to mankind as guidance and as an everlasting miracle. Since it is an everlasting miracle, then every generation of human beings will discover new meanings in it according to the state of science and technology in their time, so they witness by themselves that the one who revealed the Quran is the Creator of the universe. Therefore newer and deeper levels of knowledge, in the Quran, will keep unfolding until the end of time.
3. Although the Quran talks about science, but it is not a book of biology or any other natural science. However, the Quran contains many verses describing scientific facts about the universe and life one earth in a super-accurate manner. These verses serve as signs and proofs that the Quran is the word of the Creator of the entire universe.
Now, let us read the following Qur’anic verses and explore SOME of the scientific meanings in them. In addition, let us remember that these verses were revealed in the seventh century, in which microscopes, telescopes, and molecular biology ... etc. were not known at all.
Mountains as pegs with a role in earth’s stabilization:
“Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse; And the mountains as pegs?” (Quran 78: 6-7). “And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with them, and We have made therein broad highways (between mountains) for them to pass through: that they may receive Guidance” (Quran 21: 31). Modern science has shown that mountains have roots under the ground [2]. Additionally, it has been shown that mountains play a role in the stability of the earth while rotating on its axis [3].
Day and night on earth:
“He created the heaven and the earth with the Truth; He rolls the night over the daytime, and He rolls the daytime over the night, and He has subjected the sun and the moon, each of them running to a stated term. Verily He is The Ever-Mighty, The Superb Forgiver” (Quran 39: 5). This verse in the Arabic language uses the word "yokawer", which is translated here as “rolls over” to imply merging light into darkness on earth. The verb "yokawer" in Arabic means “to coil a turban around the head”, which indicates rotating an object in a circular motion. Scientists know that the succession of day and night on earth occurs while it is rotating on its axis.
Moon is a light, and sun is a lamp:
“And has made the moon a Noor (light) therein, and made the sun a Siraj (lamp)” (Quran 71: 16). One of the meanings of the word "Siraj" in Arabic is an oil lamp. The verse says that the sun is like a "Siraj", which uses fuel to produce heat and light. An oil lamp contains a limited amount of fuel. Modern science has shown that the sun produces heat and light and that it will reach a point at which it runs out of fuel. Moreover, the verse states that the moon is a like "Noor"which means light in Arabic and not a "Siraj". We know that the moon’s surface reflects sunlight, so it appears bright at night and does not produce light and heat like the sun, which is a giant thermonuclear furnace.
Human fingertips:
“Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers” (Quran 75: 4). The verse says that Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) will re-create every human being on the day of resurrection with no single error, even in the making of his/her fingertips. One should ask why the finger tips and not any other body part? We know that the tips of the fingers have fingerprints that give every human being a unique identity.
Sinful front of head:
“A lying, sinful Naseyah (forehead)!” (Quran 96: 16). The verse in Arabic uses the word "Naseyah", which indicates the forehead. Modern science has shown that the prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that plays roles in planning, motivating, and initiating good and sinful behavior [2]. Thus, the verse does not say a lying sinful person or a lying sinful brain, but it talks about a lying "Naseyah", which is the specific region of the brain that controls the lying in humans.
Expanding universe:
“With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof” (Quran 51: 47). Modern science has shown that the universe is expanding with time. What is very important here is that this verse was revealed in the seventh century. At that time the red-shift theory and the discovery of the expanding nature of the universe were not known at all.
Breathing difficulty in sky:
“And whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam; and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allah puts the wrath on those who believe not” (Quran 6: 125). After building airplanes and space shuttles, humans discovered that they experience extreme difficulty in breathing at the higher layers of the atmosphere and beyond.
Cattle milk comes from digested materials and blood:
“And verily! In the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between Farth and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers” (Quran 16: 66). The word "Farth" in the Arabic language means the digested materials inside the digestive system of cattle. The verse is mentioning the digested food and the animal's blood when talking about the formation of milk. In the seventh century, it was not known that the blood carries nutrients and has a role in milk formation.
Separations between water bodies:
“He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses” (Quran 55: 19-20). “And it is He who has released [simultaneously] the two seas, one fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and He placed between them a barrier and prohibiting partition” (Quran 25: 53). Modern science has shown that two water bodies can meet, yet in the meeting zone/layer they can be distinguished from each other based on factors such as water temperature, density, and chemistry (salinity) [2].
Human embryonic stages:
In the seventh century, the Quran provided super accurate details describing the in-utero development of the human embryo, although such details cannot be seen by the naked eye [2]. We all know that microscopes did not exist in the seventh century. What is quite amazing is that modern embryology agrees with the Qur’anic verses on the creation of human embryo [4]. “And that He (Allah) creates the pairs, male and female; From Nutfa when it is emitted” (Quran 53: 45-46). In another verse of the Quran, Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) describes the Nutfa as being Amshaj, which is an Arabic word meaning “mixed”: “Verily, We have created man from Nutfa Amshaj, in order to try him: so We made him hearer and seer” (Quran 76: 2). Modern science has shown that the gamete has mixed DNA as a result of crossing over, which occurs in meiosis when the two homologous chromosomes form a tetrad and exchange genetic material. “He it is Who created you from dust, then from a Nutfa then from an Alaqa, then brings you forth as a child …” (Quran 40: 67). The word Alaqa in Arabic has three meanings: (1) leech; (2) suspended thing; and (3) blood clot. All of these meanings apply to the human embryo as it clings to the uterine wall and takes food from the blood of the mother. Additionally, the embryo in an early stage of development resembles a leech. The resemblance between the Alaqa and a leech is very clear when both of their images are put side by side [2][4]. More information about the Qur’anic verses on the human embryo are presented in the section entitled “Creation of Adam’s Offspring”.
Hearing occurs before sight in human embryos:
“It is He Who has created for you (the sense of) hearing (ears), eyes (sight), and hearts (understanding). Little thanks you give” (Quran 23: 78). Modern human embryology states that the sense of hearing develops before the sense of sight.
Sub-atomic level:
“And not absent from your Lord is any [part] of an atom's weight within the earth or within the heaven or [anything] smaller than that or greater but that it is in a clear register” (Quran 10: 61). At the time of the revelation of this verse, approximately 1436 years ago, the word atom meant the smallest visible grain of dust, yet the Quran mentioned the existence of smaller levels. To me, this verse is one example of the scientific accuracy of the Quran at all times. This is to say that the Quran does not leave any room for any scientific error. If the verse did not say “less than an atom,” someone in the twenty-first century or later would say that the Quran is not accurate because it assumed that the atom, according to its size in the seventh century, is the smallest quantity of matter. Beautifully put, the verse says, “what is less than an atom.”
Bees and honey:
"And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you). There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think" (Quran 16: 68-69). Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) created instincts in honeybees showing them how to find good places in which they build their hives. Also, the verses mention that honey is a medicine for people. The word fruits in the verse is a translation of the Arabic word "Al-thamarat". This word has another meaning, because it also means different plant kinds: “And it is He who spread the earth and placed therein firmly set mountains and rivers; and from all of the fruits He made therein two mates; He causes the night to cover the day. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought” (Quran 13: 3). Thus honeybees feed on different plants using their mouth parts. A honeybee has chewing-lapping mouth parts in the form of a long tube and a hairy tongue for lapping up nectar and honey. In addition, it has chewing mandibles to eat pollen, manipulate beeswax, and for defense. Honeybees eat pollen to obtain a wide range of nutrients including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, and minerals. So, honeybees eat solid food (pollen) and consume liquid food (nectar).
Ants communicate by a language:
"Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not" (Quran 27: 18). This verse of the Quran says that some ants do communicate among each other by means of a language. This can be known from the next verse of the same chapter in which we read that Solmon (peace be upon him) was able by the power of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) to hear what was said by that ant and understand its language: "So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants" (Quran 27: 19). Modern science confirms that insects, like ants, communicate by different means including sound (acoustic communication).
Fuel from green trees (green fuel):
"He, Who produces for you fire out of the green trees, when behold! You kindle therewith" (Quran 36: 80). This verse mentions the production of fire from green trees. At the time of its revelation, people understood this verse as green plants will be used as firewood when they become dry. However, currently there is a lot of research on the production of energy directly from the green plants (green fuel).
Anthropogenic (man-made) corruption in land and sea:
"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]" (Quran 30: 41). Today we know that the size of the human population is growing rapidly over time and consequently pollution levels are increasing. Man-made pollution is detected in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Deep seas and internal waves:
" Or [they are] like darknesses within an unfathomable (deep) sea which is covered by waves, upon which are waves, over which are clouds - darknesses, some of them upon others. When one puts out his hand [therein], he can hardly see it. And he to whom Allah has not granted light - for him there is no light" (Quran 24: 40). Modern science shows that below the depth of 1000 meter under water there is no light [2]. Also that there are surface waves and internal waves in seas and oceans.
Origin of iron in earth:
"We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people, and so that Allah may make evident those who support Him and His messengers unseen. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might" (Quran 57: 25). This verse says that iron was sent down. Scientists believe that iron was brought to the earth's surface from meteorite fragments.
Cloud formation:
“Do you not see that Allah drives clouds? Then, He brings them together, then He makes them into a mass, and you see the rain emerge from within it. And He sends down from the sky, mountains [of clouds] within which is hail, and He strikes with it whom He wills and averts it from whom He wills. The flash of its lightening almost takes away the eyesight” (Quran 24: 43); “Allah is He Who sends the winds, so that they raise clouds, and spread them along the sky as He wills, and then break them into fragments, until you see rain drops come forth from their midst! Then, when He has made them fall on whom of His slaves as He wills, lo, they rejoice!” (Quran 30: 48). These two verses describe the formation of clouds, hail, and rain. Such information could not be known in the seventh century where weather balloons and meteorological stations did not exist.
Movement of soil particles in water:
“And of His signs is that you see the earth stilled, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and grows (swells). Indeed, He who has given it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed, He is over all things competent” (Quran 41: 39).
“O People, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed - that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as a child, and then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity. And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind” (Quran 22: 5).
The verses tell us that when rain (water) reaches the earth (upper soil layer that is used by plants) then as a result earth (soil particles) quivers/stirs and swells. Scientists know that soil particles in water are in a colloidal state, which means there is a two-phase system in which clay particles are dispersed in water. Colloidal particles move in water (such as the Brownian movement). The point here is that when water interacts with clay particles the latter enters a state of movement. In addition, there is a swelling in clay minerals. All of this advanced knowledge about soil and water interaction could not be known without microscopic studies and certainly such advanced technology and knowledge were not present in the seventh century.
Reducing the land (earth):
“Have they not seen that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? And Allah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account” (Quran 13: 41).
“But, [on the contrary], We have provided good things for these [disbelievers] and their fathers until life was prolonged for them. Then do they not see that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? So it is they who will overcome?” (Quran 21: 44).
The Arabic word “Al-Aradh” means: the earth and also means the land. The current earth is smaller than what it was in the past. Scientists say that the size of earth today is smaller than its size during the early stages of the solar system formation. So there is reduction in “Al-Ardh” (i.e. reduction in the earth’s size). The earth has two ice caps on the Polar Regions (North Pole and South Pole). It is a common knowledge today that glaciers and icebergs are getting smaller (melting) over time as a result of the global warming and other related factors. So there is reduction in “Al-Ardh” (in the thickness of earth’s polar ice caps). In addition, one of the predicted negative effects of the global warming is the rising of sea levels, which is caused by the melting of the ice of the Polar Regions. Consequently, lands with low altitudes will be submerged by sea or ocean water. This is to say that the area of dry land on earth will be reduced over time. So there is reduction in “Al-Ardh” (in earth’s dry land area).
Origin of germ cells from between “Al-Sulb” and “Al-Tra’ib”:
In the Arabic language the word “Al-Sulb” means the backbone and the word “Al-Tra’ib” means certain ribs (in the rib cage) in the human body. Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) talked about the creation of mankind via sexual reproduction in several verses in the Quran including the following ones: “So let man observe from what he was created. He was created from a fluid, ejected. Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.” (Quran 5-7: 86). In the above-mentioned verse the Arabic word “Al-Sulb” (= backbone) and "Al-Tar'ib" (= the ribs) were used. Modern human embryology tells us that there is cell migration within the embryo in the early embryonic stages (this includes the migration of germ cells) [5]. This migration means that specific cells in the human embryo move from a place of origin to a place of residence, which will be their final destination for the rest of the life of the human being. This very advanced knowledge applies to the migrating germ cells. These germ cells migrate from the primitive rib region (which develops into the rib cage in an adult human) to the urogenital ridge area, which contains the genital ridge, which in turn develops later into a gonad (testis in the male and an ovary in the female). So, the genital ridge is located between the primitive rib and the primitive backbone. This process occurs in the human embryo in about the fifth week of age.
In conclusion, after all of the previously stated verses of the Quran, which talked about science, everyone should ask: why would a holy book, which was revealed in the seventh century care to talk about science and moreover to challenge the whole world in its time and until the end of time? In fact, I say to the people who say that the Quran is the word of a man, if this holy book were to be a word of a man then obviously it is for his best advantage not to talk about any science in it and not to challenge anyone and to keep the focus only on religious matters in order to avoid putting his book under the scrutiny of scientists from every discipline of science in his time and until the end of time. But, this was not the case because the Quran is the word of the Creator, Who knows that no one can challenge His knowledge: “We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?” (Quran 41: 53). Moreover, another question should be asked to the ones who say that the Quran is the word of a man, how could a man in the seventh century talk about scientific issues, which were not known at all in his time? Issues such as microscopic human embryonic stages, expanding universe, cloud formation at high atmospheric altitudes, deep sea waves, ant communication, orbits, and the origin of iron in earth, just to name a few. The answer is that the Quran is the word of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu), the Creator of everything: "Say, [O Muhammad], It has been revealed by He who knows [every] secret within the heavens and the earth. Indeed, He is ever Forgiving and Merciful" (Quran 25: 6).
The Quran is not a Natural History Book
Despite all of what was said above in terms of Quranic verses talking about scientific facts, it should be reiterated that the Quran was not mainly revealed to serve as a reference book on embryology or any other science; rather, it was revealed as a book of guidance and mercy from Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu): “Alif-Lam-Ra. (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness (of disbelief and polytheism) into light (of belief in the Oneness of Allah and Islamic Monotheism) by their Lord's Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise” (Quran 14: 1). “And We have not sent down the Book (the Qur'an) to you (O Muhammad), except that you may explain clearly unto them those things in which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a folk who believe” (Quran 16: 64). However, it should be known that the scientific facts mentioned in the Quran serve as proofs that the Quran comes from the Creator of everything: "And say, [All] praise is [due] to Allah . He will show you His signs, and you will recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do" (Quran 27: 93). This paragraph "The Quran is not a Natural History Book" was already presented on page 2 of this website in a section entitled "misconceptions about the Quran". It is repeated here again as a reminder and to serve as a closing remark after talking about the Quran and science.
Muslim Scientists
Many great Muslim scientists contributed to science during the period of time, which was called the Golden Era of History, which is the time between the 7th and 15th centuries. In an article entitled “The greatest scientific advances from the Muslim world” the author stated that ”during the dark ages of medieval Europe, incredible scientific advances were made in the Muslim world” (https://www.theguardian.com). The following names of Muslim scientists deserve being searched and read about: Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī (father of Algebra), Ibn-Sīnā (also known as Avicenna), Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī (also known as Rhasis or Rhazes), Al-Biruni, Ibn al-Haytham (also known as Alhazen or Alhacen), and Al-Kindi (also known as Alkindus).
The Quran and the Scientific Method
Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) stated in the Quran: “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” (Quran 29: 20). In fact, this verse directs human beings who believe in Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) to use the first step in the scientific method, which is observation. Also, the verse asks them to answer an open question, which starts with the word “how” (“How did Allah originate creation?”). Open questions lead to deeper thinking and more reflection. Thus, we can say that the scientific method used by today's scientists comes in agreement with the aforementioned verse because once a question is asked by a scientist then every possible answer becomes a hypothesis that requires testing. This step will be followed by conducting experiments, generating and analyzing data. As a result, wrong hypotheses are rejected and the correct one is accepted. Therefore, the above-mentioned verse directs humans toward sound critical thinking in order to discover the history of life on earth.
Now it is the time to start reading about the topic of the creation and know about who created everything. GO TO NEXT PAGE.
References
[1] Qur’an. Available online: http://quran.com/
[2] Ibrahim, I.A. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam. 2nd Edition. Houston: Darussalam, Publishers and Distributors, 1997, pp. 5-27. Available online: http://www.islam-guide.com/frm-ch1-1.htm
[3] El-Naggar, Z.R. The Geological Concept of Mountains in the Holy Qur'an. Makkah: Commission on Scientific Signs of Qur’an and Sunnah, 1992, pp. 1-50. Available online: http://themwl.org/downloads/The%20Geological%20Concept%20of%20Mountains%20in%20the%20Holy%20Quran.pdf
[4] Zindani, M.A., E.M. Johnson, G.C. Goeringer, J.L. Simpson, K.L. Moore, M.A. Ahmed, and T.V.N. Persaud. Human Development As Described In Qur’an And Sunnah: Correlation With Modern Embryology. 2nd Edition. Makkah: Commission on Scientific Signs of Qur’an and Sunnah, 2000, pp. 1-175. Available online: http://themwl.org/downloads/Human%20development%20As%20Describes%20in%20the%20Quran%20and%20Sunnah.pdf
[5] Massimo De Felici. 2013. Origin, Migration, and Proliferation of Human Primordial Germ Cells; in G. Coticchio et al. (eds.), Oogenesis, 19
DOI 10.1007/978-0-85729-826-3_2, © Springer-Verlag London 2013.
The contents of this webpage are COPYRIGHT © 2016-2022 by Mohammad Al-Deeb. All Rights Reserved.