THE MEANING OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION
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SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation and analysis. It aims to understand how things work by gathering evidence, forming hypotheses, testing and developing theories based on results.
RELIGION
RELIGION
Religion is a system of beliefs, practices and values that connects people to what they consider sacred, divine or spiritually significant. It often involves belief in a higher power or god, moral teachings, rituals and a sense of community or belonging.
THE PURPOSE AND METHODS
PURPOSE
PURPOSE
To understand the natural world and the laws that govern it.
METHODS
METHODS
Through observation, experimentation, hypothesis, data analysis, peer review and revision.
PURPOSE
PURPOSE
To provide a framework for understanding the meaning and purpose of life, as well as moral and ethical guidance.
METHODS
METHODS
Through faith & revelation, prayer & worship and ethical & moral guidance.
THE MISCONCEPTION BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION
(ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE)
Scientific View: The Big Bang Theory
Scientific View: The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is the most widely accepted scientific explanation for how the universe began. According to this theory, which is around 13.8 billion years ago, all matter and energy were concentrated in a single and dense point. This point exploded (not like a typical explosion, but a rapid expansion), creating space, time, matter and energy. From this moment, the universe has continued to expand and cool, eventually forming galaxies, stars, planets and life. This theory is based on strong evidence, including cosmic background radiation, the movement of galaxies and the abundance of light elements.
Islamic View: Quranic Verses
Islamic View: Quranic Verses
In the Islamic view, the origin of the universe is understood as a deliberate act of creation by Allah, who brought the heavens and the earth into existence from a state of unity. The Quran describes that the heavens and the earth were once joined together before Allah separated them, as mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30), which many interpret as aligning with the concept of the universe beginning from a single point which similar to the Big Bang Theory. Additionally, the Quran states in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:47) that Allah is continuously expanding the heavens, which reflects the modern scientific understanding that the universe is still expanding. These verses highlight that Islam encourages reflection on the natural world and supports the idea that scientific discoveries can coexist with and even reinforce religious beliefs about creation.
THE COMMON GOALS
Seeking Truth
Seeking Truth
Both science and religion aim to understand the truth. Science seeks to explain how the universe works, while religion seeks to explain why it exists and what our purpose is.
Encouraging Ethical Responsibility
Encouraging Ethical Responsibility
While science provides tools and discoveries, religion offers moral guidance. Together, they can ensure that knowledge is used ethically for the good of humanity and the environment.
Improving Human Life
Improving Human Life
Both aim to improve the human condition which is science through technology and medicine and religion through values like compassion, justice and peace.
REFERENCES
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, June 5). Science | Definition, Disciplines, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/science
Schimmel, Annemarie, Mahdi, S, M., Rahman, & Fazlur. (2025, June 25). Islam | Religion, Beliefs, Practices, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam
National Geographic. (2018, March 1). Origins of the Universe 101 | National Geographic [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdPzOWlLrbE
Dr Zakir Naik. (2020, October 5). The Quran Describes the Creation of the Universe “The Big Bang” 1400 years ago -Dr Zakir Naik [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bmmfDhsrVM
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