The
Qurans conception of science
By Amanulla
Vadakkangara
SCIENCE is the study of the universe in general and of the
elements of our environment in particular. It studies nature and its behaviour through
observation, experimentation and the correlation of physical entities. The objective is to
unravel the mysteries surrounding us so as to reach the ultimate Truth which is only one
and which is the purest and perfect reality. Unlike philosophy, science strives to
establish itself on facts and justifies their relevance in theoretical terms which, when
put in practice, become technology. Thus we can say that science and technology are two
faces of the same coin. Science provides with the theories on which is the technology
evolved. Whereas the Holy Qur'an is the uncreated word of Allah. It is the guidance to the
mankind and it is the most sacred Book in the world.
I regret to state that Islam has remained the most misunderstood
and discriminated religion over the ages. Hence, a great part of the world's population
considers it as one opposed to the basics of science and technology. It is believed, and
wrongly so, to be antiprogressive and antihumanistic. It sticks to norms and standards
which are centuries old and do not bear any relevance to the modern world. Indeed, it is
crystal clear that there is not even an iota of truth in what these men say. Islam is
neither antiprogressive not antiscientific. The men who frame these charges against
Islam overlook the great contributions made by the Muslims to modern sciences. Muslims
were the first community to study astronomy and life sciences in detail as per the
recommendations of the Qur'an. Muslims were the custodians of science and technology till
the 10th century AD. Had it not been for them, the Western world wouldn't have come to
know of the concepts of scientific calculations, astronomy and medicines, brought down to
them by the rich Greek and Roman traditions. Without them the modern science would still
be in its infancy. Unlike other religions founded on myths, legends and baseless beliefs,
Islam invites us to testify its claim to the worship of one and the only God. It is for
this purpose that the Holy Qur'an calls upon human beings to observe the universe about
them. For every comprehensible and uncomprehensible element in it bears witness to the
presence of Allah, the Almighty. Some of the hints given in the Qur'an centuries ago have
come to be understood today and there is still a lot left for the coming generations to
research and realise.
Let me present before you the meaning of a single verse just to
see how Allah inculcates a sense of scientific analysis and exploration among His
believers. He says, "Behold! In the creation of the heavens and earth, in the
alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ship through the ocean for the
profit of mankind; in the rains which God sends down from the skies and the life which He
gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters
through the earth; in the change of the winds and the clouds which trail like their slaves
between the sky and the earth; (here) indeed are the signs for the people that are wise.
"Obviously this verse exerts and incites us to observe subjectively as well as
objectively the world around us and to study its nature and its behaviour so as the fields
of astronomy, geography, marine culture, oceanography, life sciences and meteorology which
among them form the physical world around us. This is but one verse of the Holy Qur'an.
There are numerous others which the modern science has come to accept as just and true.
Although it has not been able to prove, science holds the belief that the solar system was
born out of a gaseous substance. The Qur'an long ago declared it to be from Dukhan. It is
only at the end of the 19th century that the scientists found out the stages of pregnancy
while it has been there in the Qur'an ever since its revelation.
Similarly regarding the heavenly bodies Allah revealed that they
have their orbits and that they dare not go astray:
And above all the Holy Qur'an declares that Allah has created a
balance in every object of the world and that man is just a tiny part of it. There are
other worlds apart from our own is quite clear. Science is still looking for them. Allah
has indeed permitted man to explore and investigate but warned him not to transgress his
limits; for it would result in disaster as he rightly declares.
"And the firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the
balance (of justice) in order that ye may not transgress (due) balance."
Thus we conclude that the Holy Qur'an is not a book of science or
technology, it is the book of guidance for those who seek to follow the path of Truth,
which is belief in Almighty Allah and an unconditional submission to him. The Qur'an
exerts men and women to study the world around them so that they may realise the ultimate
reality and thus turn to Allah. He has created man as the best of the species present on
earth and has subjugated every thing on it to man: Allah has bestowed upon man the
faculties of thought and perceptions so that he may behold and ponder over Allah's
creations.
When we observe we can see that both good and evil coexist in
this world. Where is thesis there is antithesis too. Hence, it is the synthesis of the two
conceived essentially for the benefit of humanity which is insisted upon by the Qur'an.
The Qur'an is not against science and technology but is certainly against their use for
inhuman and unnatural purposes. Modern science has made great strides in the field of
nuclear technology. We are well aware of the effect it will have on earth irrespective of
the political boundaries. One wonders if the science of the day is taking man to heights
or to equally lower depths. A true scientist according to the Qur'an is one who observes
the signs of Allah and exclaims.
"Our Lord! not for naught hast thou created (all) this!
Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of fire".
May Almighty Allah assist us in our nobel deeds so that we may
desist from incurring His wrath.
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