Scientific views Flashcards
Scientific views?
Islam is based on the belief in God and accepting His revelation without question, while science seeks to explain the world through observations and natural laws. Although religion and science may seem to be in opposition, they are not always mutually exclusive.
Islamic golden age
The Islamic Golden Age, from 750 to 1258, occurred under the Abbasid Caliphate, with Baghdad as the thriving center of learning and culture. During this period, the city became the largest and wealthiest in the world, home to the House of Wisdom, which housed over a million books, including texts from philosophers and scientists worldwide. Vizier Yahya ibn Khalid funded translations of Hindu and Indian medical texts into Arabic. Caliph Harun Al-Rashid supported Baghdad’s development as a cosmopolitan center of knowledge, a legacy continued by his successor. This vibrant culture contrasts sharply with the typical view of the Dark Ages.
Scientific approach
During the Islamic Golden Age, Muslims were not only focused on reading but also developing understanding, with scholars like Al-Haytham pioneering the scientific method by questioning and seeking proof. Baghdad was a hub for debate between religion, science, and philosophy. Some historians argue that the true scientific advancements came from Europe during the Renaissance, while others emphasize the Muslim contributions.
Muslims differed from modern scientists in their belief in God, which conflicts with the empirical, observational approach used in science. While some scientists, like Hawking, deny God’s existence, Muslims believe the Quran is the word of Allah, unquestionable and infallible. However, during the Islamic Golden Age, some saw the laws of nature as God’s laws in the Quran. Scientific investigation was seen as a form of worship, revealing Allah’s creation.
There are parallels between Islamic views of natural law and Western theories, with the key difference being Allah’s supreme authority to override natural laws. Some Muslims reject science out of concern it may lead to faith rejection, while others embrace both their faith and scientific learning. Seyyed Hossain Nasr noted that in Islam, the connection between nature, science, and religion is inseparable, as reflected in the Quran.
Islamic teachings of creation
Islamic teachings of creation share similarities with the biblical creation story. The Quran describes Allah as the eternal, timeless creator of the universe. Allah is the first cause of creation, and everything originates from Him. A Hadith quotes Muhammad stating that Allah first created His throne, then the heavens and earth, writing everything in a heavenly book.
The Quran states that the heavens and earth were once unified and then separated. The earth was created in stages, over unspecified periods, and Allah created all living things, including the sun, moon, and stars. The story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) depicts the creation of the first humans, where Adam is formed from clay and given life by Allah. Hawa is created from Adam’s rib, and both live in paradise. They are forbidden from eating from one tree, but Iblees (Satan) tempts them, leading to their fall from grace. Despite their disobedience, Allah forgives them, and they live on earth, giving rise to humanity.
A key difference between the Islamic and Christian creation stories is that both Adam and Hawa are equally guilty of eating the forbidden fruit, not just Eve tempting Adam. The Quran emphasizes that the universe is full of signs for believers to reflect upon, showing Allah’s creation in nature. The philosopher Tufayl’s story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan provides another view, where a boy isolated on a desert island deduces the existence of a first cause of the universe by observing nature. This story mirrors the Quran’s teachings about creation and knowledge.
The big bang theory
The Big Bang Theory is the most widely accepted scientific explanation for the universe’s creation. It suggests that around 13.8 billion years ago, the universe began as a dense, hot mass that exploded, causing the universe to expand. As it cooled, particles formed atoms and matter. The theory predicts the presence of background radiation, which has been detected, supporting the theory. However, there is no definitive empirical proof, and questions remain about what caused the Big Bang. Some religious believers, including Muslims, may integrate God into the theory, seeing the Big Bang as a tool through which Allah created the universe. For Muslims, the key belief is that Allah is the first cause, and after creation, natural forces are guided by Him.
Steady state theory
The Steady State Theory suggests that the universe has always existed and remains essentially unchanged, with new matter continuously created, rather than originating from a single explosion. This theory, popular in the mid-20th century, posits that the universe will expand indefinitely. While Einstein introduced relativity, which allowed space and time to change, he did not support a steady-state universe. For Muslims, the belief in a first cause—Allah—is essential, and the idea of an eternal universe could imply equivalence to God, which contradicts Muslim theology. However, cyclical creation could be compatible with the belief that Allah works in various ways. Al-Biruni, a Muslim scholar, observed that time is relative and non-linear, and he made significant astronomical contributions, such as accurately calculating the Earth’s radius. His work reflects the idea that Muslims can gain insights from observing the universe.
Expanding/oscillating universe theory
The Expanding/Oscillating Universe Theory suggests that the universe undergoes a continuous cycle of expansion (Big Bang) followed by contraction (Big Crunch), repeating indefinitely. This challenges the idea of a singular Big Bang and raises the question of a first cause. Muslims believe that the universe cannot be self-sustaining and must have a creator, as only Allah can give purpose and sustain creation. However, it is possible for Allah to work through cycles of creation while maintaining ultimate control.
Islamic thinkers, such as Al-Biruni and Avicenna, debated cosmology, with Avicenna arguing that God must be the first cause of everything, while Al-Biruni viewed the universe as a sign of God’s power. Ibn Arabi, a Spanish Sufi, believed the universe reflected Allah’s eternal qualities, allowing for continuous cycles of creation, birth, and rebirth. This perspective aligns well with the Expanding/Oscillating Universe Theory. Flannery notes that Avicenna’s cosmology centers on God as the necessary being and first cause of the universe.
Surah 3:26-27
Surah 3:26-27 emphasizes God’s omnipotence, highlighting that He is the creator of everything and actively involved in daily events. Muslims differ in beliefs about Allah’s control over actions, with Qadr (predestination) suggesting Allah has already determined a person’s fate, while others believe life is a test, with humans having free will to choose their actions. Sunni Muslims emphasize Qadr, while Shia Muslims focus on personal responsibility, but both agree that Allah remains involved in creation.
Surah 24:45 mentions that all creatures are made from water, which some interpret as reminiscent of evolutionary theory, though this was not a concept during the Quran’s revelation. The passage discusses the sequence of creatures, similar to evolution, but one should be cautious in making direct comparisons. This opens a debate between scientific and religious views on the origins of life.
Surah 23:12-14 and Quran 15:26 describe the creation of humans from clay, and also mention human reproduction, where life is formed from sperm and egg by Allah’s permission. Science explains embryo development, but for Muslims, humans are more than flesh and blood; they have a soul. Scientific knowledge can help Muslims interpret the Quran, but for believers, the Quran and Hadith remain primary sources.
