By: Dr. Shahbaz Manj
Definition of Science
According to experts, science is the neutral observation of natural phenomena of the universe and the study of the fundamental facts associated with them. Its aim is to acquire knowledge, understand truth through observation and experimentation, and systematically organize results. Science is a methodical process based on observation, experimentation, and inductive reasoning to reach the truth.
Harmony Between Science and Religion
Anyone who reflects on the Quran can feel that it emphasizes knowledge, observation, critical thinking, and an unbiased study of facts. According to the Quran, the very first blessing bestowed upon humans after their creation was the "knowledge of things," which became the basis of their superiority (Al-Baqarah: 30-33). The Quran begins with verses related to knowledge and learning (Al-Alaq: 1-5) and declares that those with knowledge and those without are not equal (Az-Zumar: 9). It even states that true fear of Allah lies only with the knowledgeable (Fatir: 28).
The Importance of Observation and Experimentation
The Quran repeatedly urges people to observe and ponder over the signs of the universe. It emphasizes the act of looking, reflecting, and drawing insight. In modern scientific terminology, this approach is known as observation and experimentation. Conducting repeated experiments and observing phenomena in different circumstances to derive conclusions is the foundation of scientific research.
The Relationship Between Science and Religion
The Quran is not a book of science, and its primary purpose is human guidance. However, it encourages the observation of the universe's realities to understand the Creator’s power, creativity, and wisdom. Both the Quran and science share a common pathway of reaching truth through observation and reasoning, demonstrating a fundamental harmony between them.
Views of Prominent Scientists
Numerous renowned scientists have acknowledged the closeness between science and religion:
Views of Islamic Scholars
Muslim scholars have also emphasized the importance of science:
Islamic Civilization and Scientific Advancement
Both Muslim and non-Muslim researchers agree that the scientific advancements during the Islamic Golden Age were based on the observational and experimental teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Fields like algebra, astronomy, geography, and medicine flourished under Islamic influence. Ibn al-Nafis, for example, discovered pulmonary blood circulation inspired by a Hadith from Sahih Bukhari.
Views of Western Scholars
Even Western scholars have recognized the contribution of Islamic civilization to the progress of science:
The Quran’s invitation to study nature has significantly contributed to the advancement of science. Islamic thought and civilization have not only promoted science but also strengthened its observational and experimental principles.
Definition of Science
According to experts, science is the neutral observation of natural phenomena of the universe and the study of the fundamental facts associated with them. Its aim is to acquire knowledge, understand truth through observation and experimentation, and systematically organize results. Science is a methodical process based on observation, experimentation, and inductive reasoning to reach the truth.
Harmony Between Science and Religion
Anyone who reflects on the Quran can feel that it emphasizes knowledge, observation, critical thinking, and an unbiased study of facts. According to the Quran, the very first blessing bestowed upon humans after their creation was the "knowledge of things," which became the basis of their superiority (Al-Baqarah: 30-33). The Quran begins with verses related to knowledge and learning (Al-Alaq: 1-5) and declares that those with knowledge and those without are not equal (Az-Zumar: 9). It even states that true fear of Allah lies only with the knowledgeable (Fatir: 28).
The Importance of Observation and Experimentation
The Quran repeatedly urges people to observe and ponder over the signs of the universe. It emphasizes the act of looking, reflecting, and drawing insight. In modern scientific terminology, this approach is known as observation and experimentation. Conducting repeated experiments and observing phenomena in different circumstances to derive conclusions is the foundation of scientific research.
The Relationship Between Science and Religion
The Quran is not a book of science, and its primary purpose is human guidance. However, it encourages the observation of the universe's realities to understand the Creator’s power, creativity, and wisdom. Both the Quran and science share a common pathway of reaching truth through observation and reasoning, demonstrating a fundamental harmony between them.
Views of Prominent Scientists
Numerous renowned scientists have acknowledged the closeness between science and religion:
- Albert Einstein: “Scientific research awakens a religious feeling in a person. For me, it’s hard to imagine a true scientist without faith.”
- Dr. Maurice Bucaille: “Islam has always treated religion and science as twin sisters.”
- Isaac Newton: Actively refuted atheism and wrote in support of religion, asserting that the universe itself is a clear testimony to God's existence.
- Galileo: “The universe and its facts are created by God; there is no contradiction between science and religion.”
- Johannes Kepler: Motivated by religious beliefs, he turned to science and discovered God through his findings.
Views of Islamic Scholars
Muslim scholars have also emphasized the importance of science:
- Allama Iqbal: “Despite their different methods, both religion and science aim to reach the same reality.”
- Maulana Maududi: “Scientific facts help deepen the roots of faith.”
Islamic Civilization and Scientific Advancement
Both Muslim and non-Muslim researchers agree that the scientific advancements during the Islamic Golden Age were based on the observational and experimental teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Fields like algebra, astronomy, geography, and medicine flourished under Islamic influence. Ibn al-Nafis, for example, discovered pulmonary blood circulation inspired by a Hadith from Sahih Bukhari.
Views of Western Scholars
Even Western scholars have recognized the contribution of Islamic civilization to the progress of science:
- Robert Briffault: “Muslims emphasized experimentation more than the Greeks did.”
- Will Durant: “Muslim chemists were the real founders of chemistry.”
- Roger Bacon: Was influenced by the experimental methods of Muslim scientists.
The Quran’s invitation to study nature has significantly contributed to the advancement of science. Islamic thought and civilization have not only promoted science but also strengthened its observational and experimental principles.
