Truth of Scientific Theories in Light of Qur’anic Teachings
Translated from original Urdu content❖ Clear Qur'anic Teachings and Interpretations Based on Scientific Theories
There was a time when Newton’s “mechanical theory of the universe” captivated the world. According to this theory, the universe was bound by the laws of cause and effect. As a result, supernatural realities were ridiculed, and some Muslim thinkers attempted to reinterpret Qur’anic miracles according to scientific principles. For instance:
- The fire not harming Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام)
- The miraculous Night Journey (Mi‘raj) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Instead of acknowledging the supernatural essence of such events, rationalized interpretations based on habitual causes were fabricated.
This trend was not limited to miracles alone. It extended to other Qur’anic truths such as:
- The creation of Prophet Adam (عليه السلام)
- The refusal of Satan to prostrate
- The existence of angels, Paradise, and Hell
These were often reduced to mere symbols or allegories.
❖ Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s Interpretation of the Qur’an
In his Tafsir al-Qur'an, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan attempted to validate Qur’anic meanings through scientific reasoning, proposing that:
- Angels represent positive human faculties
- Jinn and devils symbolize negative emotions
- Prophet Adam (عليه السلام) is not an individual, but a symbol of all humanity
- Paradise and Hell are not actual places, but psychological states of joy and grief
Such interpretations distort the explicit meanings of the Qur’an and open the door to rejecting traditional Islamic knowledge.
❖ Qur’anic and Scientific Perspectives on the Heart
✦ Qur’anic Mention of the “Qalb” (Heart)
The Qur’an frequently refers to the “Qalb” (heart), as in:
"فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِنْ تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ"
“Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts in the chests that become blind.”
(Surah Al-Hajj: 46)
This verse demonstrates that the rejection of truth stems from the blindness of the heart’s insight, not the physical blindness of the eyes.
However, modern science reduces the heart to a mere pumping organ and attributes thinking solely to the brain.
❖ Misguided Interpretations Based on Scientific Theories
Some thinkers argue that in Arabic, “Qalb” can imply intelligence or reasoning, and thus, the Qur’anic references to “heart” actually refer to the mind. Additionally, they interpret “Sadr” (chest) as “center” to claim that the heart refers metaphorically to the brain.
❖ Refutation Based on Hadith
A famous Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ states:
"إن في الجسد مضغة إذا صلحت صلح الجسد كله، وإذا فسدت فسد الجسد كله، ألا وهي القلب"
“Indeed, there is a piece of flesh in the body which, if it is sound, the entire body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Verily, it is the heart.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Iman)
This Hadith clearly identifies the heart as a physical organ of flesh, not an abstract concept of intelligence. Thus, equating it with the brain contradicts the Prophetic explanation.
❖ Limitations of Scientific Claims
Science does not possess absolute proof that thinking takes place only in the brain. Modern psychology and biology acknowledge a unique connection between the heart and the brain.
What if future research proves that the heart has a role in cognition — would the interpretation of the Qur’an be altered again? This question exposes the instability of science-based interpretations.
❖ Denial of the Soul
Modern science denies the existence of the soul, while the Qur’an and Hadiths affirm its reality.
Will the soul also be reinterpreted as a form of energy to fit scientific terminology?
Such approaches undermine foundational Islamic beliefs.
❖ The True Criterion of Qur’anic Realities
If science is used as the standard to interpret the Qur’an, the Qur’an becomes secondary in status, whereas it should be the primary source of truth.
The Qur’an is "al-Haqq" (the Truth) and "al-Furqan" (the Criterion between right and wrong), and not to be judged by the fluctuating theories of science.
❖ Role of Scholars in Defending Islamic Beliefs
Great scholars and Sufi saints like:
- Maulana Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمه الله)
- Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (رحمه الله)
- and others
…defended the true teachings of the Qur’an without being swayed by scientific trends.
Had they molded Qur’anic meanings to fit Newton’s theory, the later discrediting of Newton’s model might have shaken the public’s faith in the Qur’an.
❖ Key Principles
① Scientific theories should be evaluated in light of the Qur’an, not the other way around.
② Although modern research may explore the link between heart and brain, Qur’anic references to “Qalb” must not be redefined based on speculative science.
③ To understand spiritual realities, guidance should be sought from classical works like “Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din” by Imam al-Ghazali (رحمه الله).
④ The absolute finality of the Qur’an must be acknowledged, as it alone is al-Haqq and al-Furqan.
