❖ The Perceived Conflict Between Religion and Reason
Throughout history, the so-called clash between religion and reason has been a popular narrative—especially in the last century, as scientific progress led some to claim that religion had been defeated and rendered obsolete. Famous statements such as that of Cairo’s intellectuals reflect this sentiment:“We (scientists) thanked God for His temporary services and escorted Him to the border.”
(Translator's Preface to “The Riddle of the Universe”, p.12)
These claims became louder under the spell of scientific discoveries and technological marvels.
❖ The War Effect: Science and Public Perception
During the World Wars, German innovations and military inventions were so astonishing that some believed their soldiers were practically mechanical. Such was the public awe of science, that even bizarre claims were accepted without question.❖ Scientific Advancements in Colonial India
With the British colonial rule in India came the introduction of Western sciences—railroads, telegraphs, electricity—which seemed magical to the common people. Students educated in colonial schools, upon hearing that “science had expelled God,” began to internalize the idea that if science could do all this and also deny God, then religion must be false.❖ Roots of the Misunderstanding
This mindset developed due to several key factors:✔ Statements by Scientists and Philosophers – Many scientists and philosophers of the West portrayed science and religion as enemies.
✔ Historical Church Conflicts – Events like the trial of Galileo and suppression of Copernican ideas by the Church fed into the myth of a natural enmity between knowledge and religion.
✔ Lack of Conceptual Clarity – Few people stopped to investigate whether religion and science are truly at odds, or simply operating in different spheres.
❖ Differentiating Between Domains: Science vs. Religion
To resolve this confusion, one must recognize the distinct domains of science and religion:
Science deals with observations of the physical world, conducting experiments and deriving laws of nature. Its focus is on secondary causes, such as gravity or chemical reactions.
Religion, on the other hand, answers the ultimate questions—God, the soul, life after death—which lie beyond sensory observation and scientific experimentation.❖ Core Differences Between Science and Religion
◈ Science is empirical; religion is spiritual and metaphysical.◈ Science describes how things work; religion explains why they exist.
◈ Scientists like Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawking reject God on scientific grounds, but this reflects their personal beliefs, not the limitations of science itself.
◈ Conclusions drawn from scientific findings often carry philosophical or ideological interpretations, which are not part of science itself, but human opinion.
❖ Conclusion
The idea that science and religion are inherently in conflict is widespread yet unfounded. They operate on different principles and address different questions.✔ Science helps us understand the mechanics of the universe.
✔ Religion provides purpose, moral guidance, and answers to life's deepest questions.
By recognizing their respective domains, we can remove misconceptions and appreciate how science and religion can coexist and complement one another. Further articles will explore this harmony in more detail, in shā’ Allāh.
