In a world where science and spirituality often appear to stand at opposite ends of the spectrum, a fascinating harmony emerges within the heart of Islam.
Far from discouraging intellectual exploration, the Islamic faith, as exemplified by the Holy Quran and Hadith, encourages a profound journey into the mysteries of the cosmos.
Holy Quran emphatically exhorts humanity not only to gaze upon heavenly bodies from earth but to actually go there and beyond, all the while seeking to glorify the majesty of the Creator Almighty.
“If you have the power to go beyond the realms of the heavens and the earth, pass beyond them: you cannot pass out but with our authority. Which of your Lord’s wonders would you deny?” (Al-Quran 55:33-34)
Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to seek knowledge even from non-Muslims.
According to one Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.’
There is another famous hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) asked Muslims to seek knowledge even if they have to go as far as China.
However, some scholars have questioned its authenticity and held it to be a fabrication even though there is unanimity that the Prophet exhorted Muslims to strive to acquire knowledge and skills.
Celestial Bodies
Before the advent of Islam, many civilizations and cultures used to worship stars and other interplanetary objects as Gods.
Even if they dreamt of a journey to them, it was to be through worship and not through the vigor of exploration and discoveries.
Holy Quran, however, questioned their diefication and worship. According to Allama Iqbal, it freed the sun and moon from divinity and rechristened them as an object of creation and measurement and not of worship.
Holy Quran says that “it is He (Almighty Allah) who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light of beauty and measured out stages for her; that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. Thus, He explains His Signs in detail, for those who understand. Indeed, in the alternation of the night and the day, and in all that Allah hath created, in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who fear Him. (Al-Quran 10:5-6)
In the same vein, in many of its verses, the Holy Quran gives hints about other major scientific phenomena and theories like Big-Bang, evolution, different cycles of creation, the origin of all living things from water, etc.
Furthermore, its verses also remind humankind how God created everything in due proportion and balanced different forces on earth and in space.
Origin of Universe
Islamic teachings on the origin of the universe, as elucidated in the Quranic verses, convey a profound perspective on creation.
Quran 21:30 hints at a singular origin, emphasizing that the heavens and the earth were once conjoined before being separated, inviting reflection on this cosmic union.
Quran 25:54 reaffirms the notion that humanity itself originates from water, highlighting the intricate relationships and lineage established by the Creator.
Quran 86:5 urges introspection into the very essence of human creation, prompting us to ponder our origins deeply.
Lastly, Al-Quran 30:27 portrays the continuous cycle of creation, an ongoing process orchestrated by the Almighty, underscoring His limitless power and boundless wisdom.
- Al-Quran 21:30 Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation) before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?
- Al-Quran 25:54 It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power (over all things).
- Al-Quran 86:5 So let man reflect (introspect) from what he was created.
- Al-Quran 30:27 It is He Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it, and for Him, it is most easy. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and the earth: for He is Exalted in Might, full of wisdom.
These verses collectively paint a picture of a universe born from unity, evolving through divine design, and beckon believers to contemplate the awe-inspiring journey of creation.
Forces of Nature
Quran 29:44 illuminates the perfect harmony and balance within the heavens and the earth, emphasizing that this intricate design is a sign for those who have faith.
Furthermore, Quran 82:1-3 encourages us to glorify the name of the Most High, the Creator, who not only brought this universe into existence but also meticulously established its order and proportions.
The mention of ordained laws and granted guidance underscores the precision and purpose inherent in nature’s forces.
- Al-Quran 29:44- Allah created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): verily in that is a sign for those who believe.
- Al-Quran 82:1-3 Glorify the name of thy Guardian-Lord Most High, Who hath created, and further, given order and proportion; Who hath ordained laws. And granted guidance;
These verses call upon believers to recognize the divine wisdom embedded in the natural world, reinforcing the idea that the study and understanding of these forces can deepen one’s appreciation of the Creator’s grand design.
Sun and Moon
Holy Quran contains several verses that reference the sun and the moon, often as signs of Allah’s creation and power.
For instance, in Surah Yasin (36:38), it is stated, “And the sun runs [on course] toward its stopping point. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.”
This verse highlights the precise and unchanging nature of the sun’s movement, a reflection of divine design.
Additionally, the moon is mentioned in various verses, with Surah Ya-Sin (36:39) continuing to say, “And the moon – We have determined for it phases, until it returns [appearing] like the old date stalk.”
Here, the Quran draws attention to the moon’s cyclical phases as another testament to the Creator’s control over celestial bodies.
- Al-Quran 10:5-6 It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty) and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explains His Signs in detail, for those who understand. Verily, in the alternation of the night and the day, and in all that Allah hath created, in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who fear Him.
These verses serve not only as reminders of Allah’s creative power but also as invitations to contemplate the natural world and its wonders.
Going beyond Heavens and Earth
- Al-Quran 55:33-34 If you have the power to go beyond the realms of the heavens and the earth, pass beyond them: you cannot pass out but with our authority. Which of your Lord’s wonders would you deny?
European Renaissance
According to Islamic thinkers, for a long time, the Western World did not accept the Islamic notions of scientific and rational inquiry and challenged Muslims through successive crusades.
It was only when Muslim armies captured their holiest of shrines, that their firm faith in the infallibility of man-made idols and crosses was shaken.
And after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, they were forced to reconsider their false notions of divinity and ultimately decided to embark on a scientific journey thus initiating a process of what they today call as Renaissance.
Scientific Discoveries
According to Historians, contact with Muslim scholars opened a floodgate of scientific itineraries in the Western hemisphere.
It is also noteworthy, that most of the great Islamic scholars, scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers had a humble origin.
Unfortunately, many medieval Muslim rulers ignored science and got engulfed in worthless regal ostentations.
Thankfully, many Muslim nations have once again started honing their scientific spirits.
While the many Muslim States still face an uphill task of structural reformation as far as rulership is concerned to make the process of governance more deliberative, inclusive, and progressive as has been rightly mandated under Quranic injunctions, their support and efforts for scientific advancement are nonetheless noteworthy.
According to Sarah al-Amiri, the woman head of UAE’s al-Amal Mars Mission, science is the most international form of collaboration as “it is limitless, it is borderless and it is run by the passions of individuals for the benefit of human understanding”.