What is Science?

Brothers in Islam! The word “Science” is derived from the Latin word “Scientia.” Its meaning and concept involve the systematic and impartial study of realities in their original form, and it is a method of knowing something through the light of one’s intellect, observations, and experiments. Its results are never final and absolute; rather, they are only the facts of the time until a new discovery arrives. Scientists themselves define their knowledge in this way and never declare it to be final and absolute. Therefore, as Muslims, it is essential to first internalize this point and always keep it in mind: Science is the result of human experiences and observations, which are limited and non-definitive. In it, the possibility of error, change, as well as progress, remains at every moment. In contrast, the Holy Quran is the word of Allah, which is definitive; there is no doubt in it, and no possibility of any change. However, the possibility of error remains in our understanding and interpretation. Therefore, there can be no comparison or balance between science and the Quran, and doing so is certainly a great error and a cause of misguidance!

Class Division Regarding Scientific Theories

Respected brethren! Our society is divided into three different classes concerning Science: One class is that which completely does not accept Science and considers Islam and scientific theories to be contradictory. The second class is so impressed by Science that it remains engaged in trying to prove all Islamic teachings by stretching them to align with Science. The third class is that which accepts only those scientific explanations that do not contradict the definitive beliefs and commandments of Islam, and it completely rejects those scientific explanations that contradict the definitive beliefs and commandments of Islam. The first two mentioned classes are victims of extremism and negligence, while the third class possesses an extremely moderate way of thinking, and this should be the thinking of a true Muslim.

The Wise Quran is Not a Book of Science

Honorable dignitaries! Any similarity between the Wise Quran and any scientific research is merely a coincidence. Therefore, those who compare the Wise Quran and Science should never forget that the Holy Quran is not a scientific book; rather, it is the book of Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Furthermore, a scientific theory that resembles the teachings of the Holy Quran may possibly change after a few years, but the teachings of the Wise Quran and the beliefs and theories stated in it are final; there is no room for change in them. Therefore, in the view of a Muslim, only those scientific theories will be accepted that are in accordance with the religion of Islam; otherwise, they will be rejected.

This is the reason why the famous saying of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein, “Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind,” is not at all acceptable for a Muslim. Because while religion is certainly needed to determine the limits and boundaries of science, religion does not need science to prove its truthfulness.

Awareness of the Mysteries and Secrets of the Universe

Companions of the Islamic Ummah! This universe created by Allah Almighty is filled with countless and limitless truths, knowledge, and sciences. As a result of human contemplation, the veil has been lifted from some of its secrets, and many remain to be uncovered. Regarding this, Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, said: “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?” (Surah Fussilat, 41:53)

The Phased Description of Human Creation

Dear friends! The creation of humans has been described in stages in the Wise Quran. The declaration of the Almighty is: “And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:12-14)

In this blessed verse, human creation is described in stages. It is narrated from Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) that the Master of Mercy (ﷺ) said: “The creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days as a drop, then he becomes a clinging clot for a similar period, then a lump of flesh for a similar period, then an angel is sent to him who blows the soul into him…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

The Revolution of the Sun and Moon in Their Orbits

Honorable dignitaries! The sun and the moon revolve in their respective orbits. Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, said in the Holy Quran: “And it is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon; all [heavenly bodies] in an orbit are swimming.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:33)

At another place regarding the revolution of the sun and moon, it is further stated: “And He has subjected for you the sun and the moon, continuous [in orbit], and has subjected for you the night and the day.” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:33)

The Reason the Earth Doesn’t Shake

My respected brothers! Why don’t we feel the earth moving? And why doesn’t a person walking on it fall? The Creator of the universe (A) declared: “And He has placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with you, and rivers and roads, that you may guide yourselves.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:15)

The Reason Planets Floating in Space Don’t Collide

Honorable dignitaries! Why don’t the planets floating in space, and the sun and moon, collide with each other? The explanation is that all planets, including the sun and moon, are revolving in their specific orbits, and one planet cannot leave its orbit and enter the orbit of another planet. Therefore, they all remain safe from colliding with each other. Allah Almighty, informing about the planets revolving in their orbits, said: “It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.” (Surah Ya-Sin, 36:40)

The Quranic Explanation of Cloud Formation, Rain, and Hail

Dear brother! How are clouds formed? How does rain fall? And how does hail occur? Regarding this, the Creator of the universe (A) said: “Do you not see that Allah drives clouds? Then He brings them together, then He makes them into a mass, and you see the rain emerge from within it. And He sends down from the sky, mountains [of clouds] within which is hail, and He strikes with it whom He wills and averts it from whom He wills. The flash of its lightening almost takes away the eyesight. Allah alternates the night and the day. Indeed in that is a lesson for those who have vision.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:43-44)

My respected brothers! The above lines mention some of those facts related to the universe about which the Wise Quran first provided awareness and understanding, and after years of research and stumbling, Science was also compelled to confirm it. Therefore, if in the future, scientific research about something, whose final and certain statement exists in the Word of Allah, changes again, and that research contradicts the Quran and Sunnah, then such scientific research will not be accepted in any way. However, scientific research and contemplation of the universe done within the circle of Shariah is by no means prohibited; rather, it is desirable and praiseworthy.

The Basic Key to Success in This World and the Hereafter

Respected brethren! For success in this world and the hereafter, contemplation of the universe holds the status of an essential component and a basic key. The declaration of the Almighty is: “Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for a specified term.” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:8)

The Command to Ponder the Wonders of the World

Honorable dignitaries! Allah Almighty, commanding us to see the displays of His power and to ponder the wonders of the world, said: “Say, ‘Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.'” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:20)

A Few Muslim Scientists and Their Inventions

Respected brethren! There was a time when Muslims were at the forefront in the intellectual and scientific fields. How much passion Muslims had for knowledge, arts, and scientific experiments can be well estimated from the fact that the first educational institutions established in world history were built by Muslims. After the spread of Islam, from these very universities emerged Muslim scholars, expert and skilled physicians, thinkers, and such scientists who not only made Muslims renowned in the intellectual field but also made major important inventions for the convenience of the world’s nations and for the service of humanity, and also wrote research papers and books!

1. Jabir ibn Hayyan: A great Muslim scientist, also called the Father of Chemistry. He conducted research on fundamental processes of Alchemy like Oxidation, Evaporation, and Distillation, and made important inventions like Sulfuric Acid.
2. Abdul Malik Asmai: A famous Muslim scientist and litterateur. He had mastery of Biology and Zoology. He wrote five books on zoology, adding valuable contributions to scientific knowledge.
3. Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi: A famous Muslim scientist from Andalusia (Spain). He invented over 200 surgical instruments. The instruments used for surgery worldwide, including in Europe, are still largely the same ones he invented.
4. Ibn Sina (Avicenna): An expert in Physics. He was the first to say that the speed of light is not infinite but has a definite speed. He described the physiology and anatomy of the eye in detail.
5. Attarud Al-Katib: He made the science of Metallurgy the center of his research. He identified the nature of stones, their effects, properties, and methods of identification.
6. Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi: A great physician and scientist of his time. He discovered the relationship between germs and infection. He also invented Ethanol and Alcohol.
7. Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen): Wrote the most important and comprehensive work on Optics, “Kitab al-Manazir.” He made burning glasses and spherical lenses. His research led to the invention of the microscope and telescope in Europe. He also invented the first Pin Hole Camera and the Camera Obscura.
8. Abbas Ibn Firnas: A famous Muslim scientist from Spain. He built the world’s first Planetarium in Cordoba in the 9th century AD.
9. Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi: Wrote the world’s first book on Algebra. He also presented the numerals 1 to 9 and zero.
10. Abu Ishaq Al-Zarqali: A renowned astronomical observer from Andalusia. He made a special astrolabe and discovered that celestial bodies revolve in elliptical orbits, a fact acknowledged by Kepler centuries later.
11. Al-Jazari: A Muslim engineer. He invented the “Shaft,” a device considered the backbone of modern machinery. He also invented valves and pistons and is considered the founder of robotics.
12. Hasan al-Rammah: A famous Muslim scientist from Syria. He wrote a brilliant book on military technology in 1280 AD, which included a diagram of a rocket and the ingredients for making gunpowder.

My respected brothers! The list of Muslim scientists and their scientific services is so long that it is not possible to cover them all in this brief writing. Only a few scientists and their inventions have been mentioned from this point of view: so that we, feeling this, may end our intellectual stagnation and, advancing ahead of other nations in this field, serve the country, the Ummah, and humanity to the fullest!

Intellectual Decline in Muslim Society… Why?

Companions of the Islamic Ummah! If you look at the nations of the world, this sad reality will be revealed to you: Muslims are continuously suffering from intellectual decline. We are going down day by day in international educational rankings. And adding insult to injury, the majority of us have never bothered to think: Why is intellectual stagnation prevailing specifically in Muslim society? Why are our affairs getting tangled day by day? And when will the intellectual decline and stagnation of the Islamic world end?!

The Causes of Our Intellectual and Scientific Stagnation

Honorable dignitaries! When we ponder our intellectual and scientific stagnation, several causes emerge, a few of which are:

1. Abandonment of the Quran: A major reason for the intellectual and scientific stagnation prevailing over Muslims is our disconnect from the Wise Quran. The Holy Quran guides us in understanding the mysteries and secrets of the universe and in knowing facts, knowledge, and sciences. The Almighty said: “And there is no moist or dry thing but that it is [written] in a Clear Book.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:59) The Holy Quran is a complete code of life, but our misfortune is that instead of making it a source of guidance, we have considered it only a means of seeking blessings! We must derive guidance from it and use it to contemplate the universe to improve our world and hereafter.
2. Distance from Knowledge and Research, and Lack of Interest: A major cause of the intellectual, scientific, and mental stagnation of Muslims is also their distance from knowledge and research and their lack of interest. Our young generation has become unfamiliar with the taste for knowledge, research, and book reading. Their time is wasted on watching movies and dramas on the internet, using social media on mobile phones, games, and long chats with friends. Libraries are deserted. The series of valuable scientific inventions has not been seen for a long time! There is a lack of quality research and think tanks.
3. Lack of Leadership and Guidance: Another cause of scientific and intellectual stagnation is the lack of leadership and guidance in the Muslim Ummah. After the era of the Companions, the Ummah became deprived of that concept of leadership given by the Book and Sunnah. We must carefully choose our leaders and rulers.
4. Substandard Educational Institutions and System: Substandard educational institutions and the education system are also a major cause of the intellectual and scientific stagnation of Muslims. Unfortunately, education has been made a business. Private institutions have their own curricula and priorities, often promoting Western culture and alienating our youth from their own traditions. There is not a single university in the entire Islamic world that meets international standards.

Conclusion

My dear friends, brothers, and elders! Keep the glorious past of your ancestors in view. Eliminate this intellectual and scientific stagnation that has taken over your hearts and minds. Develop within yourself a passion for the pursuit of knowledge and research. Young students should study their subjects with interest, prepare research papers, and those interested in science should pay special attention to practical work along with theory, and serve humanity through new inventions. However, always remember that as Muslims, only those scientific explanations and theories are acceptable to us that are in accordance with Islamic teachings and do not contradict the definitive beliefs and commandments of Islam.

Dua (Supplication)

O Allah! Grant us the passion for acquiring knowledge. Grant us the ability to serve the religion of Islam through education. Grant us the mindset to do something good for humanity by learning scientific knowledge. Grant us the zeal to raise the head of the Muslim nation with pride. And save us from being dependent on non-Muslims for scientific inventions.

O Allah! Accept our prayers in Your Court of No Need through the magnificent means of Your Beloved (ﷺ). Purify our inner and outer selves from all impurities. Grant us the ability to mold our lives according to the Quran and Sunnah by acting upon the instructions of Your Beloved (ﷺ), filled with the true love and sincerity for the Master of both worlds (ﷺ) and his noble Companions.

O Allah! Keep us faithful to the religion of Islam. Make us true, steadfast, and practicing lovers of the Prophet. Create an atmosphere of unity in our ranks. Make us regular in offering the five daily prayers in congregation. Save us from laziness and indolence. Grant us the wealth of sincerity in every good deed. Grant us the ability to perform all obligations and duties well. Protect us from miserliness. Grant us the ability to help the poor and needy cheerfully.

O Allah! Grant us the good fortune to serve and protect our country and nation. Strengthen mutual unity, harmony, and love. Grant us the ability to act upon the commandments of Shariah correctly. We ask You for Your mercies. We seek forgiveness from You. We seek safety and deliverance from every sin. We ask You for all good things. Remove our sorrows. Pay off our debts. Grant complete healing to our sick. Fulfill our needs!

O Lord! Put blessings in our lawful sustenance. Keep us always safe from the need of the creation. Grant us the ability for true worship along with Your love and obedience. Make our hearts broad and soft for the creation of God. O Divine! Make our morals good and our work excellent. Accept our good deeds. Save us from all sins. Grant freedom to our Palestinian and Kashmiri Muslim brothers and sisters who are victims of the oppression and brutality of disbelievers. Protect the life, wealth, honor, and dignity of Muslims all over the world. Solve their problems for them with goodness and blessings. Amen, O Lord of all the worlds!

And may Allah Almighty send blessings upon the best of His creation and the light of His Throne, our Master, our Prophet, our Beloved, the apple of our eyes, Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions, and may He bless and grant peace. And all praise is to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds!