Scientific Progress in the Modern Era

Brothers in Islam! The present era is one of scientific progress and technology. Astonishing inventions are being made every day. Because of these inventions, distances are shrinking; the world has become a global village. Communicating from one corner of the world to another has become extremely easy. Due to science and technology, media has advanced to such an extent that you can watch important events and news from around the world live on your mobile phone or TV set.

Treatments for dangerous diseases like Cancer, TB, Hepatitis, Diabetes, and Heart Attacks have been discovered. The most difficult surgeries are being performed with ease. Successful operations are being performed on the eyes of those who had lost their eyesight due to cataracts. Those who were disabled from walking due to sudden accidents or disasters are being fitted with artificial limbs, enabling them to walk again. At the same time, dangerous and lethal weapons equipped with modern technology are being developed to deal with war situations and maintain the balance of power.

My dear ones! Due to scientific progress, those who once endured the hardships of traveling for months on camels, horses, and ships for Hajj, Umrah, or trade now have travel facilities like airplanes available to them. Through inventions like the Internet, it has become possible and extremely easy to get admission to the highest universities in the world and acquire an education from home. Through various mobile applications, you can order everything for your daily needs with just one call while sitting at home. All these facilities are indebted to technology and scientific progress, which undoubtedly cannot be denied in any way.

Turning Away from Islamic Teachings

Dear respected ones! It is not at all correct to turn away from our civilization, culture, and religious teachings due to being enamored by this scientific progress. Remember! As Muslims, only those scientific explanations and theories are acceptable to us that are in accordance and harmony with Islamic teachings and do not conflict with Islam in any way. If any scientific theory or research does not conform to Islamic teachings, it will not be accepted under any circumstances. Because Islam is a revealed religion, whose constitution exists with us in the form of the Holy Quran. This constitution has been bestowed upon us by Allah, the Lord of all the worlds; therefore, there is no room for any error in it. Whereas a scientific theory is the result of human thought and thinking, which undergoes changes over time, and there is always the utmost room for error.

Class Divisions Regarding Science

Respected gentlemen! Our society is divided into three different classes regarding science. One class is that which does not accept science at all, considers Islam and scientific theories to be conflicting. Their stance is that science is based on human intellect, and its laws keep changing; therefore, showing the compatibility of the Holy Quran with science is not correct in any way. The second class is that which is so supportive of science that it is engaged in stretching and tailoring all Islamic teachings to fit science. The third class is that which accepts only those scientific explanations that are in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah, and completely rejects those scientific researches, theories, and explanations that conflict with Islamic teachings.

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.

Those who compare the Quran and science should never forget that the Holy Quran is not a book of science, but it is the Book of Allah. Therefore, only those scientific theories that are in accordance with the religion of Islam will be accepted; otherwise, they will be rejected. This is 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 science certainly needs religion to define its limits and boundaries, religion does not need science at all to prove its truthfulness.

Imam Ahl-e-Sunnat, Imam Ahmad Raza (رحمة اللہ علیه), advising Muslims to avoid extremism and negligence regarding science and to control it, said: “Science will not become Muslim in such a way that Islamic issues are distorted in verses and texts with far-fetched interpretations to make them conform to science. In that case, (God forbid) Islam would have accepted science, not science Islam! It (Science) will become Muslim when, for all the Islamic issues it contradicts, the Islamic issue is illuminated, the arguments of science are rejected and trampled, and the Islamic issue is proven from the very statements of science everywhere, and science is refuted and silenced. (Science) will be controlled in this way!”

The Concept of Science in Islam

Dear respected ones! As for the scientific facts and knowledge hidden in the Holy Quran, it cannot be denied at all. Because this is also one of the meanings of the blessed saying of Allah: “A clear explanation of everything.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:89)

Hazrat Abu Bakr bin Mujahid (رحمة اللہ علیه) once said that there is nothing in the world that is not mentioned in the Book of Allah. Someone asked him, “Where is the mention of passenger compartments?” He (رحمة اللہ علیه) replied, “It is in this noble verse: ‘There is no blame upon you for entering houses not inhabited for living in which there is convenience for you.'” (Surah An-Noor, 24:29)

Changing Scientific Research on Solar Revolution and the Islamic View

Respected gentlemen! Is the sun stationary or moving? Scientists have held different theories about this for thousands of years. Around 500 BC, the famous astronomer and philosopher Pythagoras’ research concluded that the sun is stationary, and the Earth along with other planets revolve around it. Then, in 140 AD, the Greek philosopher Ptolemy opposed this theory and said that the Earth is stationary, and the sun moves around it. This was a theory that Aristotle had also presented before in some era. The theory of Aristotle and Ptolemy remained famous and popular in the world for eighteen hundred years. Later, a European scientist, Copernicus, adopted the theory that “the sun is not moving but stationary, and our Earth rotates on its own axis and also completes one revolution around the sun in a year.” The Italian astronomer Galileo, Newton, etc., were also supporters of this theory.

Companions of the Islamic nation! In 1915, the theory of science, stumbling step by step, changed once again, and the famous scientist Albert Einstein presented the Theory of Relativity. According to this theory, all celestial bodies, whether stars or planets, are in motion. And today, the theory of modern science is that the sun is moving, and eight planets are revolving around it. Moreover, the sun, along with its entire family (i.e., the solar system), is revolving around the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

My respected brothers! The theory that modern science has adopted today regarding the revolution of the sun, the religion of Islam stated it fourteen hundred years ago and has remained firm on it until today. The declaration of Allah the Almighty is: “And He is the One Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon—each floating in an orbit.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:33)

Pain-Receiving Cells and the Holy Quran

Dear ones! Initially, it was believed that the feeling of pain only occurs in the brain. But modern scientific research has revealed that there are cells in the skin that feel pain, called pain receptors. If these receptors are alive, a person feels pain when wounded, and if they die, the person does not feel any kind of pain.

This is why if a person is injured by burning in fire, doctors, upon examination, prick the wounds with a needle to check if he feels pain or not. If the patient feels pain, it means his pain receptors are alive, and the wounds are not very deep. And if the patient does not feel pain, it means the wounds are very deep, due to which the pain receptors or cells have died.

Brothers of the Islamic nation! Regarding pain receptors, it is alluded to in the Holy Quran as follows: “Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses, We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:56)

That is, when their skin is damaged due to burning in the fire of Hell, and they do not feel pain because the pain receptors have died, they will be given another skin so that they feel pain and can taste the divine punishment properly!

Dear respected ones! The credit for all research related to pain receptors goes to the head of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, Professor Tagatat Tejasen. He spent considerable time researching pain receptors. When he was told that this thing has been mentioned in the Holy Quran for fourteen hundred years, at first he did not believe it. But when he saw the aforementioned blessed verse with his own eyes, he was deeply impressed by the truthfulness of the religion of Islam. Later, when he came to the Holy Hijaz to attend the 8th Medical Conference, he recited the Kalima Tayyiba loudly in front of everyone. The theme of this conference was “Scientific Signs in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.”

Some Scientific Contributions of the Islamic World

Dear ones! Despite such clear verses in the Holy Quran regarding science, why do we suffer from an inferiority complex in this matter?! Our Muslim youth think that all the inventions and scientific progress happening worldwide are solely the achievement of non-Muslims! That the religion of Islam is completely silent on this matter and Muslims are the most backward! But in reality, this is not the case. Our thinking and inferiority complex are only because we have become distant from the Holy Quran today. We are not in the habit of reciting it and pondering over it. We are also unaware of the remarkable feats our ancestors performed based on the Quran and Sunnah! And what great scientific inventions they made to serve humanity. Therefore, if we also sought guidance from the Quran and Sunnah, then believe me! The angles of our thinking would be different!!

Establishment of Observatories

Brothers of the Islamic nation! You should be well aware that at a time when all of Europe was submerged in the dense darkness of ignorance, and there was not a single university there for acquiring knowledge, the Islamic world was adorned with the ornament of knowledge. Thousands of libraries comprising millions of books were being established, and Muslim scientists were busy in laboratories and observatories uncovering the hidden secrets of the universe and for inventions and research of various kinds.

History is a witness that the very first observatory in Europe was also built by Muslims in Seville (Spain). This observatory was established in the 300-foot high minaret of Spain’s main mosque, the Geralda Tower.

Research on Oxidation, Evaporation, Crystallization, and Distillation

My respected brothers! Who is not familiar with the name Jabir bin Hayyan! He was a great Muslim scientist, also called the Father of Chemistry. Every scientist, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, from East to West, acknowledges his services. He conducted research on the fundamental processes of chemistry such as Oxidation, Evaporation, Crystallization, and Distillation (i.e., converting liquid to vapor and vapor to liquid), and made important inventions like Sulfuric Acid.

Invention of Over 200 Surgical Instruments

Respected gentlemen! Abu Al-Qasim Zahrawi was a famous Muslim scientist from Andalusia (Spain). He invented over 200 surgical instruments. The instruments used for surgery worldwide, including in Europe, are more or less the same even today that Abu Al-Qasim Zahrawi invented.

Research on the Physiology and Anatomy of the Eye

Similarly, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) was an expert in Physics. He was the first person to say that the speed of light is not limitless but has a definite speed. He observed the planet Venus with his naked eye without any instrument. He was the first to describe the physiology and anatomy of the eye. He described all the veins and muscles inside the eye in detail. He also explained how stones are formed in the sea and how the bones of dead sea animals take the shape of stones.

Invention of Ethanol and Alcohol

Dear respected ones! The great physician and scientist of his time, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, discovered the relationship between germs and infection, which is a major milestone in medical history. In addition, important inventions such as Ethanol and Alcohol are also his contributions.

Invention of Burning Glasses, Spherical Lenses, and the World’s First Camera

Companions of the Islamic nation! The most important and comprehensive work on Optics, “Kitab al-Manazir” (The Book of Optics), was written by the Muslim scientist Ibn al-Haytham. He made burning glasses and spherical lenses, explained the magnifying ability of lenses. Based on his research on lenses, the invention of the microscope and telescope became possible in Europe.

The world’s very first Pin Hole Camera is also his invention. In this regard, presenting his research, he said that the smaller the hole through which light enters a dark room, the better the picture will be. Similarly, the world’s first camera obscura is also the invention of the Muslim scientist Ibn al-Haytham.

Invention of the World’s First Planetarium

Respected gentlemen! The world’s very first planetarium was built in the 9th century AD in Cordoba by the Spanish Muslim scientist Abbas Ibn Firnas. It was made of glass. In it, he projected the sky in such a way that besides stars, planets, and galaxies, the rumble of lightning and clouds could also be seen and heard.

Invention of Clocks 700 Years Before Europe

My respected brothers! Clocks started being made in Germany in 1525 and in Britain in 1580, while in the Islamic world, the use of clocks had become common 700 years before Europe. Caliph Harun al-Rashid (رحمة اللہ علیه) passed away around 809 AD. During his reign, he gave a water clock as a gift to Charlemagne, the Emperor of France at that time.

The Use of Algebra and Numerals

My dear friends! Algebra is a branch of mathematics that is still part of the curriculum today. The first book in the world on Algebra, “Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala” (The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing), was written by the famous Iraqi scientist Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. In this book, he also presented the numerals from 1 to 9 and zero. Before this, people used letters instead of numerals.

Invention of the Astrolabe

Brothers in Islam! Abu Ishaq Zarqali was a renowned astronomical observer from Andalusia. He made a special astrolabe named “Al-Safiha,” with which the movement of the sun could be observed. He also wrote an operating manual for this astrolabe, in which he revealed the scientific fact that the celestial spheres revolve in elliptical orbits. This same discovery was made centuries later by the non-Muslim scientist Kepler.

Invention of the Torpedo and Rocket Diagram

My dear friends, brothers, and elders! The torpedo, used for attacking ships, is also an invention of the Muslims from the 15th century AD. Additionally, the Syrian researcher Hasan al-Rammah wrote an excellent book on military technology in 1280 AD. In this book, he also presented a diagram of a rocket. A model of this rocket is present in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, USA. Furthermore, the ingredients for making gunpowder are also given in this book.

In short, the list of scientific services of Muslim scientists is so long that it is not possible to cover them all in this brief writing. A few inventions have been mentioned only from the point of view that we come out of the shell of inferiority complex, and becoming aware of the glorious past of our ancestors, follow in their footsteps, avoiding dependence on others, and in the pursuit of new discoveries and inventions, surpass other nations, and serve the country, the nation, and the peoples of the world to the fullest!!

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 thought of doing something good for humanity by learning scientific knowledge, grant us the dedication to raise the head of the Muslim nation with pride, and save us from dependence on others in the matter of scientific inventions!

O Allah! Purify our inner and outer selves from all impurities, grant us the ability to reform our lives according to the Quran and Sunnah by acting upon the instructions of Your Noble Beloved (ﷺ), filled with the true love and sincerity of the Master of both worlds (ﷺ) and the noble Companions.

O Allah! Keep us faithful to the religion of Islam, make us true, firm, practicing lovers of the Prophet, create an atmosphere of unity in our ranks, make us regular in performing the five daily prayers in congregation, save us from laziness and lethargy in it, grant us the wealth of sincerity in every good deed, grant us the ability to perform all obligatory duties in the best manner, protect us from stinginess and miserliness, grant us the ability to help the poor and needy with a cheerful heart.

Grant us the blessing of serving and protecting our country and nation, strengthen mutual unity, harmony, and love and affection among us, grant us the ability to act upon the commandments of the Shariah correctly. Accept our prayers in Your Court of the Helpless’s Refuge, we ask You for Your mercies, we seek forgiveness from You, we seek safety and deliverance from every sin, we are seekers of all good from You, remove our sorrows, pay off our debts, cure our sick, fulfill our needs!

O Lord! Grant blessings in our lawful sustenance, always protect us from the need of the creation, grant us the ability for true worship with Your love and obedience, make our chests broad and our hearts soft for the creation of God. O Divine! Make our morals good and our work excellent, accept our good deeds, protect us from all sins, grant freedom to our Palestinian and Kashmiri Muslim brothers and sisters who are victims of the oppression and barbarism of the disbelievers, protect the life, wealth, honor, and dignity of the Muslims of India, resolve their problems for them with goodness and blessings! Ameen, O Lord of 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 the worlds!