Nature at Work: an Islamic perspective
MODERN SCIENCE has challenged all religions. Scripture emphasising the role of the divine action in our physical world is thought to be outdated by those who consider the natural world to be sufficient unto itself. The concept of God as the creator and sustainer of the world diminished during the last four centuries. Further development of natural sciences has deepened the gap between science and faith. Many people consider that we can, and should, develop our own social systems; and some scientists such as the late Stephen Hawking believe that there is no need for a God to manage the universe. Science seeks to provide a rational analysis of the natural world, while religion presents to us an eschatological destiny that goes beyond rationality. But ought everything in Nature to be understood rationally? Do we never dream to understand why we are here? No matter whether we are the result of natural evolutionary process or not, does our existence with such a wide gap in the cognitive ability between us and the rest of the animal kingdom suggest a merely rational explanation? Does our behaviour conform to the level of the high intelligence we possess? Two gifts According to the understanding of a devout Muslim intellectual there can be no conflict between correct science and true religion. Science is the gift of the Creator who has provided us with a high level of cognitive ability in order to see the glory of his creation and to use what we discover for our welfare and happiness, enabling us properly to worship Him. Religion is a gift that is intended to guide people toward good deeds, general welfare and care for everything in this world. Science in the eyes of a devout Muslim is a precious way to understand God’s creation and, therefore, may help us realise how the afterlife is possible. At this point the Qur’ān orders us to search the Earth seeking knowledge about how creation began in order to realise the possibility of our resurrection:
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M Basil Altaie
is Professor of Physics and Cosmology at Yarmouk University, Jordan. He obtained his PhD from the University of Manchester in 1978 and has published widely on Islam and science.