Qur’an and Science…

My question is about the relationship between Qur’an and Science.

I have read many articles/books on the internet about this subject where author actually tries to prove that whatever modern science suggests was actually revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) 1400 years ago. I have several questions here:

1. Is it allowed for a Muslim to develop relationship between Qur’an and Science based on his/her understanding?
2. Is it right to judge Qur’an's truth on the basis of scientific theories?
3. Can a Muslim use this Qur’an and Science relationship in conveying the message of Islam to non-Muslims?
4. What was the attitude of Muslim Scientists in this regards? Did they use to get any guidance from Qur’an to prove their scientific theories?

I will appreciate a detailed reply.

Wassalam

Reply

The Qur’an is not a book of science. It does not present itself as such. The Qur’an, on the contrary, is a book of spiritual, moral and religious guidance for man. Nevertheless, because the Qur’an has repeatedly referred to the material world around us or to historical incidents, as evidence of the correct beliefs, which it wants man to accept, one may sometimes feel that the Qur’an has uncovered a ‘scientific’ or a ‘historical fact’. This, however, is not correct. The Qur’an has generally not uncovered any scientific fact’. It has generally referred only to those ‘facts’ of the material world, which were already known to its addressees. Keeping this aspect of the Qur’an in perspective, let us now turn to your specific questions:

1. Although developing a relationship between the Qur’an and science cannot be termed as ‘prohibited’, yet, in view of the foregoing clarification, it would obviously not be correct to do so;
2. Being a revelation from the Lord of the worlds, the Qur’an does not entail any incorrect reference to the material world. Thus, even though the Qur’an is not a book of science, yet it is out of the question that it may entail any reference to the material world, which any scientific discovery proves to be incorrect. Thus, it is quite justified to judge the Qur’an, besides other things, on the basis of ‘scientific facts’ (not theories);
3. I completely disapprove conveying the message of the Qur’an in scientific terms. In my opinion, the message of Islam should be conveyed in the same style as the Most Wise and the Most Knowledgeable has done, in the book revealed for the purpose; and
4. The Qur’an has prompted scientific research by continually directing man to ponder over the material world that surrounds him, which would further substantiate the message delivered by the Qur’an[1]. This encouragement of the Qur’an definitely had positive effects upon the study of scientific facts by the Muslims, which previously was sometimes even considered sacrilegious.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Moiz Amjad