ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Spirit of Islam is a monthly magazine which is now in its Eighth

year of publication. The aim of this journal is to present Islam in

the contemporary idiom, while at the same time the contents are

of universal appeal and of interest to a wider circle of spiritual

seekers. It is our desire to help Muslims rediscover Islam, focusing

on its message of peace and spirituality as derived from the Quran

and the teachings of the Prophet, and in general we strive towards

religious understanding for bringing about greater harmony.

Another purpose of this magazine is to assist its readers to deal

with life’s challenges, deriving positivity even from negative

occurrences, gaining in spirituality and developing themselves

intellectually so that they may contribute constructively to society.

The magazine’s regular readers will appreciate that the entire

thrust of its articles is directed to the individual—a collection of

intellectually prepared individuals being the sole foundation on

which a peaceful and harmonious society can be built.

As the subtitle indicates, Spirit of Islam is working towards

enlightening people on the subject of global peace and regularly

addresses relevant contemporary issues. The articles on peace

based on the teachings of the Prophet of Islam offer us an ideology

of peace—principles which lay down how peace may be established

between conflicting groups, controversies resolved and conflicts

defused. We believe that violence begins in the mind and so an

effective ideology of peace needs to be presented to counter its

influence.

We hope and pray that God helps us in this noble endeavour

and grants us His special blessings!

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Prof. Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former

professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are

‘A Simple Guide to Sufism’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated

into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the

chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various

publications. Prof. Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran

and has also translated his Urdu commentary of the Quran into English. She can be

reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH

OF THE QURAN

A STUDY of the Quran shows that the Quranic approach is based

neither on mythology nor on superstition, but on scientific

principles. When the term ‘scientific approach’ is used to describe

a way of thinking, it always means that such thinking is in accordance

with reality. A person having scientific approach will be scientific in all

his dealings in the world. His thinking will be totally in accordance with

realities.

The Prophet of Islam used to pray thus: ‘O God, show us the truth in

the form of truth and grant us the wisdom to follow it, and show us

falsehood as falsehood and grant us the strength to keep ourselves

away from it. Show us things as they are.’

This prayer of the Prophet of Islam is a fine example of the scientific

approach. The Quran wants to inculcate this spirit in every believer.

When a believer becomes eager to be granted this spirit to guide his

thoughts, he begins praying for it.

This teaching is expressed in different ways in the Quran. The Quran

enjoins believers to ‘fear God, and say the right word. He will bless your

works for you and forgive you your sins. Whoever obeys God and His

Messenger has indeed achieved a great success.’ ( 33: 70-71 )

This Quranic verse commands humankind to say what is fair. The

right word (qaul-e-sadid in Arabic) means saying the truth in exact

accordance with the facts. Just as the arrow reaches its target by being

shot in precisely the right direction, similarly qaul-e-sadid hits the mark

by making one’s words correspond in every detail with reality.

There are two kinds of human utterances: realistic and unrealistic.

Realistic utterances are those that tally exactly with reality. Conversely,

unrealistic utterances are those that do not take the actual state of

affairs into account and are based on suppositions, conjectures, or

mere opinion, rather than on fact. God approves of only the former

type of utterances.

A number of verses in the Quran aim at inculcating this scientific

temperament in the believers. In all matters believers are to be guided

by reason and logical thinking.

According to the Quran, there are two kinds

of thinking—sincere thinking and insincere

thinking. Insincere thinking may be called

double standard thinking. The scientific

temperament is the characteristic of a sincere

thinker. A sincere thinker cannot envision an

approach which is not based on realism. He

bases his life on sound and true foundations.

On the contrary, it is the insincere thinker or

hypocrite that has no principles or scruples.

His approach is based on opportunism and he

changes his point of view and way of thinking

to serve his own interests. That is why there

is not even a grain of the scientific approach

in him. His thoughts and deeds are totally

unpredictable.

A sincere person,

with a scientific

approach and a

scientific way of

looking at the world,

is one who comes up

to the standard set

by the Quran. The

insincere person is

wholly unaffected by

and in fact devoid

of the scientific

approach.

A sincere person, with a scientific approach and a scientific way of

looking at the world, is one who comes up to the standard set by the

Quran. The insincere person is wholly unaffected by and in fact devoid

of the scientific approach. Therefore, he fails in life’s test, as he is so

obsessed with his egocentric thinking that he refuses to adopt scientific

or realistic approach.

The Quran is not a book of science in the technical sense, but there is

no denying the truth that the Quranic approach is nothing other than

the scientific approach.

Prof. Farida Khanam

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ISLAMS CONTRIBUTION TO MODERN SCIENCE

Conquest of Nature

ISLAM inspires and propels its followers to seek knowledge for the

pleasure of their Lord, and to work towards and facilitate promotion

and welfare of humanity. In other words, the motto of education in

Islam is: acquisition of knowledge for the sake of serving God and His

creatures. That is why throughout Islamic history, equal attention has

been paid to the learning of both the religious sciences and the natural

sciences.

Islam places great emphasis on learning, and in order to facilitate

learning, supporting factors which are necessary to make progress in

learning have been provided by God. One of these special factors is the

freedom to conduct research.

Here is an example from the Prophet’s life. Once the Prophet passed

by an oasis where he found date palm planters at work. Upon enquiry

he found that they were pollinating the clusters of dates in order to

produce a better yield. The Prophet expressed his disapproval of

this process. Knowing this, the farmers immediately stopped it. Later

on the Prophet was told that due to lack of

proper pollination the yield had been very low

compared to the previous years. On hearing

this, the Prophet replied, “You know your

worldly matters better.” (Sahih Bukhari) In other

words, experiment and observation should

be the final criteria in such worldly matters.

Islam places great

emphasis on

learning, and in

order to facilitate

learning, supporting

factors which are

necessary to make

progress in learning

have been provided

by God. One of these

special factors is the

freedom to conduct

research.

In this way, the Prophet of Islam separated

scientific research from religion. This means

in the world of nature man must enjoy

full opportunities to conduct unrestricted

research and adopt the conclusions arrived

at. Placing such great emphasis on knowledge

resulted in the awakening of a great desire for

knowledge among the Muslims. This process

began in Makkah, and then it reached Madinah

and Damascus, later finding its centre in

Baghdad. Ultimately, it entered Spain. Spain flourished, making

extraordinary progress in various academic and scientific disciplines.

This flood of scientific progress entered Europe and culminated in the

modern scientific age.

Dr. Donald Campbell, a reputed British scientist in his book ‘Arabian

Medicine and its Influence on the Middle Ages’ writes: “When Europe was

lying torpid in the depth of intellectual obscurity and gloom in the dark

ages, culture and civilization were spread in the Islamic States under

the high patronage of the Caliphs of Baghdad and Cordova, and at a

time, when the Barons and Ladies of Medieval Europe could not even

sign their names, almost every adolescent boy and girl in Islam could

read and write freely and with ease.”

An article in The Guardian dated February,

2010 begins with these insightful words:

(…..) Science is the most universal of human

activities. But the means to facilitating

scientific advances have always been dictated

by culture, political will and economic wealth.

What is only now becoming clear (to many

in the west) is that during the dark ages

of medieval Europe, incredible scientific

advances were made in the Muslim world.

Geniuses in Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus and

Cordoba took on the scholarly works of

ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece,

India and China, developing what we would

call “modern” science.

The Quran lays

great emphasis

on acquisition

of knowledge

that is based

on observation,

experiment and the

inferences drawn

from them. In fact,

the faith based upon

discovery is given a

status much higher

than faith based

upon tradition.

The Quran lays great emphasis on acquisition

of knowledge that is based on observation, experiment and the

inferences drawn from them. In fact, the faith based upon discovery

is given a status much higher than faith based upon tradition. With its

unambiguous segregation of the Creator from the created, Islam made

the entire universe an object of investigation.

Fuelled by the zeal to conquer nature, the chief subjects that excited

the interest and exercised the ingenuity of the Arabian scholars were

astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. The practical phases of all

these subjects were given particular attention.

Mathematics

It is well-known that the so-called Arabian numerals date from this

period. The revolutionary effect of these characters, as applied to practical mathematics, can hardly be overestimated. Another

mathematical improvement was the introduction into trigonometry

of the sine—the half-chord of the double arc—instead of the chord

of the arc itself which the Greek astronomers had employed. This

improvement was due to the famous astronomer and mathematician

Al-Battani (d. AD 929).

Astronomy

For measurement of the Earth, instead of trusting to the measurement

of angles, the Arabs decided to measure directly degree of the Earth’s

surface. Selecting a level plain in Mesopotamia for the experiment, one

party of the surveyors progressed northward, another party southward,

from a given point to the distance of one

degree of arc, as determined by astronomical

observations. The result found was fifty-six

miles for the northern degree, and fifty-six

and two-third miles for the southern. It is

interesting to note that the two degrees were

found of unequal lengths, suggesting that the

Earth is not a perfect sphere—a suggestion

the validity of which was not to be put to the

test of conclusive measurements until about

the close of the eighteenth century. The Arab

measurement was made in the time of Caliph

Abdullah al-Mamun, the son of the famous

Harun-al-Rashid.

In medieval Europe,

Arabian science

came to be regarded

with superstitious

awe, and the works

of certain Arabian

physicians were

exalted to a position

above all the ancient

writers.

Harun-al-Rashid (d. AD 809) sent Charlemagne, as a token of friendship,

a marvellous clock which let fall a metal ball to mark the hours. This

mechanism, which is alleged to have excited great wonder in the West,

furnishes yet another instance of Arabian practicality.

Al-Battani made the important discovery of the motion of the solar

apogee. He found that the position of the sun among the stars, at the

time of its greatest distance from the Earth, was not what it had been in

the time of Ptolemy. The Greek astronomer placed the sun in longitude

65 degrees, but Al-Battani found it in longitude 82 degrees, a distance

too great to be accounted for by inaccuracy of measurement.

Physical Science

Ibn al-Haytham’s work on Optics, published about the year AD 1100,

found great favour throughout the medieval period. His original

investigations of the eye, and the names given by him to various parts of the eye, as the vitreous humor, the cornea, and the retina, are still

retained by anatomists.

Al-Haytham carried forward these studies, and made the first recorded

scientific estimate of the phenomena of twilight and of the height of the

atmosphere. The persistence of a glow in the atmosphere after the sun

has disappeared beneath the horizon is so familiar a phenomenon that

the ancient philosophers seem not to have thought of it as requiring an

explanation. Yet a moment’s consideration makes it clear that, if light

travels in straight lines and the rays of the sun were not deflected, the

complete darkness of night should instantly succeed to day when the

sun passes below the horizon. That this sudden change does not occur,

al-Haytham explained as due to the reflection of light by the Earth’s

atmosphere.

Chemistry

In Chemistry, we find the greatest Arabian name that of Jabir ibn

Hayyan (d. AD 815), who taught in the College of Seville in the first half

of the eighth century. The most important

researches of this remarkable experimenter

had to do with the acids. The ancient world

had no knowledge of any acid more powerful

than acetic acid. Jabir vastly increased

the possibilities of chemical experiment

by the discovery of sulphuric, nitric, and

nitromuriatic acids. He made use also of

the processes of sublimation and filtration,

and his works describe the water bath and

the chemical oven. Among the important

chemicals which he first differentiated is oxide

of mercury, and his studies of sulphur in its

various compounds have peculiar interest. In

particular is this true of his observation that,

under certain conditions of oxidation, the

weight of a metal was lessened.

It is certain that

in the time when

Western Europe

was paying little

attention to science

or education, the

Caliphs and viziers

were encouraging

physicians and

philosophers,

building schools, and

erecting libraries and

hospitals.

Medicine

Among Arabian physicians, there were always some investigators

who turned constantly to nature for hidden truths, and were ready to

uphold the superiority of actual observation to mere reading. Thus, the

physician Abd al-Latif al-Baghdadi (d. AD 1231), while in Egypt, made

careful studies of a mound of bones containing more than twenty thousand skeletons. While examining these bones he discovered

that the lower jaw consists of a single bone, not of two, as had been

taught by Galen. It was the Arabs who invented the apothecary,

and their pharmacopoeia, issued from the hospital at Gondishapur,

and elaborated from time to time, formed the basis for Western

pharmacopoeias. It is certain, however, that through them various

new and useful drugs, such as senna, aconite, rhubarb, camphor, and

mercury, were handed down through the Middle Ages.

In medieval Europe, Arabian science came to be regarded with

superstitious awe, and the works of certain Arabian physicians were

exalted to a position above all the ancient writers.

It was not the adoption of Arabian medicines, however, that has made

the school at Salerno famous both in rhyme and prose, but rather the

fact that women there practised the healing art. Greatest among them

was Trota, who lived in the eleventh century, and whose learning is

reputed to have equalled that of the greatest physicians of the day. She

is accredited with a work on Diseases of Women, still extant.

Avicenna (d. AD 1037), whose million-word encyclopedia, Canon

of Medicine remained the supreme medical reference book for six

centuries, can be considered the greatest physician of all peoples,

places and times. Furthermore, his philosophical encyclopedia, Book

of Healing, and his Book of Knowledge, place him among the world’s

foremost thinkers.

There can be little doubt that while the Arabians did copy and translate

freely, they also originated and added considerably to knowledge. It is

certain that in the time when Western Europe was paying little attention

to science or education, the Caliphs and viziers were encouraging

physicians and philosophers, building schools, and erecting libraries

and hospitals. They made at least a creditable effort to uphold and

advance upon the scientific standards of an earlier age.

(This article makes extensive use of the material furnished in Chapter 2:

Mediaeval Science among the Arabians in Volume 2 of A History of Science

by Henry Smith Williams and Edward H. Williams)

SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY

A Reaffirmation of God’s Existence

PROFESSOR Paul Davies, a well-known English physicist and author,

is the Director of ‘BEYOND’, a research centre of the Arizona

State University. He has several books to his credit, notably ‘The

Goldilocks Enigma’. He states in one of his articles, ‘Flaw in Creationists’

Arguments’ (The Guardian, June 26, 2007):

“Scientists are slowly waking up to an inconvenient truth―the universe

looks suspiciously like a fix. The issue concerns the very laws of nature

themselves. For 40 years, physicists and cosmologists have been

quietly collecting examples of all too convenient “coincidences” and

special features in the underlying laws of the universe that seem to

be necessary in order for life, and hence

conscious beings, to exist. Change any one of

them and the consequences would be lethal.”

The fundamental

challenge to account

for the impeccable

order in the universe

is that the concept

of the universe

presented by religion

and modern science

appeals to an agency

outside the universe

to explain its law-like

order.

He illustrates his point by citing the building

blocks of the universe. The entire universe

is made up of atoms, atoms which are a

combination of neutrons, protons and

electrons. A neutron is a little heavier than

a proton. This proportion is extremely

important. If it were the other way round, that

protons were heavier than neutrons, then

according to known laws, the atom could not

exist. And when there are no protons, there

can be no atomic nuclei and no atoms. No

atoms, no chemistry, no life.

This example shows that science today is facing unanswerable

questions. For instance, what is the origin of the present laws of

physics? Why do they take their present form? How is it that they are

so well-established, etc.? Traditionally, scientists supposed that these

laws were an integral part of the universe, that they were imprinted on

the universe at its birth and fixed thereafter. Enquiry into the origin of

nature and of its laws was not regarded as a proper part of science. But

now these questions are vexing the scientists.

The Cambridge cosmologist, Martin Rees, 60th President of The

Royal Society (2005-2010), suggests that the laws of physics are not

absolute and universal, but are more akin to local by-laws varying from place to place on a mega-cosmic scale. He calls this the ‘multiverse’

system. According to these researches, our universe is a universe

which possesses biofriendly laws. That is why we find ourselves in a

universe, which, in meeting all of our exact requirements, is apparently

customized for habitation. Had this not been so, our existence would

have been impossible. What is the origin of these absolute and universal

laws, which are controlling the universe in a highly organized manner?

The fundamental challenge to account for the

impeccable order in the universe is that the

concept of the universe presented by religion

and modern science appeals to an agency

outside the universe to explain its law-like

order. Still, modern thinkers maintain that

accepting a designer who exists before the

existence of the universe is not an explanation

of this problem. For this explanation of the

universe immediately begs the question: if the

designer designed the universe, who designed

the designer? Paul Davies concludes:

“If there is an ultimate meaning to existence, as I believe is the

case, the answer is to be found within nature, and not beyond it.

The universe might indeed be a fix, but if so, it has fixed itself.”

The Explanation

In the matter of theology, the modern mind is in grave confusion. As we

find from this article written by Paul Davies. The atheist philosophers

and physicists have frequently asked, “If God created the universe, who

created God?” But this question is totally illogical. It is sheer negation

of logic. Furthermore, this objection is based on a clear contradiction.

Those who believe in a universe without a Creator are not ready to

believe in a Creator without a Creator. If the universe can exist without

a Creator, the existence of a Creator is also possible without Him being

created.

The Rational Stand

The question of the existence of God must be addressed in a purely

rational manner. No other stand except a rational stand can be adopted

or is practicable, as other approaches will fail to satisfy this question.

It is an established fact that there is order in the universe in an absolutely

perfect sense. This order is apparent to everyone’s observation. Paul Davies says, “the universe seems just right for life.” To support this

statement, he has given a scientific example of the atom’s structure.

Thus, order in the universe is considered as an established fact by both

the theists and the atheists.

As regards the rational stand, the concept of order or organization

cannot exist without the concept of an organizer. Wherever there is

organization, there certainly exists an organizer. Believing in order

and organization without believing in an organizer is rationally

impossible. The presence of organization leaves no room for refusing

to acknowledge the presence of an organizer. Failing to find an

explanation for the existence of an organizer is no logical pretext to

deny the existence of the organizer.

What has been stated by Mr Davies with

reference to atomic structure holds true also

for the macroworld. Each part of this world,

big or small, is so balanced, ordered and

proportionate that even the minutest change

in its structure could disturb the entire system

of nature.

Believing in

intelligent action

without believing in

an intelligent Creator

is like believing in

a complex machine

without believing in

its engineer.

For instance, the Earth’s gravity is exactly in

accordance with our needs. If the force of

gravity were to be doubled, or halved, either

way the survival of human civilization on the planet Earth would

become impossible. As we know, we have two immediate neighbours

in space—the sun and the moon. If the sun were replaced by the moon

and the moon by the sun, let alone human life on Earth, the entire

Earth would burn to ashes.

Intelligent Universe

There are innumerable things in the universe and everything is in

the form of a compound. Formerly, the atom was regarded as an

indivisible unit and not a compound. When the atom was split in the

age of Einstein, it was discovered that it was also a compound and not

a single unit.

Everything is scientifically studied in the modern age. All the things

consisting of certain compounds have many options about the form

they take, but science tells us that nature inevitably opts for the one

form―out of the many possible forms that they could take―which is

exactly in accordance with the overall scheme of the universe. This is

why, in this world, everything is in its perfect and ultimate form.

This principle prevailing in the universe may be termed an intelligent

selection. There are billions and trillions of things in the universe,

but everything, without exception, is an example of this intelligent

selection. This principle is so common that a British Nobel Prizewinning physicist, Dr Fred Hoyle, chose the title The Intelligent Universe

for a book he wrote on this subject.

This phenomenon of the universe provides

conclusive proof of God’s existence.

Intelligent design is clearly a proof of an

intelligent Creator. Logically, it is unthinkable

that intelligent action should exist without an

intelligent Creator.

If we deny the

existence of God, we

shall have to deny

the existence of the

universe as well.

Since we cannot

refute the existence

of the universe, we

are compelled to

accept the existence

of God.

Believing in intelligent action without believing

in an intelligent Creator is like believing in

a complex machine without believing in its

engineer.

Dr Fred Hoyle explains in his book, that in

the initial stages of scientific discovery, the

violent reaction of the Christian Church

against the scientists still lingers in human

memory. People fear that if proof of the existence of an intelligent

Creator behind the universe is declared, there will be a resurgence of

the religious extremism of former times. This is a baseless fear. After

the scientific acknowledgement of the intelligent Creator, history will

witness the return of the true divine religion.

Two Options

We have two explanations for the extraordinary order and proportion

existing in the universe. One is that the universe is its own designer.

Yet all the research conducted on the universe refutes this, because

the order discovered by science in the universe is clearly based entirely

on intelligent design. On the other hand, atheists claim that there is

everything in the universe except what is called ‘intelligence’. We are

then asked to believe that the universe discovered by science is totally

designed, but that at the same time, it is totally non-intelligent. In such

a state of affairs if we believe that the universe is the designer of its

own design, it is like believing a statue is a self-created being and has

moulded itself into a meaningful design. Given this situation we are left

with only one option to explain the universe. And that is to accept some

agency outside the universe as being responsible for its underlying

design. We have no other choice besides this one.

In reality, the choice does not lie between the universe without God

and the universe with God; but rather between the universe with God

and no universe at all. That is to say, if we deny the existence of God,

we shall have to deny the existence of the universe as well. Since we

cannot refute the existence of the universe, we are compelled to accept

the existence of God.

The Choice before Us

One of the principles of rationality is that in such circumstances as

leave us practically a solitary option, we are faced with a compulsive

situation. That is, we are compelled to accept that option. Going against

that is possible only when there is more than one choice. But when

there is no other choice available, it becomes incumbent upon us to

accept that single course of action. In this context, this single option

means to accept the existence of God as a fact, for no other choice is

available except for the acceptance of the existence of God.

Types of Logical Argument

Logic is the study of the principles and criteria of valid inference

and demonstration. Logic is man’s greatest possession. It influences

every decision human beings make in their lives. It enables them to

understand concepts at the rational level. Through logic, ideas are

made rationally understandable. There are two major kinds of logic—

optional logic and compulsive logic. Both of these methods of logic are

equally dependable methods. When either of these logical methods is

applied to prove any point, the result will be accepted as established.

Optional Logic

Optional logic is that which allows the possibility of accepting either

of two propositions. By applying certain methods, we can make a

reasoned choice. For instance, take sunlight. When we look at sunlight

with the naked eye, it appears to be of a single colour. But on seeing

sunlight through a prism, this same light is divided into seven colours.

This leaves us with two options regarding the colour of sunlight. Now,

thanks to advances in science, it becomes possible for us to see which

option carries more logical weight. That is why the seven-colour option

has come to be accepted as a reality. It has been upheld by a superior

logic.

Compulsive Logic

The case of compulsive logic differs in that only one option presents

itself. One is compelled to accept that option and no other, for no other option is available. An example of compulsive logic is that of

acknowledging the identity of one’s mother. Everyone believes one

particular woman to be his mother. Despite not having seen himself

being born, he is compelled to accept this as a fact, and clings to it

as a matter of conviction. His belief results from compulsive logic. He

maintains this belief because, in this matter, his position is that he has

no other option but to accept one particular woman as his mother.

Belief in the existence of God pertains to this same kind of compulsive

logic. On the question of God’s existence, the actual point is that we

have no option in this matter. We are compelled to believe in the

existence of God. For if we did not believe in the existence of God, we

would have to negate the existence of not only the universe but also

our own existence. Since we can negate the existence neither of the

universe nor our own, we cannot logically deny the existence of God.

Man’s Existence is the Proof of God’s Existence

In the vastness of the universe, it is man alone who denies the existence

of God, in spite of the fact that man’s own existence is the greatest

proof of God’s existence. If a being like man exists, then a being like

God, too, certainly exists. All the qualities which we envisage existing in

God in a perfect form, exist in man in an imperfect form. If an imperfect

being exists, a perfect being can certainly exist. Believing in one and

denying the other is such a contradiction in logic that no one endowed

with any reason can afford it.

Rene Descartes, the famous French philosopher, (1596-1650) was also

faced with the question: ‘If man exists, what is the rational proof of his

existence?’ After long reflection, he gave this answer:

‘I think, therefore I exist.’

The answer he gave is entirely sound in terms of logic. But this logic,

which proves the existence of man, proves something far greater, and

that is, rational proof of the existence of God. In the light of this logical

principle, we would be right in saying:

‘Thinking exists, therefore God exists.’

Those who deny God, deny Him because He appears to them as abstract

and therefore incomprehensible. They find it difficult to believe in

something which has no material existence. But human beings are

thinking creatures. Everyone believes in the existence of the faculty of thinking on the basis of his own experience, even though thinking is

totally an abstract activity, with no material existence.

Now, if man believes in the existence of one kind of abstract concept, then

there is no reason why he should not accept the existence of another

kind of abstract concept―that of God’s existence. The soundness of

this logic is quite apparent. If the existence of thinking―which is an

integral part of everyone’s experience—is denied, then, certainly, man

shall have to deny his own existence. And no one can deny his own

existence. That is why it is not logically possible for anyone to deny the

existence of God.

God’s being invisible is not a sufficient reason for denying His

existence. The truth is that denying God’s existence because of His

being invisible is an outdated argument in the age of modern science.

In the beginning of the 20th century, when the atom was smashed and

scientific knowledge embraced the subatomic world, it was brought to

light that, in this realm, everything was invisible.

Everything previously perceived to be palpably solid was shown to be

made up of components which were invisible. This being so, taking the

stand that God’s existence may be denied on the grounds of invisibility

has come to be regarded as unscientific.

The following two books provide details on this subject:

1. Science and the Unseen World by Sir Arthur Eddington.

2. Human Knowledge by Bertrand Russell

Therefore, we can say that:

The option that we have is not between a ‘universe with God’ or a

‘universe without God’. The only option we have is between a ‘universe

with God’ or ‘no universe at all’.

EVIDENCE OF GOD

Knowledge Leads the Way

AN ARTICLE written by the American Nobel Prize-winning physicist

Charles Townes (1915-2015) appeared in The Times of India on

January 31, 2015. The article was titled: A Physicist’s Faith in

Science and God. In the article Townes speaks about the universe and

religion. He says:

“No one can deny that the universe is the outcome of intelligent

placing. It is unusual. We, too, are unusual. To make it possible for life

to exist, special physical laws are required. So, I would say that this

is a very special universe. It has been intelligently planned. How can

anyone refute that? So, there is indeed a spiritual world; a Creator.

Most people do not realise that science, like

religion, requires faith. We make so many

assumptions. We believe that the laws of

physics are reliable—that’s a kind of faith…I

do believe there is a spiritual presence in the

universe. It is difficult to define God, but I can

feel an Omnipresence everywhere. People

ask, if God created the universe, who created

God? So, there’s always a problem with a

beginning.”

When we accept

the existence of the

world, it becomes

necessary to accept

that this world has

had a beginning.

Since a beginning

without a beginner

is impossible, we are

compelled to believe

in the existence of

the Beginner.

Everyone admits that our universe is an

intelligently designed universe. Therefore,

there must be a beginning of such a universe.

The existence of a meaningful universe is an

undeniable fact. The only thing about which

some people are sceptical is its beginning―

how did it begin and who is the beginner? However, when looked at

closely, this question seems illogical. It is an obvious fact that where

there is a beginning, there is a beginner. The phenomenon of beginning

itself proves the existence of a beginner. If we are compelled to believe

in the beginning, then we must also, out of the same compulsion,

believe in the beginner.

All our knowledge points to the fact that there is a world that exists

outside of us. When we accept the existence of the world, it becomes

necessary to accept that this world has had a beginning. Since a

beginning without a beginner is impossible, we are compelled to

believe in the existence of the Beginner.

SIGNS OF GOD

Mathematical Precision in Nature

JAMES CLERK MAXWELL, the Scottish physicist represented the

laws of electromagnetic interactions in mathematical equations

so beautifully, that when the great Austrian physicist Ludwig

Boltzmann saw them, he exclaimed “Who was the God who wrote

these signs?

To a keen observer of the universe, the most astounding fact is that

every study of nature culminates in a conclusion that is incredibly

meaningful and intelligent. Every study of the universe shows that

it has not been randomly put together, but impeccably planned and

systematically organized. This obvious fact compels an observer to

acknowledge that a supreme intelligence is responsible for the creation

and functioning of the universe.

Albert Einstein was of a purely scientific temperament. In spite of this,

he has acknowledged that he is more of a philosopher than a physicist.

"I am more a philosopher than a physicist, for I believe there is a reality

outside of us".

With this belief, Einstein would say about himself: To know that what is

impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty which our dull facilities can comprehend only

in the most primitive forms—this knowledge, this feeling, is at the centre of

true religiousness. In this sense, and in this sense only, I belong in the ranks

of the devoutly religious men.

Nature is a sign of God and speaks to us about God. As a creation

of God, it presents a picture of its Creator. One who observes nature

and the universe with an open mind is sure to discover its Creator.

Nevertheless, a biased mind will remain in darkness in the midst of

light and will be unable to find God in the midst of God’s signs.

THE FOUNDATION OF REALITY

Contemporary Intellect

MODERN theological science is a substantiation of religious

beliefs with due regard for contemporary intellect. This is

truer indeed of a presentation of Islamic teachings according

to modern rational methods. To begin with, we must ascertain

exactly what this contemporary intellect is. Contemporary intellect is

synonymous with scientific intellect, or that intellect which emphasizes

the importance of the essential nature of things. In other words, modern

mind validates those beliefs that are observable and demonstrable.

The scientific revolution has had a profound effect on human thought.

Owing to science, theories are required to be based on experiment and

observation rather than on hypothesis and analogy. The intellectual

and material upheaval of the present age has occurred because of the

discovery of the realities of nature.

The intellectual and

material upheaval of

the present age has

occurred because

of the discovery

of the realities of

nature. All things,

from the bicycle to

the aeroplane, from

light bulbs to huge

factories, operate

on the basis of these

natural realities.

All things, from the bicycle to the aeroplane,

from light bulbs to huge factories, operate

on the basis of these natural realities. This

is the revolution which has, in fact, stolen

the limelight in our modern age, for it has

affected every department of human life. For

thousands of years man was engaged in a

futile attempt to turn iron into gold by means

of highly secret formulas. Now, thanks to the

discovery of natural realities, iron is converted

into machines more precious than gold. These

developments have added credibility to the

theories which are proven by the realities of

nature. This mindset is to be expected. Since

the progress of modern man has been due to

his discovery of natural realities, he is bound

to attribute importance only to that theory

which is supported by these realities.

This difference between the modern and ancient intellect may be

understood by means of a simple example. A century ago, drugs

were claimed to be manufactured following medicinal prescriptions

based on family tradition, or prescriptions used by knights and kings.

Terms such as “family prescription”, “hereditary cure”, “royally mixed

medicine”, etc., used to carry great weight with physicians. If any of these terms were used with respect to any medicine or tooth powder, it

meant that it contained hidden properties. Nowadays, however, these

terms have no value.

Today’s doctor will not use this outmoded terminology when explaining

the efficacy of a certain medicine. Rather he will point out that this

product has been prepared scientifically and that its advantages have

been ascertained by means of established evidence and experiments,

the validity of which can always be tested by repetition. The very

phrase “family cure” implies that its medicinal properties are not open

to general investigation and that the connection between illness and

cure has not been ascertained by any specific experiment. Rather its

acceptability is attributable to its wide usage over a long period of time.

Today’s customer seeks a product which has been manufactured on

scientific lines. Likewise, it is only those ideas whose truth is verified by

natural realities that he is ready to accept.

FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE

There is a tree beside my house. I call

it the 'Spiritual Tree'. I derive spiritual

inspiration from it. A tree is an evergrowing being that was initially a seed

possessing the potential of becoming a

full-grown tree. A seed takes food from the

universe around it and then grows into a

tree. The same is true with spirituality,

the desire for which is intrinsic to, and an

integral part of, the very nature of every

human being. To realize this spirituality,

man must derive spiritual food from the

universe around him. A tree converts

carbon-dioxide into oxygen; a spiritual person is one who can take positive lessons

from negative situations. From this perspective, a tree is an embodiment of a

spiritual personality. —Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

SCIENCE—AN AID TO

GOD-REALIZATION

WHILE ON A TRIP away from the city, if you chance to lift your

head up at night and look at the sky, you will see thousands

of stars; beautiful, magnificent and wonderful stars. If you

observe them carefully for some time, you will see that they are slowly

moving across the sky. This apparent movement of the stars across

the sky is because of the Earth’s rotation. In fact, some stars seem to

move faster than others. This is because of the distance between the

stars. This difference in apparent movement is called parallax. In the

case of stars, this is very helpful, since it helps us measure the distance

between us and the star in question.

Fourteen centuries ago, however, little was known about the stars. The

Earth was thought to be flat and the heavens a kind of vault resting on

the hilltops which provided a roof over the Earth. Stars were considered

as close to one another as they appeared to be. It was generally believed

that the Earth was stationary and that the sun revolved around it.

People believed that the universe had existed since eternity. Even the

greatest thinkers of the time believed in a static model of the universe.

At such a time, the Quran said:

Do not those who deny the truth see that the heavens and the earth

were joined together and that We then split them asunder? ( 21: 30 )

Up to about a hundred years ago, it was generally accepted that the

universe existed in infinite time. Only now modern studies in astronomy

have confirmed the truth of this Quranic verse. According to the

prevailing and current scientific view of cosmology, the universe had

a distinct and singular beginning about 13.7 billion years ago in what

is commonly referred to as the Big Bang. This model of the universe

also describes how the universe expanded from a very high density

and high temperature state, offering a comprehensive explanation to

various natural phenomena including the formation of galaxies, stars

and planets, our Earth and the elements required to sustain life.

The star nearest to Earth, apart from the sun, is called Proxima Centauri

and is about 4. 22 light-years away from us (meaning light from that

star takes about 4. 22 years to reach us) or about 40, 208 ,000,000,000

kilometres. Our sun, in comparison, is just

eight light-minutes away. The stars seem to be

spread across the entire sky but are actually

concentrated in one particular band, which

we call the Milky Way galaxy. We now know

that the Milky Way, our galaxy, is not the only

galaxy. In 1924, the American astronomer

Edwin Hubble found many others, with huge

areas of empty space in between them. These

galaxies were so far away that they appeared

not to move at all and their distance from us

could not be directly measured.

Up to about a

hundred years ago,

it was generally

accepted that the

universe existed in

infinite time. Only

now we find that

modern studies in

astronomy have

confirmed the truth

of this verse in the

Quran.

Scientific developments have enabled us to

study and observe these stars and galaxies

which would not have been possible when

the Quran was revealed in the 7th century AD.

Another way to measure the distance of a star or galaxy from Earth is

by its brightness. The temperature of a star can also be calculated by

focusing a telescope on a particular distant star and passing its light

through a prism. This light splits up into different colours which is then

called the star’s spectrum. Different stars have different spectra, but a

specific temperature shows a specific spectral pattern. If we know the

temperature of a star, and therefore its luminosity, and its apparent

brightness, its distance from Earth can be calculated.

As astronomers began to study these distant galaxies, they discovered

that the light from each galaxy showed the same spectral pattern. To

understand the implications of this, we must first understand that light

travels in waves. The size of one wave (comprising of one crest and one

trough), called wavelength, determines its colour. Visible light consists

of seven colours: red―which has the longest wavelength and therefore

the largest waves, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet―which

has the shortest wavelength and therefore the smallest waves.

Now, the spectral pattern of the galaxies was all found to be slightly

shifted to the red side. Different stars emit light at different wavelengths.

If the stars were stationary, the light we receive would be in the same

wavelength in which it was emitted. If the stars were moving away from

us, the light would be being stretched as it was emitted―which means

its wavelength would keep increasing―becoming red. If all galaxies

were being shifted to the red, it meant that

they were all moving away from Earth. This

meant that the universe was expanding―just

as points marked on a balloon move further

and further away from each other as the

balloon grows in size.

Fourteen centuries ago, the following verse

was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in

the Quran ( 51: 47 ):

We built the universe with Our might, and

truly, it is We who are steadily expanding it.

For a serious reader,

there is enough

evidence in the

Quran having had

its source in an

Omnipresent and

Eternal Mind—one

which knows all

facts in their true

forms and whose

knowledge has not

been conditioned

by time and

circumstances.

With the advances made in the field of

science and technology, the range of

human observation and experiment has

vastly increased, opening up great vistas of

knowledge about the universe. In all spheres

of existence and in all disciplines of science, previously established

concepts are being proved wrong by latest research. This means no

human work dating back 1500 years can claim total accuracy, because

all ‘facts’ must now be re-evaluated in the light of recent information.

But when one reads and understands the verses in the Quran related

to the universe, one can observe that it is free of incongruities.

For a serious reader, this can be an evidence of the Quran having had its

source in an Omnipresent and Eternal Mind―one which knows all facts

in their true forms and whose knowledge has not been conditioned by

time and circumstances.

SCIENCE OPENS NEW HORIZONS

Discover the Creator through Creation

THE Quran refers to the Divine plan in these words ( 41: 53 ):

We shall show them Our signs in the universe and within

themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.

Is it not enough that your Lord is the witness of all things?

The signs of God whose emergence was predicted in this verse of the

Quran came into full expression in the 19th and 20th centuries. One

aspect of the modern scientific revolution is that it has fully brought to

life these signs of God. The modern scientific revolution has provided

a commonly accepted intellectual ground between those who engage

in dawah work (dayees or preachers) and their addressees (madus or

addressees), through which dawah (missionary) work can be engaged

in a more effective way

.

Some 3000 years ago, the Prophet Moses started his prophetic mission

in Egypt. He promulgated the message of the unity of God (tawhid) to

Pharaoh, who was then the ruler of Egypt. But Pharaoh mocked this

message. The Quran ( 28: 38 ) tells us:

Pharaoh said, “O nobles, I know of no god for you other than

myself. So, Haman, burn me bricks of clay, and build me a high

tower, so that I may have a look at the God of Moses, though I

consider him to be one of the liars.”

Something similar to this happened closer to our own times. Nikita

Khrushchev (d. 1971) was one of the top leaders of the former Soviet

Union. In 1957, the Soviet Union sent its first satellite into space. It was

called Sputnik. The satellite entered space, travelled around, taking

many pictures, and then returned to Earth. After this, Khrushchev,

mocking religion, declared that their spacecraft had travelled in space

but no God was to be seen there, nor any Paradise.

To rebut such claims, earlier no solid scientific basis was available. But

now the situation is completely altered, with great advances in science.

According to modern researches, only around four per cent of the vast

universe is observable for man. The remaining 96% of the universe is

beyond our observation. Much of this 96% is thought to consist of dark

matter and dark energy, which are poorly understood, if at all.

This modern scientific finding is a great basis for the votary of Truth in

presenting a rationale for belief in the existence of the Creator God.

On the basis of this finding, one can say that man, given his present

abilities, can arrive only at indirect knowledge about God and Paradise.

Man simply cannot obtain direct observational evidence on these

matters.

Science has opened up new doors of Godrealization. What is science? Science is

concerned with the study of nature, and

nature is another name for the creation

of God. So, science can be said to be the

discipline that studies the creation of God, the

Maker of all things. In this study, man does not

see the Creator directly. Rather, studying and

contemplating on the creation of the Creator,

he learns more about the Creator.

Science has opened

up new doors of

God-realization.

Science is concerned

with the study of

nature, and nature is

another name for the

creation of God. So,

science can be said to

be the discipline that

studies the creation

of God, the Maker of

all things.

Before the emergence of modern science,

man’s knowledge of nature was limited. In

other words, man knew relatively little about

the creations of God. In such a situation, his

understanding of the greatness of God was

limited. Modern scientific revolution marked

a watershed in this regard. It enabled man to

study the creation of God in much greater detail. Scientists developed

many instruments for this purpose. By uncovering many of the signs of

God scattered about in the universe, they opened up new opportunities

for a higher level of realization of the power and glory of God.

In this regard, it is pertinent to note that in Muslim literary history there

have been many writers who penned numerous books on the glories of

the Prophet of Islam. But there have been hardly any who wrote on the

glories of God. For the glories of the Prophet, an impressive historical

record was available. But the issue of the glories of God was a different

one. It is not possible for us to see God physically and estimate His

greatness directly. There is only one way to get some sort of idea of

God’s greatness, and that is, to discern God’s greatness in and through

God’s creation. That is to say, one can get an idea of the greatness of the

non-observable Creator through His observable creations. Before the

advent of modern science, man did not have a detailed knowledge of

the creations of God. On account of the limited intellectual framework

in this period, belief in God remained largely a mysterious sort of belief, not a belief that was deeply rooted in

consciousness of God’s greatness and glory.

By studying the

amazing creations

of God, modern

science has provided

man new grounds

for fortifying his

faith in God and

for deepening one’s

appreciation of God’s

greatness and glory

By studying the amazing creations of God,

modern science has provided man new

grounds for fortifying his faith in God and

for deepening one’s appreciation of God’s

greatness and glory. Thus, modern scientific

revolution can be said to be a support to

Islam. It is favourable to Islam, not a challenge

to it. Through modern scientific research,

new facts about nature were brought to light,

which proved to be a great support for the

claims of Islam. These discoveries opened the

doors to higher levels of realization about God. Along with this, they

made available a new and more effective possibility for inviting people

to the Truth. That is, the work of dawah, inviting people to God, could

now be done on the basis of the accepted scientific knowledge and

intellectual principles of the madus themselves.

God is watching over His servants,

those who say, "Our Lord, we believe

in You; forgive us our sins, and save us

from the torment of the Fire'- and who

are patient, steadfast, self-controlled,

truthful, devout, and charitable, and

who pray for God's forgiveness at

daybreak. THE QURAN 3: 15-17

A DELAY OF NINE DAYS

Divine Intervention or Chance?

ACCORDING to a report that appeared on March 18, 2014 in

the journal Nature Communications, a massive magnetic storm

erupted on the surface of the sun on July 23, 2012. This event

may have proved to be destructive for the planet Earth. But luck saved

us from this catastrophe. And, that luck was that Earth was on the other

side of the sun at that time.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and another

Chinese research team, both reported separately that a rapid

succession of coronal mass ejections―the most intense eruptions

on the sun―sent a pulse of magnetized plasma barrelling into space

and through Earth’s orbit. The massive magnetic storm had a speed of

3,000 km per second―enough to circle Earth five times in one minute.

Had the eruption come nine days earlier, when the ignition spot on the

solar surface was aimed exactly at Earth, it would have hit the planet.

Researchers say that the solar burst tore

through Earth’s orbit but, fortunately, Earth

and the other planets were on the other

side of the sun at the time. Had Earth been

in the line of sight, it would have suffered

severe magnetic storms as the magnetic

field of the outburst would have tangled with

the planet’s own magnetic field. This would

have wreaked havoc with the electrical grid,

disabling satellites and GPS, and disrupting

our electronic lives.

What is “luck”? It

is an intervention

by the Lord of the

universe. In the vast

space, such events

happen very often.

However, through

sheer ‘luck’, we

remain safe from

danger. It is a proof

that there is a high

control of check

and balance in the

universe.

What was this “luck”? In fact, it was an

intervention by the Lord of the universe.

In the vast expanses of space, such events

happen quite often. However, every time

our planet remains safe from danger. This

phenomenon is a proof that there is a high

control of check and balance in the universe.

It is this control that saves us from being a catastrophic victim to such

events. This universal management has been mentioned in the Quran

in these words: “Say, ‘Who will save you from the Most Gracious, by

night and by day?’ Yet they turn away from the remembrance of their

Lord.” ( 21: 42 )

SCIENCE SPEAKS ABOUT GOD

The Perfection of Natural Laws

NATURE is the subject of science. Science studies nature and

discovers those laws through which nature is being governed.

In other words, science studies the creation without referring to

the Creator.

It is not the concern of scientists to discover the Creator. However,

this kind of bifurcation is practically impossible. One cannot detach the

engineer from the machine, then how can one detach the Creator from

the creation? Science discovers the marvels of nature, but the question

arises as to who created these marvels? When we try to find out the

answer to this question, we cannot help arrive at the conclusion that

God exists.

A number of books have been written on this subject. A recent one is

‘Why Science Does Not Disprove God’, written by Amir D. Aczel (d. 2015),

a lecturer in mathematics and science, and an author.

The following are excerpts taken from a review on this book by the

physicist Alan Lightman:

“There is plenty of good scientific evidence that our universe began

about 14 billion years ago, in a Big Bang of enormously high density

and temperature, long before planets, stars and even atoms existed.

But what came before? [The physicist Lawrence] Krauss in his book

discusses the current thinking of physicists that our entire universe

could have emerged from a jitter in the amorphous haze of the

subatomic world called the quantum foam, in which energy and matter

can materialize out of nothing. Krauss’s punch line is that we do not

need God to create the universe. The quantum foam can do it quite

nicely all on its own. Aczel asks the obvious question: But where did the

quantum foam come from? Where did the quantum laws come from?

Hasn’t Krauss simply passed the buck? Legitimate questions, but ones

we will probably never be able to answer.

“…Aczel discusses the mysteries of “emergent” phenomena—when

a complex system exhibits a qualitative behavior that cannot be

explained in terms of the workings of its individual parts: for example,

the emergence of self-replicating life from inanimate molecules or the

emergence of consciousness from a collection of connected neurons.

He writes, “The inexplicability of such emergent phenomena is the

reason why we cannot disprove the idea of some creative power behind

everything.

“…[The fine-tuning problem] For the past 50 years or so, physicists have

become more and more aware that various fundamental parameters

of our universe appear to be fine-tuned to allow the emergence of life

—not only life as we know it but life of any kind. For example, if the

nuclear force were slightly stronger than it is, then all of the hydrogen

atoms in the infant universe would have fused with other hydrogen

atoms to make helium, and there would be

no hydrogen left. No hydrogen means no

water. On the other hand, if the nuclear force

were substantially weaker than it is, then the

complex atoms needed for biology could not

hold together.

Science discovers

the marvels of

nature, but the

question arises as to

who created these

marvels? When

we try to find out

the answer to this

question, we cannot

help arrive at the

conclusion that God

exists.

In another, even more striking example, if

the cosmic “dark energy” were a little denser

than it actually is, our universe would have

expanded so rapidly that matter could never

have pulled itself together to form stars. And

if the dark energy were a little smaller, the

universe would have collapsed long before

stars had time to form. Atoms are made in

stars. Without stars there would be no atoms

and no life.

So, the question is: Why? Why do these parameters lie in the narrow

range that allows life?

If our particular universe did not have the right parameters to allow

the emergence of life, we wouldn’t be here to talk about it. In a similar

way, Earth happens to be at the right distance from the sun to have

liquid water, a nice oxygen atmosphere and so on. We can ask why our

planet has all these lovely properties, amenable to life. …But if we lived

on Mercury, where the temperature is 800 degrees Fahrenheit, or on

Neptune, where it is 328 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, we could not

exist.” (The Washington Post, April 10, 2014)

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

Faith of a Believer

DISCOVERY of God is the foundation of faith. The higher the

discovery, the higher is the faith. The culmination of this

discovery is the discovery of God with all His glory. When a

person discovers God with all His greatness, he is in a state of awe

which the Quran describes in the following words:

‘True believers are those whose hearts tremble with awe at the

mention of God.’ ( 8: 2 )

Modern astronomy has a positive

contribution in this regard. It has provided

a framework to discover the unimaginable

greatness and glory of the Creator. With

the help of this framework, a man can bring

into his imagination the concept of God’s

indescribable greatness.

Realization of

God leads man to

acknowledge his

limitations while,

on the other hand,

he discovers the

limitlessness of God.

The thrilling state

which is produced

within man as

a result of this

discovery is called

realization of God.

Modern science has studied astronomy for

many centuries. In 1508, the telescope was

invented. For the first time, in 1609 the Italian

scientist Galileo observed space through a

telescope. This observation of the heavens

progressed continuously. Earlier, large

astronomical telescopes were set up on some

remote mountaintops taking advantage of

the clear skies and the lack of atmospheric and light pollution. Today is the age of ‘space science’. Now, man has

established space observatories and telescopes, for example, Hubble

Space Telescope that was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990. With

this technology, it has become possible to observe distant planets and

galaxies in the far reaches of the universe. Such observations have

established that the universe is constantly expanding at an increasing

rate. These discoveries present a new horizon in the knowledge of

man that conceptualizes the greatness and glory of God. Scientific

discoveries have truly enlarged the canvas of God-realization.

In this regard, a few years ago, astronomers discovered what they say

is the biggest ever black hole which weighs the same as 6.8 billion suns.

Speaking about the discovery, one of the astronomers said: “This black

hole could swallow our solar system whole.”

According to the scientists, the black hole, and the galaxy hosting it,

which is a huge blob of stars known as M87, is as large as the orbit of

Neptune and by far the largest and most distant galaxy in the nearby

universe. As a point of comparison, the black hole at the centre of the

Milky Way is 1,000 times smaller than this one which has been observed

some 50 million light years away.

A black hole is a region of space from which nothing, not even light,

can escape. It is the result of the deformation of spacetime caused by

a very compact mass.

When such facts as these come to light, they serve as great treasure

troves for God-realization. These events tell us of the greatness of God’s

power to an unimaginable extent. To the one who thinks seriously

about these scientific discoveries, his heart will tremble at the glory of

God and the hairs on his body will stand on their ends.

These facts remind man of his state of extreme helplessness and the

state of omnipotence of God. To ponder upon such discoveries which

reveals a treasure trove provided by the universe acts as great stimulus

and support to attain a higher realization of God.

Realization of God leads man to acknowledge his limitations while,

on the other hand, he discovers the limitlessness of God. The thrilling

state which is produced within man as a result of this discovery is called

realization of God. Whoever attains this realization of God, for him it

is as if the gates of blissfulness have been opened in this world as well

as in the Hereafter. Fortunate is the man of whom it will be said in the

Hereafter: ‘Enter Paradise from whichever of the gates you like. After

today there is neither fear for you nor any grief’.

MIRACLES OR SIGNS OF GOD

Phenomena in Nature

THE SIGNS that the prophets of God demonstrated to their people

are commonly known as miracles. But this is not a true Islamic

understanding. The Quran and Hadith (record of the Prophet’s

sayings and deeds) refer to these prophetic examples not as miracles, but

as signs. Calling such instances as miracles presents them as prophetic

phenomena, whereas referring to them as signs shows them to be natural

phenomena.

Moses was a prophet of God. He was born in ancient Egypt in the 16th

century BC. The Egyptian ruler of the time, Ramesses II, challenged

him in a contest where, on the demand of the ruler, the Prophet

Moses demonstrated a sign. When he threw

his wooden staff to the ground, it instantly

turned into a slithering serpent. This event

was witnessed by many people, some of

whom were so affected that they immediately

accepted the divine message of Prophet

Moses.

In the order of

nature, the act

of conversion is

universal and allpervading. It is a

proof of the existence

of God and of His

power. What is

meant by conversion

in the universe

is actually Divine

intervention.

This incident was not just a lesson for the

contemporaries of the Prophet Moses. In

reality, it was an eye-opening sign for the whole

of humankind. Moses had demonstrated to

people a universal and common law of God.

This is the law of conversion. With the help of

God, Prophet Moses had shown that a piece

of wood could be changed into the shape of

a serpent in the same way that everything in

nature is being converted from one form into another. The event that

Prophet Moses demonstrated to the people was in reality this law of

conversion: an act of changing something from one form to another.

There are several references to this natural law of conversion in the

Quran. The Quran says that in this world ‘nothing’ is being converted

into ‘something’ ( 52: 35 ). In the same way, it is mentioned that a nonexistence is converted into an existence ( 76: 1 ).

The time of Prophet Moses and the Pharaoh, Ramesses II, was the

pre-scientific era, when such signs could only be shown to people with

the special intervention of God. With the advent of modern science, it has become possible that such natural phenomena can be explained

through human intelligence. This scientific revolution that was to come

had been predicted in the Quran ( 41: 53 ).

There are countless and diverse things in the universe. Study shows

that all these things are a result of conversion, that is, a change from

one form to another form. In Prophet Moses’ time, a thing that was

not a serpent was changed into a serpent; matter was changed into a

different form of matter. This is the same phenomenon that transpires

with everything else in this universe. Here, solid is being converted into

liquid, liquid to solid, gases into liquids and vice versa, and gases into

other gases. Energy is being converted into matter; matter is being

converted into energy. In the same way, a tree grows out of a seed,

a fruit comes forth from a flower, a chick emerges from an egg, and a

butterfly is metamorphosed from a chrysalis. Change or conversion is

a law of nature.

In the order of nature, this act of conversion is universal and allpervading. It is a proof of the existence of God and of His power. What

is meant by conversion in the universe is actually intervention. Things

that come into existence by conversion prove an intervention. When

the act of intervention is proved, then the existence of the intervener is

also proved. God is only the other name of this Intervener.

"Whoever persists in being patient, God

will make him patient. Nobody can be

given a blessing better and greater than

patience." (Sahih Bukhari)

THE BIG BANG THEORY

Birth of the Beginning

DO NOT those who deny the truth see that the heavens and the earth

were joined together and that We then split them asunder? And

that We have made every living thing out of water? Will they still

not believe?

E. O. WILSON (b. 1929), hailed as the father of sociobiology, once said

in an interview that the Big Bang theory is more interesting than any

religious theory regarding origin of the universe. In fact, the Big Bang

theory is clearly mentioned in the above verse of the Quran ( 21: 30 ).

The Quran is here addressing all humankind. It is speaking beyond the

level of time to all humankind. It is bringing the attention of human

beings to the proof of the existence of One God in the universe before

their eyes. Why then do they deny it?

The Big Bang Theory

has proved the

existence of God

from the law of

nature, for only an

external agent at

a specific instance

in time could have

made a point

mass into an everexpanding universe.

In 1912, the American astronomer Vesto

Melvin Slipher (d. 1969) discovered from

his observation of the stars from Lowell

Observatory in America that some galaxies

were rapidly moving outwards. This theory

was later confirmed by Edwin Hubble and

Milton Humason. In fact, their observations

through the 100-inch telescope at Mount

Wilson showed that all galaxies were moving in

an outward direction. The Dutch astronomer,

Willem de Sitter later accumulated further

evidence in support of the theory that the

universe was exponentially expanding. In

1965, New Jersey scientists Arno Penzias

and Robert Wilson discovered the cosmic

microwave background radiation emitted by

the Big Bang that marked the origin of the universe. So much evidence

has been accumulated in support of the Big Bang Theory that it has

now come to be regarded as an established fact.

This theory implies that the universe is not infinite in time. It had a

definite beginning. It shows that we live in an expanding universe. On

all sides of us galaxies are careering outwards at a stupendous pace. It

has been calculated that if this outward movement were to be reversed,

it would take 20,000 million years for the whole strung-out universe to

converge into one mass.

The Big Bang theory is conclusive evidence that the universe is

contingent. According to the prevailing scientific view of cosmology,

the universe had a distinct and singular beginning about 13.7 billion

years ago. The universe, therefore, appears to be an effect and, thus,

is seemingly dependent upon something outside of and beyond itself.

This theory has proved the existence of God from the law of nature, for

only an external agent at a specific instance in time could have made a

point mass into an ever-expanding universe.

As Aristotle cogently argued, there must be a reality that causes but

is itself uncaused (or, a being that moves but is itself unmoved). Why?

Because if there is an infinite regression of causes, then by definition

the whole process could never begin.

The more science advances, the closer it comes to God. One is

compelled to agree with what Dr. Maurice Bucaille writes in the

following paragraph of his book, The Bible, the Quran and Science:

“In view of the level of knowledge in Muhammad’s day it is

inconceivable that many of the statements in the Quran which

are connected with science could have been the work of a man.

It is moreover, perfectly legitimate, not only to regard the Quran

as the expression of a Revelation, but also to award it a very

special place, on account of the guarantee of authenticity it

provides and the presence in it of scientific statement which,

when studied today, appear as a challenge to explanation in

human terms.”

MY LORD, BUILD ME A

HOUSE IN NEARNESS

TO YOU IN PARADISE

THE QURAN 66. 11

CLASH BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Real or Imagined?

THOSE WHO conducted scientific research in the centuries

immediately preceding our own were not in any way opposed

to religion. When Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) discovered the

laws governing the revolution of heavenly bodies, he wrote to a friend:

“The continuous rotation of the planets is not only due to the

law of gravity; there must also be a divine arm in it.”

When Charles Darwin (1809-1882) wrote his book, On the Origin of

Species, he expressly acknowledged the existence of God. This is how

he concluded the book:

“How magnificent is the concept that the Creator first created

some simple forms of life, and from them astonishingly simple

and wonderful species of life came into existence.”

Then why was it that science turned against

religion? The real reason behind this was not,

as William Draper1 (1811-1882) and others

have realized, conflict between science and

religion. It was, in fact, a conflict between

science and ancient theology, which had been

founded on Greek and Egyptian philosophy

rather than on divine religion. Exponents of

religion mistakenly thought of it as a conflict

between science and religion. They, therefore,

opposed science. The result of this was that a

contemporary force, which could have been

put to the use of religion, became religion’s

rival from the very outset.

The true divine religion, enshrined in the revealed and perfectly

preserved book, the Quran, offers no conflict and contradiction with

established scientific findings.

1 John William Draper (1811-1882) History of the Conflict between

Religion and Science.

The Quran—Word of God

The Quran is a preserved divine book. The very first verses of the Quran

include these words: “There is no doubt in it.” ( 2: 2 ) That is, there can be

no doubt that this is the divine book. The Quran declared that it was a

book of guidance for all humankind and for all time.

To support this claim, it was essential that the events of later times

continued to testify to it. No such event should take place in later times

as might refute this statement. This claim has astonishingly lived up to

this standard.

The 10th chapter of the Quran, titled Jonah, states that God drowned

the Pharaoh, Ramesses II of Egypt, in the 15th century BC, for he had

denied the message brought by Moses, the Prophet of God. At that

time God said to him: “We shall save your body this day, so that you

may serve as a sign for those who come after you.” ( 10: 92 ) This verse of

the Quran was revealed in the first quarter of the 7th century, referring

to an event which took place two thousand years before that.

There was no printing press, no communications, and no record in

known history of Pharaoh’s body. People had even forgotten this event.

No one knew at that time that the Pharaoh’s body was going to come

to light one day and would testify to the authenticity of this verse of

the Quran. Twelve hundred years after this revelation, scientists in the

latter half of the 19th century figured out a way to determine the period

to which ancient objects belonged. Further progress encouraged a

great spirit of enquiry among the people. In every field people became

active in discovering things that had remained hidden for centuries.

This spirit led scholars of Western Europe to head to Egypt. They began

their research on the pyramids situated near Cairo. After concentrated

efforts, they discovered that the pyramids contained the earthly

remains of ancient Egyptian kings preserved in the form of mummies.

With special care these mummies were taken out so that research

could be done on them.

During these investigations, astonishingly, the body of a Pharaoh

was found inside one of the pyramids. Through radiocarbon dating,

it was identified as the body of the Pharaoh who had been Moses’

contemporary. It was predicted in the Quran 1400 years ago that this

will come to the knowledge of man at some future date.

This is a proof that the Quran is a book of that God who has knowledge

of all things. In His wisdom, He revealed this verse in the Quran. This

discovery is a scientific testimony of the Quran as a divine revelation.

Dr. Maurice Bucaille of France (d. 1998) travelled to Egypt with his

companions in 1975 and directly observed this preserved body in

the museum of Cairo. After a full verification he wrote a book on this

subject in which he stated:

Those who seek among modern data for proof of the veracity of the

Holy Scriptures, will find a magnificent illustration of verses of the

Quran dealing with the Pharaoh’s body by visiting the Royal Mummies

Room of the Egyptian Museum, Cairo!

Prophets—Messengers of God

One of the fundamentals beliefs of religion is ‘prophethood’, that God

sent prophets for man’s guidance in every age, the last in the chain

of prophets being Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib. These

prophets were sent because there is a limit to human knowledge, and

man cannot discover guiding principles for his life on his own. There

is an unseen world and a life after death that man cannot discover

merely through his intellectual endeavours. That is why man needed to

believe in God’s prophets and receive guidance from them.

The guidance Prophet Muhammad received from God has been fully

preserved in its original form. The first revelation the Prophet of Islam

received, forms part of the 96th chapter titled Al-Alaq (the Clot) of the

Quran. God said: “Read! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One Who

taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.” ( 96: 3-5 )

This is a declaration that man cannot find guidance on his own. In fields

like agriculture, horticulture, engineering, etc., man gains knowledge

through experience in his daily life. But the superior knowledge required

for man’s eternal guidance cannot be attained by man’s own efforts. It

is necessary to receive higher learning through prophetic guidance.

The objective of all the great philosophers of ancient times was to

discover guiding principles to govern human life. Despite great efforts

made by great minds over several thousand years, philosophy has not

produced any guidance of this nature. It is a fact that the efforts of

philosophers have created confusion rather than provided any clear

guidance.

Karl Marx’s (d. 1883) book on the failure of philosophy titled The Poverty

of Philosophy, was written from this viewpoint. It is true that philosophic

thinking, based entirely on speculative reasoning, has failed to provide

eternal guiding principles. The age of philosophy came to an end after

the emergence of modern science. Philosophy is now considered a

historical discipline rather than a living discipline.

The same was the case with mysticism. The mystic philosophers

believed that they could attain the higher truth through contemplation

and love, without the medium of human reason, or recourse to any

other external source.

The history of mysticism spans several thousand years. Many have

wanted to learn the truth through mysticism, but after long experience

found that what man finally attains through mysticism is ecstasy. In the

matter of truth, ecstasy has no importance.

The highlight of human existence is consciousness, or the mind. The

successful seeker of truth finds it at the level of the consciousness,

and not at the level of ecstasy. A trance-like condition in a state of

unawareness has been given the beautiful name of ecstasy, but truth

is about discovering the higher reality at the level of consciousness.

A material analogy is that of an electric bulb and the powerhouse. The

bulb in its un-activated state is a lightless object. With no inherent light,

it lacks the innate ability to give light to others. When connected to the

powerhouse, it immediately lights up, becomes bright, giving light to

others. This exemplifies the criterion for discovering truth. Finding the

truth is like finding a light. Mysticism does not fulfil this criterion; its

pursuit leads to abstraction.

For a conscious being like man, an un-awakened mind cannot realize

the Higher Reality of God. God can be realized only through a developed

mind. Science has the last word in this matter. Modern science has

undoubtedly given man many things from telecommunication to

consumer goods, but in the matter of truth, science has made it clear

that the discovery of truth is not its domain.

A Western scholar has rightly said that the field of knowledge is

vast, and can be classified as knowledge of things and knowledge of

truth. Scholars agree that the domain of science is limited only to the

knowledge of things. The knowledge of truth is beyond the sphere of

science. Science is not even a candidate for the position of purveyor of

truth.

The study of man tells that deeper knowledge is required to determine

how to lead life in this world. This has been dealt with in detail by Alexis

Carrel in his book, Man the Unknown. It has to be conceded that man

cannot discover this necessary knowledge through his own efforts

and, therefore, he requires external guidance. Studying the life of the

Prophet Muhammad, we learn that without doubt, the Prophet is the

man who is our real guide and God’s representative.

ISLAM AND SCIENCE

Emergence of the Modern World

SO LONG as natural phenomena were attributed to supernatural

causes, they were regarded as objects of worship. Natural

phenomena and objects such as fire, water, sun and moon were

venerated and feared. The laws of nature, the application of which

would enable man to reach the moon and make use of nature to

one’s advantage, have existed throughout the universe since time

immemorial, yet it took man centuries to discover them. Given the

possibilities of nature, why did so many thousands of years have to

elapse in the course of man’s development before he felt ready to

conquer nature? The answer to this is the prevalence of culture of

worshipping nature. For instance man considered the moon a deity.

The moon, with its brilliant silvery light, inspired man to bow before

it rather than try to conquer it. Holding the moon to be sacred was a

major obstacle to even thinking of conquering it.

Islam in the 7th century paved the way for modern science by

distinguishing between a Creator and the rest of the universe. The

entire universe is created by one God. No creation possesses any form

of divinity. This creed revolutionized human thought. Nature which was

once held to be object of worship became an object of investigation.

Observation and experiment replaced assumption and speculation.

In a magnificent 5-volume work A History of

Science by Henry Smith Williams and Edward

Huntington Williams, it is mentioned that:

There cannot well be a doubt that the

adoption of those broad principles of

right and wrong which underlie the entire

structure of modern civilization was due to

scientific induction, in other words, to the

belief, based on observation and experience,

that the principles implied were essential to

communal progress. (Vol. 1)

Islam in the 7th

century paved

the way for

modern science

by distinguishing

between a Creator

and the rest of the

universe.

The role of Islam in the emergence and development of science is

generally acknowledged. Dennis Overbye in The New York Times, dated

Oct. 30, 2001 writes:

“Commanded by the Koran to seek knowledge and read nature for

signs of the Creator, and inspired by a treasure trove of ancient Greek learning, Muslims created a society that in the Middle Ages was the

scientific center of the world. The Arabic language was synonymous

with learning and science for 500 hundred years, a golden age that can

count among its credits the precursors to modern universities, algebra,

the names of the stars and even the notion of science as an empirical

inquiry."

“Nothing in Europe could hold a candle to what was going on in the

Islamic world until about 1600,’’ said Dr. Jamil Ragep, a professor of the

history of science at the University of Oklahoma. It was the infusion

of this knowledge into Western Europe, historians say, that fueled the

Renaissance and the scientific revolution."

Science does not negate the Creator, as its

goal is to understand and explain the natural

phenomena. It makes no claim to account

for the underlying reason of the events. This

is a prerogative of the divine revelation to

satisfy the natural urge of human beings to

find meaning and purpose of the creation,

including themselves. This is reiterated thus:

In the attempt to explain (the) fact of terrestrial

gravitation Newton made no advance, and we

of today are scarcely more enlightened than

the man of the Stone Age. Like the man of

the Stone Age, we know that an arrow shot

into the sky falls back to the earth. We can

calculate, as he could not do, the arc it will

describe and the exact speed of its fall; but

as to why it returns to earth at all, the greatest philosopher of today is

almost as much in the dark as was the first primitive bowman that ever

made the experiment. (A History of Science, Vol. 1)

The nature of human

intellect and his

urges demand that

his mental prowess

is guided by a divine

guidance. Islamic

scripture, the Quran,

is the preserved

revelation from the

Creator to guide man

about the meaning

and purpose of his

existence.

The nature of human intellect and his urges demand that his mental

prowess is guided by a divine guidance. Islamic scripture, the Quran,

is the preserved revelation from the Creator to guide man about the

meaning and purpose of his existence.

THE WORD OF GOD

From The Scriptures

The Quran is the book of God. It has been preserved in

its entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam

between AD 610 and 632. It is a book that brings glad

tidings to humankind, along with divine admonition,

and stresses the importance of man’s discovery of the

Truth on a spiritual and intellectual level.

Translated from Arabic and commentary by

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

Quran is not a book of science, but in order to bring home its message

it hints towards research and touches upon a few universal facts, which

the world has discovered today.

Encouragement towards research

Do they never reflect on the camels and how they were created, and

on the sky, how it is raised aloft, and on the mountains, how they are

firmly set up, and on the earth, how it is spread out? ( 88: 17-20 )

Corroboration by Science

Do not those who deny the truth see that the heavens and the earth

were joined together and that We then split them asunder? And that

We have made every living thing out of water? Will they still not

believe?” ( 21: 30 )

It is He who released the two bodies of flowing water, one sweet and

fresh and the other salty and bitter, and set up an insurmountable

barrier between them. ( 25: 53 )

And it is We who built the universe with [Our creative] power; and

verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it. ( 51: 47 )

We created man from an essence of clay, then We placed him as

a drop of fluid in a safe place, then We developed that drop into a

clinging form, and We developed that form into a lump of flesh and

We developed that lump into bones, and clothed the bones with flesh.

Then We brought him into being as a new creation—glory be to God,

the best of creators—after this you shall surely die. Then you will be

raised up again on the Resurrection Day. ( 23: 12-16 )

The young one of a human being grows in the womb of his mother.

In ancient times, the period from conception till child-birth was

shrouded in mystery. It was only in the twentieth century that scientific

developments made it possible to observe the development of a baby

in the mother’s womb and obtain direct information about it.

The vivid Quranic description of the various developmental stages

of the formation and birth of human beings is surprisingly identical

with modern scientific findings. This provides proof of the fact that the

Quran is a book of God. Had it not been so, such similarity between the

findings of modern research and the statements of the Quran, revealed

fourteen hundred years ago, would not have been possible.

Nine things the Lord has commanded me. Fear

of God in private and in public. Justness, whether

in anger or in calmness. Moderation in both

poverty and affluence. That I should join hands

with those who break away from me, and give

to those who deprive me, and forgive those

who wrong me, and that my silence should be

meditation, and my words remembrance of God,

and my vision keen observation.

- Prophet Muhammad

ASK MAULANA

Your Questions Answered

The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad)

The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above

saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of

curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society

by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their

knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of

knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding

answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished

with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey.

How do people reach Atheism?

Becoming an atheist is more an outcome of being against theism than a

self-discovery of the non-existence of God. Atheism was earlier backed

on scientific validation, however, it has now lost its foundations and

has become anachronistic in nature. For those who still claim scientific

backing for atheism should know about what some of the authorities

in science have said about the topic.

When Einstein was asked if he was an atheist, he said that one may call

him an agnostic. This means scientists are not in a position to say that

there is no god, they can just take a skeptical stand on the existence of

God. This is because the accepted base for belief in something in the

intellectual world is scientific, but since there is no scientific discovery

about the non-existence of God, this is still subject to interpretation.

Towards the end of the 19th century, there was a strong wave of what

was popularly called “scientific atheism”. The argument often offered to

negate the existence of God was His being invisible. But new scientific

investigations carried out at the beginning of the 20th century started

turning the tide against the credibility of this position, it becoming

accepted that there are many aspects of nature that are invisible yet

they exist. One of the books written on this new world discovered by

science is Science and the Unseen World by Sir Arthur Eddington.

At the beginning of the 20th century Sir James Jeans declared that

the universe which had been discovered by modern science was not

compatible with the mechanical interpretation that had gained ground

since past several decades.

The age of quantum mechanics has established that nothing is fully

observable. Contrary to previous belief, it was not the atom that was

the last fundamental particle that constituted matter, rather there

were unobservable subatomic particles that served as the building

blocks of atoms. In a book published in 1988, entitled A Brief History

of Time, Stephen W. Hawking (one of the foremost physicists of recent

times) explains the Big Bang Theory, according to which the universe is

constantly expanding.

After working out the relevant mathematical equations. Hawking

reached the conclusion that the expansion of the universe is taking

place according to a well-calculated scheme. The initial rate of expansion

must have been fixed with great accuracy so that it would always be less

than the critical rate, i.e. the rate at which the universe would begin to

collapse again. This view cannot be explained unless it is accepted that

the rate of expansion of the universe has been determined with the

utmost precision. Stephen Hawking writes:

It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should

have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who

intended to create beings like us.

One of the most amazing qualities of the universe is that there is no

interpretation or explanation of it, other than that which allows for

God’s existence, despite the fact that the best brains in every age

have attempted to unravel its mysteries. It has been claimed that the

universe has always been in existence in its present form. It has also

been claimed that it came into being on its own and that it goes on its

own.

Cause and effect have been said to have created everything, and

attempts have also been made to prove the law of evolution to be the

creator of the universe; which however can be only a process of nature,

but never its creator. The more a man learns about the universe, the

more absurd do these theories appear to him; the stranger does it

seem that something, or some being other than God should be the

Lord and Master of the universe. The universe, by its very existence,

testifies to the fact that God is its Creator.

I find other claims to be without concrete foundation. Whatever

arguments or opposing opinions have been expressed to propagate

this theory have proved erroneous by the knowledge acquired to date

through human research.