Science, Religion, and the Existence of a Creator: A Complementary Perspective

From a scientific standpoint, theories such as the Big Bang and Quantum Mechanics provide mechanisms for the development of the universe. However, these theories do not necessarily address the ultimate origin or the underlying purpose. This raises the question: Can science explain the existence of everything without the need for a creator?

The Limits of Science

Science excels in explaining the how of natural phenomena through observable, measurable, and repeatable experiments. For example, the Big Bang Theory suggests a singular beginning from which space, time, and matter emerged. This aligns intriguingly with the Quranic verse, indicating a divine initial cause.

These scientific theories, while providing substantial insights, do not fully address the initial cause of existence or the purpose behind it. This is where philosophical and theological perspectives provide depth. Arguments such as the Cosmological Argument suggest that the existence of a creator offers a coherent explanation for the origin and fine-tuning of the universe.

The Complementary Nature of Science and Religion

While science provides valuable explanations for the existence and mechanisms of things, it does not diminish the relevance or significance of religious knowledge. In Islam, separating worldly knowledge from spiritual knowledge is considered a sin. This holistic approach emphasizes that science and religion are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary.

Both realms of knowledge, whether scientific or religious, ultimately originate from and lead to God. Thus, while science provides valuable explanations for the existence and mechanisms of things, it does not diminish the relevance or significance of religious knowledge.

The Western Historical Context

By moving away from their Scriptures, Western people made many scientific discoveries and inventions. This shift was partly due to the suppression and obscurantism practiced by the Church against scientists and intellectuals in the past, as evident in the story of Galileo Galilei supporting the heliocentric model, which directly challenged the geocentric view endorsed by the Catholic Church.

Galileo's findings, based on telescopic observations, contradicted the Church's interpretation of certain biblical passages, which suggested that the Earth was the center of the universe. The Roman Catholic Inquisition deemed his ideas heretical, reflecting the Church's dogmatic stance that theological doctrine could not be questioned even in the face of scientific evidence.

Islamic Encouragement of Knowledge

In contrast, Islam has always emphasized the pursuit of knowledge. In Islam, science is not a divine revelation but a means to the welfare of mankind and a better understanding of the creation of Allah (SWT) and the natural phenomena and their purpose. The Quran ordains believers to pray for increased knowledge and encourages relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Integration of Knowledge

In Islamic culture, it is a sin to separate and departmentalize science or knowledge and religion. The Islamic Approach to the Modern Sciences underscores the pursuit of knowledge as a unified quest for truth, with science and religion providing complementary perspectives. It was Muslims, combining a passionate commitment to the absolute Transcendence and Oneness of God with a dedication to the Divine Will, who rekindled the flame of science extinguished in Athens and Alexandria.

Conclusion

Science is not a divine revelation but can provide a means to the betterment of mankind and a better understanding of Allah’s creation and its purpose. The acquisition of knowledge is greatly stressed in Islam, as the Quran enjoins Gods servants to beseech Him to increase in knowledge. South Asian Islamic philosopher, poet, and politician Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal believes that the purpose of the Qur'an is to guide humanity to a deeper understanding of the divine and the universe.

Many see science and religion as complementary. Science describes the mechanisms while religion addresses the meaning and purpose. Together they enrich our understanding of existence, encouraging a dialogue that respects both empirical evidence and spiritual insight. This integrated approach reflects the Islamic belief that separating worldly knowledge from spiritual knowledge is not only incomplete but also sinful as all knowledge ultimately leads to a fuller understanding of the divine.

References

Quran and Science The Islamic Approach to the Modern Sciences Iqbal Sir Muhammad Muslim Response to Modern Western Knowledge: An Approach into 'Allāma Iqbal's Views on Knowledge, Prof. Abdul Rashid Bhat