the holy quran and science

8/14/2019 The Holy Quran and Science

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CONTENTS

ISLM AND SCIENCE

1

Introduction ......................................................................................

Some Comments Based On Astronomy ........................

Some Comments Based On Meteorology .........................

On The Origin Of The Universe .........................................

Conclusion And Remarks ........................................................

ISLM AND SCIENCE

2

Preface ................................................................................................

Materialism .......................................................................................

Why Islm .......................................................................................

Allh ....................................................................................................

Modern Science .............................................................................

References ...................................................................................

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THE QURNS MARVELS ARE EVER-LASTINGAND ETERNALLY NEW

IV. The Need for Proper Scientific Interpretations ...........V. More Scientic Knowledge is Muslims Principal

Requisite ...................................................................................WITH THE QURN IN THE UNIVERSE .............................

I. Womans Pregnancy Stages .................................................II. Is Our Universe Liable to Vanish? ............................III. Priority of Water ....................................................................IV. Life ............................................................................................V. The Qurn: The Book of the Cosmos ............................

VI. Are the Universes Limits Beyond Human Reach? ......VII. Two Bounds Limit our Observations ...........................VIII. The Atom ............................................................................

WE (ALLH) HAVE NOT MISSED OUT IN THE BOOK

ANYTHING (OF VALUE) .....................................................I. Foreword .....................................................................................II. About the Services which Mountains Render .............

1- Mountains as Pegs ...........................................................2- Isostasy .................................................................................3- Mountains as Water Resources ..................................

III. The Two Natural Types of Clouds and their Formation .........IV. The Honey Bee and its Activity ......................................

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK ...................................................................

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ISLM AND SCIENCE 1

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In the Neme of Allh Ar-Rahmn (The All-Merciful)

Ar-Rahm (The Ever-Merciful)

ISLM AND SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION.

Amongst us, human beings, none is completely devoid ofthe innate feeling - even from time to time - that there is aCreating God behind this universe. Such a feeling may be frus-trating and people may be prevented from responding to it bythe teachings they get as a result of their belonging to a particu-lar environment, their indulgence in earthly life and cheappleasure naturally, the Almighty Creator should differ from usin all respects :

And unto Him the like is not (Ash-Shr : 11)

uA v tK?L fO

Most people could not be easily induced by this sincere

feeling of the existence of the Creator to follow the right pathleading to Him. Thus, Allh [Gods name in Islm] sent Proph-ets and Messengers Allhs prayer and peace be upon them with Divine support in the form of miracles suitable to their en-vironment, until the advent of the last of His Messengers,Prophet Muh ammad, who emerged after the maturity of the hu-man thinking when the age of science was immanent; Allhsupported him with the Qurn to be an Eternal Miracle.

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SOME COMMENTSBASED ON ASTRONOMY

1. With power and skill did We construct the Heavens andindeed We expand them.

(Adh-Dhariyt : 47)

Uc u?F??u* U] bQ UUMOM? U?L?]Comments on this verse passed by three scientifically cor-

rect phases, each of which suited its own age of civilization.

A The verse was at first explained by saying that inspiteof the almost unlimited amounts of matter and radiation com-prized in the universe and form it, Almighty Allh has more and

more of them. Certainly this is true and fair.

B The verse, also, declares a fact that has been estab-lished gradually by actual observation. Thus, the progress in man-ufacturing telescopes within the last two centuries, and the recentuse of radio telescopes, extended our scope of vision from the so-lar system [5 light hours in diameter], to the Milky Way [100,000light years in diameter], to the other galaxies such as Andromeda

[750,000 light years far], to quasars and pulsars [billions of lightyears far]. Such galaxies are so remote from us that they appearas mere light spots in the Heavens. This is in spite of the fact thateach galaxy is formed of millions and millions of stars. Miracu-lously enough Almighty Allh says in the Qurn :

2. Indeed I could swear by the sites of the stars and it is a

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c. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and theearth and what He has spread forth in both of them ofliving beings; and He is All-powerful to gather them to-

gether when He will,

(Ash-Shr : 29)

rNFL? vK u W] s ULNO ]Y U? _ UL] oK tU s u?A db? U?A

d. And to Allh makes obeisance every living creature thatis in the heavens and that is in the earth and the angels(too) and they are not proud;

(An-Nahl : 49)

r W?Jz???L? W] s _ v? U??? U???L???]? v U??? b??????? t?]K

q?M d???J???

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SOME COMMENTS BASED ONMETEOROLOGY

Meteorology is concerned with the study of [air in itsways]. Allh says :

1. and in the turning about of the winds and the cloudscompelled between the sky and the earth surely there aresigns for a people who understand.

(Al-Baqarah : 164)

uKIF uI U _ UL] sO d?]L U] Ud ndB dI2. and in the turning about of the winds there are signs for

a people who understand.

(Al-Jthiyah : 5)

WOU' uKI?F uI U Ud ndB

However, the Qurn is known to be the first book whichdeclared and announced the fact that clouds are formed by winds.

And Allh is He Who sends forth the winds so thatthey raise up the clouds, and He drives them to a land thatis dead. (Ftir : 9)

dU XO bK v UMI UU? dO Ud q c] t]KIt is well known now that air contains water-vapour, and

that when it rises up in the atmosphere (by various ways), itstemperature decreases adiabatically, and consequently it can nolonger hold all its water-vapour content. Condensation of thesurplus water-vapour thus takes place, either in the form ofdroplets or in the form of ice crystals, according to the prevail-ing temperature. In this manner, clouds develop in rising air.

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ON THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE

Man always tried to solve the mystery of the origin of life.As far back as the history of human thought can be traced, thereis evidence of this problem.

Even the greater problem of the origin of the universe can betraced back, and according to the cosmogonies developed by primi-tive societies, the birth of the universe was a problem of generationon a gigantic scale, resulting from a monstrous principal egg!Strangely enough, this is also the modern accepted theory!

However, there is a verse in the Qurn which says :

Do not the infidels see that the heavens and the Earthwere joined together as one unit before We split them apartand that We made of water every living thing?

(Al-Anbiy : 30)

s UMKF? U?LU?MI??H? U?I U?U? _ U?L?] ] d?H? sc] d r UO_

v v ]q UL

The main difficulty in such studies arises from the fact thatthe connection between theory and observation is so slight thatit is always liable to break down. Bold statements and imagi-nary theories are always ready to fill in the gaps of our present

ignorance.

Another main difficulty arises from the fact that science ig-nores entirely the relations between the Creator and the crea-tion, and has nothing to do with things beyond the scopped mat-ter and radiation, such as spirits or the hereafter.

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change occurred in them. In other words, man remained as manand was created as man.

There is no evolution from one species to another, but meredevelopment due to acclimatization, such as change in colour,or adaptation due to environment. Study of these things leads toan understanding of the origin of life.

In other words, evidence of things throughout the ages isrecorded on the rocks of these ages in the form of fossils, orbarried things that can be carefully studied and traced back.

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CONCLUSION AND REMARKSBy science is meant all branches of knowledge. It includes

studies concerned with the universe and subjects under which fallthe modern sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, astrono-my, meteorology and geology. The Qurn, which is the Book ofMuslims, raises high the prestige and value of these sciences andencourages people to study them for the general good.

The most sublime reference in this respect and most out-standing reality in this connection is that the very first verses ofthe Qurn as revealed by Allh (God) gave incentive to gainknowledge and to glorify it. The very beginning of the Revela-

tion was actually a signal for the dawn of the age of science anda forerunner of giving knowledge its due dignity. Thus the firstverse of the Book says in Srat Al Alaq :

Read in the name of Allh (God) the Creator, Who creat-ed man from a clot. Read and your Master is Most Generous,Who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not.

(Al-Alaq : 1-5)

d??_ p d?? o?K s U?? oK? oK c] p? rU d?? oKF rKF r U U r]K rKIU r]K c] The Qurn explains in succession at different stages of the

Revelation, the meaning of science and education, and pointsout to the importance of studying the universe, its matter, ener-gy, and living creatures. These are the sciences by which mangains faith and fear of Allh, in addition to gaining power. Forexample, we refer to the following verses :

1. Those of His servants only who are possessed of know-ledge fear Allh. Surely Allh is Mighty, Forgiving.

2. Indeed in the heavens and the earth there are signs forthe believers.

3. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the

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Examples of the accuracy and precision of the scientific ex-pressions and principles met with in the Book, can be given tovarious branches of science. In meteorology, for example, the

Book states the scientific facts regarding the formation ofclouds by rising air winds, and the fall of rain by seeding orcontinual addition to the clouds of water-vapour carried up bythe rising air. The Qurn says :

1. Allh is He Who sends forth the winds so they rise acloud.

2. And He sends the winds seeding the clouds to yield wa-

ter and We give it to you to drink.

3. Seest they not that Allh drives along bits of clouds,then combines them together, then piles them up to formcumulus from the inside of which they see rain comingdown? The cumulus clouds appear in the sky like moun-tains wherein is hail, afflicting therewith whom He pleas-es and turning it away from whom He pleases. The flashof its lightning almost takes away the sight.

This verse draws our attention to the three outstanding at-mospheric phenomena recently observed and well described byusing various equipments such as radar.

i) The cumulus cloud starts with the appearance in the sky oftwo or more cells which unite together to form the growingcumulus.

ii) Hail forms only in t owering cumulus and not in stratusclouds for example.

iii) Hail is also now known to be responsible for charging cu-mulus clouds with electricity and thus the development of

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thunder-storms. The outstanding danger that threatens pilotsin these storms is that lightning flashes almost take awaytheir sight for a while.

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ISLM AND SCIENCE 2

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PREFACE

Part -1- of this series (Islm and Science) is a trial to makeit clear that a great number of the Qurnic verses are cosmic

verses revealing the signs of the All-knowing Almighty Creatorin the universe and the close relation between natural scienceand the message of Islam.

In the present work [Part -2-], an attempt has been made toshow that what the reader may gain through divine inspirationand through logical mental judgement are, in Islm, the properchannels leading to faith.


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MATERIALISM

Materialism in the common sense means non belief inAllh as Creator of the material universe. Some materialists re-late creation to what they refer to as mere accident !

Needless to say that our belief in Allh, the Creator, meansmainly to made us go, through the various fields of life and ca-pabilities, in some way as Allh does in dealing with the uni-verse, such as knowledge, perfection, justice.. :

And Allh has the magnificent names so invoke Himby them ( Al-Arf :180)

d_ UN uU vM UL_ t]KAmongst these names as given by the Qurn (99 names)

are :

1. Al-Khabr [The All-Cognizant]The name means that Allh possesses all knowledge and

adeptness. It designates the encompassing of all peculiarities ofthings as well as their revealed characteristics.

2. Al-Halm [The Patient]The name means that Allh is neither provoked to

administer justice or inflict immediate revenge or punishment,


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There is no acceptable reason to suppose that our

Earth is the only inhabitable planet in the entire uni-

verse. The theory of probability tells us that in our own

galaxy (the Milky Way) there are about two million

planets which can support life and may be inhabited.

7. Indeed, I could swear by the sites of thestars and it is a great oath if you are aware of

them. (Al- Wq iah : 75-76)

WFu rOE uLKF u rI t] uM luL r The material universe is a universe of galaxies,

made of billions and billions of galaxies. The nearest

galaxy to our own galaxy is called Andromeda. Its site

is about 750 thousand light years afar. Recently the

so-called quasars have been discovered at sites greater

than 10 billion light years afar !

One light year equals the distance which light

traverses in one year with its velocity which is equal to

3 x 1010 cm/sec. !!

8. With power and skill did We construct theHeavens and indeed We are expanding them.

(Adh-Dhriyt : 47)

Uc uFu* U] bQ UUMOM UL]It is only lately in the Age of Science that it has

been discovered that the universe is expanding. Its

galaxies are receding with velocities which are increasing

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with time. This result has been supported by actualobservations as well as theoretically according to the Theoryof Relativity !!

9. And that whom His will is to leave straying Hemakes his heart close and constricted as if he has to riseup in the sky. (Al-Anm : 125)

UL] w b]F]B UL]Q Ud UIO{ b qF t]KC d s

UF_Atmospheric pressure, and cosequently oxygen amounts in

the air, decrease rapidly with increasing height above theEarths surface (and M.S.L. generally). The table shows the

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Height above M.S.L.in m.

AtmosphericPressure mb.

0,000

1,500

3,000

6,000

10,000

12,000

1,000

850

750

500

300

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Evidently at 12,000 m. the atmospheric pressure and

hence oxygen amount in the air decrease to one fifth of

their values at M.S.L. For this reason, one feels theneed to a wider breast in order to inhale greater

amounts of air (and hence of oxygen) as he rises up in

the sky without outer protection.

10. He maketh night to spherically succeed day

and He maketh day to spherically succeed night

(Az-Zumar : 5)

de qO]K vK UN]M uJ UN]M vK qO]K uJ The Glorious Qurn has its own way and merit in

quoting miraculously scientific (facts). It avoids direct

statements which permit and afford opportunity for non-

believers, and infidels to deny it in the light of their

old non-scientific knowledge (before the age of Science).Long before the age of science, most people regarded

the Earths surface flat as it appeared to them. That the

Earth is round and rotates are an example. The Qurn

mentions these two facts indirectly in several verses.

One of such verses is number (10) above. The verse

points to the actual shape of the lowest layer of the at-

mosphere in which day and night succeed one another,

and regards them spherical (shells as we know them

now!). Evidently, this could be realized only if the Earth

is round and rotates in front of the Sun.

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Another verse says :

Our command (the Last Day) comes to Earth by

night* and by day... (Ynus: 24) fu UN O Ud UU

A third verse says :

And a sign to them is the night : When We drawfrom it the day, they become in darkness. (Ysn : 37)

f uLKE r S UN]M tM aK qO]K rN WEvidently, daylight is due to the scattering of sun-

light on the surface air-layer facing the Sun.

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* Only half of the Earths surface can be in daylight.


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WHY ISLM

The Qurn (and hence Islm) raises the humanmind up to the highest rank, and regards it responsiblefor almost all human deeds whether good or evil :

And they (the infidels ) uttered : Had we beennot heedless of listening (to the Qurn ) or had webeen wise, we could escape being with those drivento the torment of fire. (Al-Mulk : 10)

pK* dOF] U v U]M U qIF lL U]M u uU

But it (the Qurn ) is clear signs in the heartsof those whom the knowledge has reached.(Al-Ankabt : 49)

uJMF rKF u sc] b v UMO U u qAgain, science is the product of the human mind.

By adopting scientific methods, we are able to uncoverthe hidden signs of the Creator and discover His attrib-utes in the material universe, an outstanding step forwardtowards becoming believers. In fact, science alone is in-sufficient in order that one might become a proper be-liever. This is, also, true for conscience alone. For this

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Finally, amongst the most significant axioms of Islm is

that it refuses entirely any differentiation between the people

regarding colour, race, sex and the like. Surely, Allh uses

one and the same measure to judge all the people. We read in

the Qurn Allhs saying :

1. Surely, those who believe (the Muslims) and

those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures) and the

sabians and the Christians, any who believe in Allh

and the Last Day and work righteousness shall have

their reward with their Master: on them shall be no

fear nor shall they grieve. (Al-Midah : 69)

d? u??O t]KU s s U??B]M u??U?]B U sc] u?M sc] ] bzU* ue r rNOK u U(U qL

2. O mankind! We created you from a single (pair)

of a male and a female, and made you into nations andtribes that you may know each other. Verily, the most

honoured of you in the sight of Allh is (he who is ) the

most righteous of you . (Al-Hujurt : 13)

u?UF? qzU? UuF rUMK?F v? d s rU?MIK U] U]M U?N U d( rUI t]K bM rJd ]

3. The same religion has He established for youas that which He enjoined on Nooh, the which We

have revealed to thee, and that which We enjoined on

Abraham, Moses and Jesus : Namely, that you should

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remain steadfast in religion and make no divisionstherein : To those who worship other (things) thanAllh, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them.

(Ash-Shr : 13)

rOd t UMO?] U pO UM?O c] U?u t v] U sb s rJ d?ru?b U 5d?AL vK? d? tO? u]d?H s?b uL?O v?O vu? uA tO

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ALLH

No doubt, the reader has noticed that in this bookAllhs names are written according to their pronuncia-tion in Arabic. For sure, such names are not subject to

translation.It is known that the prophets had been supported by Allh

by means of miracles suitable for their occasions. Naturally, thelast prophet Muh ammad , Allhs peace and blessing beupon him, had to be supported mainly by a unique miracle ofeternal character, whose miraculous achievements could remaina guide for all the subsequent generations. This living unique

eternal miracle is the Qurn.In the present book [Part 2], we proceed to show how

in our age [The Age of Science], the Qurn still remainsAllhs portent to mankind. The validity of this statementlies behind the fact that the Qurn did state numerousimportant and outstanding scientific (facts) and achieve-ments which have been discovered and accomplished only

recently. In fact, scientific knowledge is also regarded tobe amongst the message of the Qurn which says :

1. Verily, in the creation of the Heavens and ofthe Earth, and in the variation of night and day, are

i f th f d t di i d


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signs for those of understanding minds.( l-Imrn : 190)

U_ v_ U UN]M qO]K _ UL] oK v ] dL

2. Nay, it is clear signs in the hearts of thosewhom the knowledge has reached .

(Al-Ankabt : 49)

uJMF rKF u sc] b v UMO U u q3. Allh has not created all this but for the

truth. He makes His signs clear to those who ac-quire the knowledge. (Ynus : 5)

fu uLKF uI U qBH oU ] p t]K oK U

4. Those who muse on the creation of the Heav-

ens and of Earth: O our Master ! say they, Youhave not created this in vain; glory be to You

(l-Imrn : 191)

pU U c XIK U UM] _ UL] oK v d]JH dL

In the present era of civilization, scientists could

not escape admitting the fact that the universe passes

through the phase of a perfect system. Natural phenom-

enae, for example, are governed by (fixed) physical

laws, which do not change with space or time, thus

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making the development and progress of science possible


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making the development and progress of science possible.

Obviously, these features of the universe could not be

realized by more chance, but only through the will andsupreme wisdom of a creator whose ability and knowledgeare unlimited. Allh says :

We shall show them our portents in the horizons(1)

and within themselves until it will be manifested untothem that it(2) is the truth (Fussilat : 53)

XKB o t] rN s]O v] rNH v U v UMU rNdMHowever, Muslims believe that, while the universe isthe Visible Book of Allh, the Qurn remains theReadable Book of Allh.

Muslims, also, witness that faith is a natural phe-nomenon, while disbelief is an abnormality which doesnot match with the nature of human life and natural

phenomenae.

However, the question : Why man should believein Allh is one of three hypotheses :

1) A god capable of doing everything and yet creat-ed nothing.

2) A god who creates another god who shares withhim all the qualities of perfection.

(1) Or on a large scale and wide scope.(2) The Qurn.

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Records of the comet are available since 240 B.C.For a long period, notably in the less enlightened ages, it


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was credited with being the precursor of grave events. Itsappearance in 837 was accompanied by the fall of* Amo-rio, and in 1453 by the fall of Constantinople.

uI p v U rB?F* WH?OK) b v WuL? XDI 5 UNFKD bOB U9 u

VJ s U b nO

VFK b' 5 b( b vThe most recent return in 1910 was an event ofscientific activity. Halleys comet was seen again in thesummer of 1986. It is one of about forty cometsknown to have periods between 10 and 1,000 years,due to their large orbits.

Like other bright comets when near to the sun, Hal-leys comet is ovserved to have a comlicated structure :The head consists of a large (coma) gases and fineparticles round a nucleus and a bright (nucleus). The (tail)points away from the sun across millions of kilometersas if it sweeps the sky ! Generally, when a comet is farfrom the sun no tail becomes visible as it approaches Per-ihelion. The material of the head is volatalized by thesuns radiation, and driven away from the sun by radiationpressure. At every approach to the sun a periodic comet,such as Halleys, loses some of the material of its head.

The above almost detailed description about cometshas been given in order to throw light on Allhs saying:

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Nay, indeed I could swear by the (heavenly bodies)which remain far from the sight for long periods of


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time and reappear running sweeping (the sky) .

(At-Takwr : 15-16)

f]MJ u f]MU r duJ

Finally, it remains to prove the amazing validity ofthe verse given on page (11), Book (1), which says :

And they remained in their cave three hundredyears, a number which has to be increased by nineyears. (Al-Kahf : 25)

UF 5M WzU rNHN v u nNJ

This verse miraculously transfers 300 solar years

exactly to 309 lunar years ! !In the light of the recent careful astronomicalmeasurements and exact estimates, it became evidentthat :

1. The average duration of the lunar month =29.550329 days.

2. one solar year equals 365.2422 days, so that the

total number of days in 300 solar years is :300 x 365.2422 = 109572.66 days, and the total

number of days in 309 lunar years is :

12 x 309 x 29.550329 = 109572.66 days.

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Evidently, there are twelve lunar months in one lunaryear, and the Qurn says :


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For sure, the number of months (per year) as re-

garded by Allh, is twelve months in the Book of Allhon the day He created the Heavens and the Earth

(At-Taubah : 36)

U?L??] oK u t?]K U??? v d?N?? d?A?? UM t]K bM? u?N?A? ]b? ]_

Wu

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REFERENCES

The Glorious Qurn.

Islamic Materialism and its Dimensions. A.M. Khallaf.The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, 1971.

Why I am a Believer. M.G. Al-Fandy. The SupremeCouncil for Islamic Affairs, 1972.

Cosmic Verses in the Qurn. M.G. Al-Fandy. The Su-preme Council for Islamic Affairs, 1961.

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ISLM AND SCIENCE 3

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THE TRUE PILLAR OF LIGHT

The mission of Prophet Muh ammad (prayers and peace be


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The mission of Prophet Muh ammad (prayers and peace be

upon him) and the revelation of the Qurn were the mostoutstanding events in history to offer man justice, liberty and

equality, to enrich human culture and to bring forth new

dimensions to the study of the universe.

Needless to say that, in order to bring mankind closer and

closer to the Great Intellectual Reality concerning the existence

of Merciful, dominating and Ominpotent Creator, the Qurnurged us to investigate the hidden wonders of nature, and thus

to endeavour interpreting the fixed rules and unaltered

mechanisms which govern the expanding universe with

outstanding precision and extreme exactness!

As mentioned in part (2), materialism essentially means the

denial of the Great Intellectual Reality which is the basicdoctrine in Ism known as Tawh d, or the belief in the

Oneness of Allh. Such denial soon leads to spiritual emptiness

which creates confusion, anarchism and instability, due to the

hollow void in the initial build up of human psyche.

Needless to say that there is no reason whatever to assume

the existence of more than One Creator. This has become quiteevident in the Age of Science, due to the scientifically

established uniformity, stability and uniqueness in the build up

of the universe.

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The frequency of occurance of numbers in the text is not

equal. The number 1 has the highest frequency, about 95. This

is natural, because Islam is the religion of Monothesists. The

Qurn says for example what means:


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Qur n says, for example what means:

Say He is Allh, The One and Only.

(Al -Ikhlas : 1)

??? b???? t]K u? q

The greater part of the numbers used are evidently 10 and

powers of 10, such as:

100 - 1,000 - .... 100,000.

The decimal point 1/10 was introduced later by the

Muslims. The Qurn says what means:

And those who were their predecessors rejected theTruth even though they did not receive one tenth of what

We had granted...(Saba: 75)

Q rUMO U UAF uGK U rNK s sc] ]c

The world had to wait about 200 years after the time of the

Revelation of the Qurn until the Muslim mathematician,

Gamshid, introduced the decimal point and the symbol 0 in thepositions where no number was present.

The following are examples regarding the verses

mentioning the number 10 and its powers:

92

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No Limits

In fact, the examples given above are mere samples not to

be compared with the vast fields of knowledge which have been


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gained by the human race through scientific discoveries andresearches.

Almost no limit could be made to scientific progress.

According to the astronomical observations, no other beings

live on the other plants of our own solar system. Man is,

therefore, the master of the whole solar system. Allh says what

means:

1- And He taught (the race of) dam the nature of allthings...

(Al - Baqarah : 31)

dI UN]K UL_ r]K

2- ... And say (asking Allh) : O my Lord, I beg forincreasing my knowledge.

(Th : 114)

t ULK v ] q

Scientists predict that life on earth will finally come to an

end when the sun suddenly expands (or eplodes) in such a

dreadful manner that it reaches the moon and consequentlyburns the earth. At present, the temperature of its outer radiating

surface has been estimated to be 6000 degrees absolute! Allh

says what means:

98

And the sun and moon are joined together. That daywill man say: Where is the refuge?

(Al- Qiymah : 9-10)


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dHL s cu U uI dLI fL]A lLWUOI

The Qurn tells us that this will take place when the earthbecomes an ornamental spot in the solar system, and manbecomes the master in the system:

Until the earth becomes clad with its garden

ornaments and is decked out in beauty, and the people towhom it belongs think that they possess the ability ofdisposal over it, there comes Our command by night or byday...

(Ynus : 24)

Ud UU UNOK U rN] UNK ]s XM]] UNd _ c v]

fu UN OSurely, Allhs command will come by night or by day,

exactly as the verse states, because at any moment only one halfof the earths surface faces the sun receives sun light, while theother half becomes at night.

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THE ROLE OF THE QURN INESTABLISHING THE PRINCIPLES OF

BASIC SCIENCE


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I. Arithmatic

The advancement in arithmatic was the first real step that

lead to the progress in science. During the time of the revelation

there existed in common use two principal systems of number

and counting, namely the decimal and sexagesimal systems. As

a simple example illustrating the difference between thesesystems, the value of 231.157 in the decimal system is:

2 x 100 + 3 x 10 + 1+ + +

which in the sexagesimal system is:

2 x 3600 + 3 x 60 + 1+ + +

The Qurn, as said above, urged the Muslims to reject

adopting, and stop using, the sexagesimal system. On the basis

of the decimal system of numbers and fractions, it uses the

following digits and numbers in various aspects:

1- 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 19 - 20 - 30

- 40 - 60 - 70 - 80 - 90 - 100 - 200 - 300 - 1000 - 2,000 - 3,000 -

5,000 - 50,000 - and 100,000.

Amongst the fractions used one can find:

- - - - - -

101

110

5100

71000

160

53600

7216000

12

13

14

15

16

18

110


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1- He who brings a good deed shall have ten the like ofit....

(Al-Anm : 160)

U _ U U A tK W U U


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U??F_ U??? NU?? ?? d???A?? t K W? M ?? U? U?? s 2- .... and if there are of you one hundred they will

vanquish a thousand of the unbelievers...

(Al-Anfl : 65)

UH_ dH sc] s U?H uKG WzU rJM sJ 3- ... and a day in the sight of the Master is like a thousand

years of your reckoning.(Al-Hajj : 47)

Z( b??F U??]L?? WM n?Q? p? bM U??u ]4- ... In a day the measure whereof is as fifty thousand

years.

(Al-Marij : 4)

UF* WM n 5?L bI? U u v5- And We sent him to a hundred thousand (persons) or

more.

(As-Sfft : 147)

U?U?B be n WzU? v UMK6- Didst thou not turn your vision to those who abandoned

their houses though they were thousands...(Al-Baqarah : 243)

dI u r rU s ud sc] v d r

93

. .

14- ... Is it not enough for you that your Lord wouldprovide you with three thousand angels (specially) sentdown?

(l- Imrn: 124)

WJz W J ] JHJ


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5 eM W Jz L s W rJ rbL rJ OHJ s

dL 15- Yea, if you remain firm and act aright, even if ( your

enemy) should rush in hereon you in hot haste, yourLord would provide you with five thousand angelsmaking terrific onslaught.

(l- Imrn: 125)

s W?L rJ rb?L c ru s ruQ u?I] d?B vK( d?L 5u? WJz?L16- Did you not turn by vision to those who abandoned

their homes, though they were thousands (in number)for fear of death...?

(Al- Baqarah: 243)

dI uL c u r rU s ud sc] v d r17- The angels and the Spirit taruj ( ascend curvilinearly) to

Him in a day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousandyears.

(Al- Marij: 4)

WM n? 5??L?? b??I??? U?? u v t??O? d WJz??L? d??F UF*

106

18- And We sent him (Jonah) to one hundred thousand(men) or more.

(As- Sfft : 147)

UUB be n WzU UMK

. .


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UUB be n W zU v U MK

107


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6- And in the d (people) behold, We sent against themthe devastating dry wind.

(Adh- Dhariyt : 41)

Uc rO IF d r NOK UMK U v


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rO `d rNO v Winds also have different speeds or forces. Meterologists

use a special scale of wind force known as the Beaufort Scale,which is given in Table (1). In general, the meaning of eachindividual name of wind as quoted by Qurn has been given inTable (1)...

110

0

1

2

3

4

56

7

8

9

10

1112

0 M.P.H

2

5

10

15

2128

35

42

50

59

68above 75

Calm

Light air

Light Breeze

Gentle Breeze

Moderate Breeze

Fresh BreezeStrong Breeze

Moderate Gale

Fresh Gale

Strong Gale

Whole Gale

StormHurricane

Calm

Favourable

wind

Storng wind

Furious noisy

Violent

Violent with showers

of stones

Violent breaking masts

StormHurricane

{ }

Force

Average

Speed Description

Name in the

Qurn(Translated)

Table (1) The Beaufort Scale

Some chosen verses concerning winds which mean:

Force (0): If it be His will He can make the windcalm...

(Ash - Shr : 33)

u A s J Q A


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u???A? d s?J Q???? A Forces (1-5): He is Who enableth you to traverse through

land and sea, so that you even board ships,they sail with them with a favourable wind andthey rejoice thereat...

(Ynus : 22)

d rN? sd? pKH? w rM v]?? d??? d? w? rd?O?? c] u fu UN ud? WOForces (6): ...On which strong wind blew on a tempestuous

day.

(Ibrhm: 18)

rO?d nU??? u? v d? t ]b??????Forces (7): So We sent against them a furious moisy wind

through days of disaster....

(Fussilat : 16)

XKB? U] U] w? dd U? rNOK UM?KQForces (8): But the d, they were destroyed by a furious

noisy violent wind.(Al- Hqqah : 6)

WU( WOU d?d d uJKQ U U]

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..

Forces (9): ...Or that He will send against you a violentwind with showers of stones...

(Al- Isr: 68)

d U U rJOK q d Forces (10): And sends against you a violent wind that


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r Forces (10): .. And sends against you a violent wind that

breaks your masts..

(Al- Isr: 69)

d d s UHU rJOK qdOForces (11): ... Comes a stormy wind and the waves come to

them from all sides.. (Ynus : 22)

fu UJ q s uL rU nU? UNU Forces (12): ... And it was caught in a hurricane with fire

therein..

(Al- Baqarah : 266)

dI U tO UB UNUQ

112

III. Cosmology

It is accepted amongst cosmologists that the creation of theearth and the heavens (the universe) and their content of matter

and radiation is neither haphazard nor accidental as non-believers utter, but according to perfect design and precise


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measure. In this respect the Qurn says for example whatmeans:

1- Verily, there is not a single thing but its (unexhaustiblesources and) treasures are with Us; and We only senddown thereof in due and ascertainable measures.

(Al-Hijr : 21)

d( uKF] b?I ] teM U tMze UbM ] v s

2- ... And every single thing is to Him according to (precise)measure in due proportion.

(Ar- Rad : 8)

bd bIL bM v q

3- Verily, everything have We created in due proportionand measure.

(Al- Qamar : 49)

d???L???I b????I UMI?K v ]q? U]

113


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u UNO? dF U UL?] s eM U UNM d U? _ v ZK U rKF bb( rM U s rJF

4- The angels and the spirit taruj (ascent) to Him in a daythe measure whereof is fifty thousand years.

(Al Marij : 4)


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(Al - Marij : 4)

WM n? 5??L??? b??I??? U?? u v t???O d W?Jz??L d???F UF*

116

IV. Biochemistry

Under this title, we are mainly concerned withphotosynthesis, which is the process by which oxygen andcomplex organic substances, like oil or starch or sugar... are

produced in plants from the carbondioxide present in theatmosphere and the water of the soil under the influence ofsunlight in the presence of the chlorophyl which exists in the


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g p p ygreen leaves.

The chlorophyl is green colouring matter in almost allplants apart from few types. It is a mixture of two pigments inabout three to one proportions. Both are exters andanaptonically related to hemin.

The chlorophyl is soluble in either, alcohol, and olive oil,

and when dissolved it exhibits a red florescence.Relatively high energy content results from the fixation, as

chemical energy, of part of the radiant energy of the sunlightfalling on the plants leaves.

In fact, photosynthesis is the most fundamentally importantof biochemical processes. This is because, chemically speaking,green plants are the only productive segment of the earthspopulation. The Animal Kingdom is not so equipped to make

use of solar radiant energy. Members of this kingdom make useonly of the chemical energy stored in materials such as starches,sugars..., either directly or indirectly through other animals thatfeed on plants. In fact, the continuance of animal life is entirelydependent on the photosynthetic activity of plants.

Miraculously enough, the Qurn says what means:

117

And it is He who sends down water (rain) from the sky,with it We produce vegetation of all kinds (plants), fromwhich We produce green (material chlorophyl) out of whichWe produce heeped grain...

(Al - Anm : 99)

d?C tM? UMdQ? v q U? t UMd?Q? U U?L?] s e c] u_


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UF_ U d ? U tM d

118

V. Outstanding Obstacles Faced

The Ancient Agricultural Communities

The Qurn mentions that the ancient agriculturalcommunity in Egypt used to face deadly troubles, whenever thepeople missed Allhs righteous way, as signs from Allh.

So We sent on them (high destructive) floods, locusts,


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So We sent on them (high destructive) floods, locusts,lice, frogs and blood (bilharzia), signs openly self-explained..

(Al - Arf : 133)

?]B?H? U ]b U?H?]C? q]L?I d? U?uD rN?O?K UMKQ?

d_The floods refer most likely to high Nile floods which used

to destroy many villages and damage most fields in ancientEgypt. In our Age of Science, however, the Nile reservoirs andHigh Dam put an end to this effect.

Locusts destroy the crops. As the immature locusts can notfly, they march steadily across the country eating every greenplant as they pass; and they even cross rivers by the bridgesformed of the bodies of the drowned, vanguards!

Locusts multiply at an alarming rate. Vast swarmsmeasuring 50 by 80 kms- and occupying several days in passingmay fill the air such that the sunlight becomes almost totallyabsorbed. It is said that once train traffic was stooped bylocusts crushed bodies! However, nowadays locusts have been

successfully vanquished and killed.It can be readily seen that, before the Age of Science, thefive signs quoted in the Qurn characterized the agriculturalcommunity of Ancient Egypt.

119

Lice form a group of small parasitic wingless insects. Themouth parts are developed into a hooked tube with which theybore into the skin and suck the blood of their hosts! The eggsare deposited on the hairs, hatch out in few days and producetheir species in almost a fortnight.

Lice, in general, furnish an unbearable source ofdiscomfort and disease. Other types are: (a) The plant louse and(b) the chicken lice


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(b) the chicken lice.

Frogs are smooth-skinned members of the order Ecaudate(tailless) of the class Batrachia. They are distinguished fromnewts and salamanders by the absence of a tail in the adultstage.

Frogs can live only in damp places. They are absent from

deserts and high ranges of mountains. They furnish sources ofunbearable noise. They feed on insects and slugs seized bythrusting out the long sticky tongues. Blood (Bilharazia): Theword blood has been mentioned by the Qurn to denote urinecontaining blood as a result of infection with bilharzia. Thisdisease has only been discovered by Dr. Bilharz in the lastcentury.

120

VI. The Spherical Shape And Rotation Of The Earth

The fact that the earth is round and that it rotates round its

axis and round the sun is also postulated in the Qurn, but in an

indirect manner.People generally see that the earths surface appears flat,


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inspite the fact that is is almost spherical. When referring to

such apparently described phenomena, the Qurn adopts a

unique indirect way of expressing things such that it does not

urge people to deny the revelation.

The spherical shape of the earth necessitates that when onehalf of the earths surface faces the sun it becomes illuminated.

This represents day time. The other half does not face the sun

and faces the darkness of space (night). The Qurn expresses

this fact by saying what means:

1- ... There reaches it Our command by night or by day...

(Ynus : 24)

fu UN ?O Ud UU

Again, the Qurn says what means:

2- ... He makes the night spherically overlap the day, and

makes the Day spherically overlap the night...

(Az-Zumar : 5)

de qO]K vK UN]M uJ UN]M vK qO]K uJ

121

3- And the earth after that He spread it out.

(An- Nzit : 30)

U??U?M UU?? p b???F _

In this verse, the Qurn uses parts of the word (dahaha),hi h i f h A b ld ( h d lik


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which in some parts of the Arab world means (shaped like anegg). This has been discovered to be the true shape of the earth.

The rotation of the earth has been made clear by severalverses such as:

4- You cause the night to gain on the day and You causeday to gain on the night...

(l- Imrn : 27)

d?L q?O]K v UN?]M Zu UN?]M v qO]K Zu

5- ... And nor can the night outstrip the day and each

revolves on in an orbit.(Ysn : 40)

f u pK w q UN]M oU qO]K

6- And you see the mountains and think them firmly fixed(stationary), but they pass away as clouds pass away...

(An- Naml : 88)

qLM U] ]d dL v bU UN U d

122

VII. The Last Day

This is also the Day of Resurrection. Astronomicallyspeaking, the earth and the solar system are not eternal. Thewhole matter will come to an end when the sun suddenlyexpands or explodes such that its outer atmosphere (6,000degrees absolute) fills the whole space extending up to the orbitof the earth and its moon. Such a phenomeneon is observedtaking place in heavens.


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g p

The condition that our solar system retains its commonfeatures is that the sun remains in equilibrium and does notexplode. Miraculously enough, this condition has been stated bythe Qurn which means:

It is not permitted to the sun to reach the moon, nor

can the night outstrip the day, each should swim along in anorbit.

(Ysn : 40)

u? pK v q U?N]M oU qO]K dL?I b UN vG?M fL]A

fThe Qurn adds what means:

1- He questions: When is the Day of Resurrection?(Al- Qiymah : 6)

WUOI WUOI u U] Q2- But when the sight is dazed.

(Al- Qiymah : 7)

W??U??O??I d??B?? d S??

123

3- And the moon is eclipsed.

(Al- Qiymah : 8)

WUOI dLI n

4- And the sun and the moon are joined together.(Al- Qiymah : 9)


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124

WUOI dLI fL]A lL5- Human beings on that Day utter: (where could escape

be)?

(Al- Qiymah : 10)

WUOI dHL s cu U uI

VIII. Preventive Medicine

The Qurn also comprises many verses which establishthe principles underlying the best ways for keeping fit andhealthy, or the principles for the basis of the so-called

Preventive Medicine. These principles introduce theoutstanding restrictions regarding food. The Qurn says, forexample what means:


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example what means:

1- ... Eat and drink but waste not by excess for He (A llh)loves not the wasters.

(Al-Arf : 31)

d_ 5dL V t] ud ud uK2- Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, theflesh of the swine and that on which has been involved thename of other than Allh, that which has been killed bystrangulation, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, orby being gored to death: that which has been ( partly) eatenby a wild animal, unless you are able to slaughter it (in dueform) , that which is sacrificed on stone (altars)..

(Al- Midah : 3)

W??IM?ML t t]K? d?O??G? ]q U?? deM? r( ]b W????O??L rJO?K Xd??

vK ? U?? r??O??] U?? ] l???] q U?? W????O?D]M Wd????L? u??u??L

bzU* VBM

125


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U?d uQ? rJ]Mz d?B? r W?AU?H uQ t?u?I U? UuqLM uKN u r q UM s uN7- And Lt, who said to his people: Do you commit

lewdness such as no people in creation ever committedbefore you? You do practise your lusts with men inpreference to women; indeed you are a peopletransgressing beyond bounds.


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g g y

(Al- Arf : 80-81)

rJ] 5*UF s b? s UN rJI? U WA?UH uQ tu?I U Uu u?????d????????? u????? r? q U?????M? s u?????N???? U?????d u?Q?????

d_In a word, the above verses quoted in this chapter, are

merely examples of some priniciples concerning basic scienceamongst the vast teachings and knowledge included in theQurn. The question arises, however, is that not evidence ofthe truthfulness of the verse which means:

...... Nothing have We ignored (Or neglected) from the

Book... (Al-Anm : 38)

UF_ w s UJ v UM]d U]

128

THE TWO BOOKS OF ALLH

I. On The Integrity Of The Qurn

By these two books is meant:1- The Book which we read and recite its verse. This is theQurn.

2 Th b k i hi h li d b i d Thi i


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2- The book in which we live and observe its wonders. This isthe Universe.

Since the Universe is entriely a material structure, Allhused to send prophets. The last prophet, Muh ammad, wassupported by the Qurn, as an Eternal Miracle, to be the

guiding light of reason and understanding. It renders clear thevarious phases of intellectual and spiritual life.

Evidently, Allh created man to be in the best structure andprovided him with the distinguishing reason that establishedmans superiority above other creatures. Allh also gave manthe abilities to express himself and bestowed upon him thefaculty of speech:

Ar-Ra hmn. Taught the Qurn. Created man.

Offered him the ability to express himself.(Ar-Rah mn : 1-4)

U?????O????? t?????L?]K U?????? oK? d?????I r?]K s?L?????]d

sLd

When Allh spoke by the Qurn, the Book we read, it wasonly natural that He referred to and mentioned several of His

signs in the universe, His vivid Book. In this manner He talkedabout the heavens, the sky and atmosphere, the sun and themoon, water, winds, clouds, day and night..., in the mannerpartially described in the present series of books.

129


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early Muslims to memorize, scribe and intemately preserve thetext of the Qurn. Even the unbelievers are invited in theQurn to contemplate over its various verse that mean:

1- Do they not then earnestly seek to understand theQurn, or are their hearts locked up by them?

(Muh ammad : 24)

bL UNUH uK vK dI d]b


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2- Here is a Book which We have sent down to you full ofblessings that they may motivate on its signs and thatpeople of understanding may receive admonition.

(Sd : 29)

U???_ u? d???]c??????O t?U d]]b????O U?????? pO? UMe? U??????

Since the Qurns teachings are not restricted to a specific

age of time or people, the treasures of its unlimitedunexhaustible dimensions are continuously realized as timemarches on, in eterrnal reality, vitality and freshness.

132

. .

II. No Flaws In The Universe

There is no reason, whatever, to assume that the universehas several creators. This is evident notably from the fact thatthe laws of nature and processes of creation are obeyed and

observed valid everywhere:

1- No want of proportion will there be in the creation ofAr-Ra hmn...


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(Al- Mulk : 3)

pK* UH s sL]d oK v d U]

2- ... Seest thou any flaw?

(Al- Mulk : 3)

p?K* u?D s? d q?

3- I call them not to witness the creation of the heavens andthe earth nor even their own creation...

(Al-Kahf : 51)

nNJ rNH oK _ uL?] oK rNbN U]

Also, there is no reason, whatever, to assume that thecreator does not differ from creation in all respects. We read inthe Qurn what means:

133

1- Say: He is Allh the One and the Only.

(Al - Ikhls : 1)

b t]K u q

2- Allh the Eternal Absolute.

(Al - Ikhls : 2)

] ].

.


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? b? L?]B t]K

3- He begetteth not nor is He begotten.

(Al - Ikhls : 3)

? bu r bK r

4- And He had entirely none to Him.

(Al - Ikhls : 4)

b u?H t] sJ r

We also read the following names of Allh in the Qurn:1- THE OWNER OF SOVEREIGNT

Everything belongs to Him: Kingdom of Heavens and theEarth and all that exists inbetween. He offers life to every livingbeing, or takes it away as He disposes. His Sovereignty inspiresHis Supermacy and His Ominpotence over all.

2- THE ABSOLUTE

No relation, whatever, exists between His Entity and othercreatures and beings. He is consecrated, not for the sake ofwantage regarding needs and necessities.

134

.

.

WHAT MODERN CIVILIZATION MISSEDAS A RESULT OF THE DEGENERATION

OF THE MUSLIM WORLD

At this stage one can realize that science is the message ofIslam. The Qurn describes with scientific precision matterspertaining to the universe. It also urges Muslims to take interest


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p g gin sciences. In this manner, many famous Mulsim Scientistsarose during the so-called middle ages or even dark ages. TheQuran says what means:

And say (asking Allh) :O my Master, I beg forincreasing my knowledge.

(Th : 114)

t ULK v ] q

Contrary to Islamic teachings, modern civilization began inEurope by entire separation of science from religion. In this

manner modern civilization and nothing to do with faith, andmorals and thus became entirely materialistic. This fact,however, leads to wide-spread infidelity.

Another outstanding characteristic of Islm is that it is alsothe true message of equality between nations and tribes, libertyand justice. In the Muslim world, Muslims had no colonies. TheQurn says clearly what means:

O mankind: We created you from a single (pair) ofmale and a female and made you into nations and tribesthat you may know each other. Verily, the most honoured of

135

you in the sight of Allh is he who is the most righteous ofyou...

(Al - Hujurt : 13)

] u?U?F? qzU?? Uu?F? rU?MKF? v d? s rUMIK? U] U]M U?N U d( dO? rOK t]K ] rUI t]K bM rJd

Islm also injects the character of dignity without beingproud, of contentment without being lazy, of confidencewithout conceit of order without tyranny and of freedom


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without conceit, of order without tyranny, and of freedomwithout corruptions, notably family corruption. With suchdignified behaviour, the Egyptians readily became Muslimsshortly after the invasion by the Muslim Arabs. Such behaviournever happened with the invasion of the Europeans!

136


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ISLM AND SCIENCE- 4 -

137

PREFACE

The original text of the Qurn is still preserved entirely inevery respect of its original language word by word. Recordsand order of the revelation of the Qurn were so faithfullymade such that as time marches on one can say and report withprecision, the actual place and time of revelation of each verse.


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139

For such reasons, it is known everywhere that the Qurnhas retained its purity without the least change up to now.

The language of the Book is the living Arabic. This is gen-erally not the case with regard to old and extinct languages.Moreover, there is no fear of mixing the Qurn with human in-terpretations or even with the Traditions of the Prophet. In thissense Allh says:

Lo! We, even We, revealed Adh-Dhikr (Qurn ) and verily,We are its Guardian.

(Al- Hijr : 9)

d???????( uEU????( t U] d????c UM?]e s? U]

Amongst the facts concerning the Q urn is that it is regard-ed as the principal source of Islm. It lays down the law of therelation of man to Allh, and includes the fundamentals of theprinciples governing all humanity, Allh The Almighty says:

So set your purpose for religion as a man by nature up-right - the nature originated by Allh, in which He has orig-inated people; there is no altering to Allhs creation; that isthe right religion but most people know not.


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(Ar-Rm : 30)

t]K oK?) qb? U?N??OK U]M dD v?] t]K dD U?H??OM sbK pN?? rQ?uLKF U]M d ]sJ rOI sb p

d

No translation whatever, into English or any other language,can do justice to the magnificent Arabic style of the Qu rn,

Allh The Almighty says:And so We have revealed to you an Arabic Qurn.

(Ash-Shr : 7)

u?A? U?Od?? Ud? pO? UMO? p?c?

In fact, any verses selected in any book of this series aremainly of simplified nature and cannot give an exact idea of thepassages which fill the Qur'n w ith glorious power.

140

UNIVERSALITY OF ISLM

I. The Vocation Of Man Between The Law Of The Peo-

ple And The Law Of Allh

History tells us that the outstanding success which ProphetMuhammad (prayers and peace be upon him) achieved, withinthe limited time of twenty three years is ranked as the com


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the limited time of twenty - three years, is ranked as the com-pletion of the most supreme effort with no parallel. An entirechange in the thought and behaviour of a whole generation to-wards goodness and godliness had been realized by a single

man!

In addition to that, the almost unlimited teachnings of ethi-cal, moral and spiritual values which his message set up intomotion, still march on in the Muslim world.

The Qur'n is basically addressed to intelligent and under-standing individuals. It invites man to observe carefully every-thing round him in existence and thus to reflect upon it careful-ly. Knowledge acquired by the Qur'n is of the highest rank. Toacquire it, purity in faith and concentration of mind are both es-sential prerequisites. In this respect the Book says for examplewhat means:

1- And when the Qur'n is recited give ear to it and

pay heed that you may be offered mercy.

(Al-Arf : 204)

d_ uLd rJ]KF uB t uFLU dI d

141

2- They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feelfear when Allh is mentioned, and when His signs are recit-ed to them they increase in belief and they trust in theirLord.

(Al -Anfl : 2)

rN tU r?N?OK XOK rNu?K XK t]K d? sc] uM?R?L U?L] K] N K UU1


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142

uK u rN v K U U 1 UH_

Fairly enough, it is expected that the Book, provided it isproperly understood, would lead to discoveries concerning thesecrets of nature. At the same time, careful study of nature willhelp in the proper interpretation and understanding of the Book.Naturally, as human knowledge advances the Qur'n unfolds it-self gradually, Allh, The Almightly says:

3- We shall show them Our signs in the horizons (vast ex-tensions ) and in themseves until it becomes evident to them

that it (the Qurn ) is the truth.

(Fussilat : 53 )

o t] rN s]O v] rNH v U v UMU rNdM XKB

..

II. Islm : A Universal Attitude

From the first moment anyone embraces Islam (the noblemessage of universal fraternization) his race, colour and nation-ality sink into insignificance before the vast conception of hu-manity and equality for which Islm opens his mind. For exam-ple the Qur'n says:

1- O mankind; We created you from a single (pair ) ofmale and female and made you into nations and tribes that


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male and female and made you into nations and tribes thatyou may know each other; the most honoured of you in thesight of Allh All-Knowing and All-Reckoning.

(Al-Hujurt : 13)

] u?U?F?? qzU?? Uu?F?? rUMKF? v d?? s rUMIK U] U]M? U?N UdO rOK t]K ] rUI t]K bM rJd

d(

2- Say: O Followers of The Book come to a proposistionequitable between you and us, that we shall not worship anybut Allh and that we shall not take others for associates be-sides Him.

(l-Imrn : 64)

dA t?]K ] bF ] r?JMO UMMO u W?LK v uUF U?J q U q

UO t dL

3- In the name of Allh. Ar-Rahmn (The All-Merciful )Ar-Rahm (The Ever Merciful ). All praise is due to AllhLord of all the worlds. Ar-Rahmn Ar-Rahm. Owner of theDay of Judgment. You, do we worship and Your aid do we

seek, Guide us on the straight way. The way on whom Youhave bestowed Your favor neither of those upon whom an-ger is brought down, nor of those who go erring.

(Al Ftih ah : 1 7)


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144

(Al-Ftih ah : 1-7)

r??O?????????????????]d?? s?L?????????????????]d?? t??]K?? r??? rO?]d sL?]d 5*UF t?]K bL?

5F????? U] b????F? U] sb u? pU??

sc] d? rOI??L d?B Ub

rN??OK u??C??G?L? d?O?? r?N?O?K XL??F

W%UH 5U]C

The seminal principles, and even the real basis of Islamiceconomies declare that the earth is Allhas own property. Thisprinciple, however, is a self- evident fact since originally Allhalone created the earth - no body whoever can arrogate its pos-

session to himself or rather can claim that he was the creator.All human beings were, and are still, created out of its very dustand water (mud or clay). The Qur'n says:

1- From it (the earth) did We create you and into it shall wereturn you back....

- Th (55) -

t rbOF UNO rUMIK UNM2- And Allh has produced you from the earth growing.Then into it He returns you back..


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- Nooh (17 - 18 ) -

u UNO rbOF ]r UU _ s rJ t]K

3- ... He (Allh) has produced you from the earth and set-tled you therein...

- Hd (61) -

UNO rdLF _ s rQA u

u4- And to Allh belongs the dominion of the heavens andthe earth....

- l-Imrn (189) -

dL _ uL] pK t]K

Allh offered us the earth to dwell in, after being prepared by

Him to yield its riches to man, provided man knows how to

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handle this gift properly, Allh The Almighty says:

5- And indeed We have written in Az-Zabr (DavidsBook) after being in Adh-Dhikr that the earth is inheritedby My worshippers who are fit for its goodness (to populate it ).

(Al-Anbiy : 105)

u??(U??]B U???? U??Nd _ ] d??c? b??F s u]e v? UM???? b??I UO_


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III. Peace In Islm

Peace means in Arabic the word (salm). The same wordis amongst the names of Allh, as well as the name of the Para-dise as quoted by the Qur'n. The same word (salm) is also the

common salutation of greeting in Islm.

1- For them is Dar As-Salm (dwelling of peace) granted tothem by their Master and He is their Sustainer in recom-pense for their works


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pense for their works.

(Al-Anm : 127)

uKLF uU UL rNO u rN bM ] rN UF_

2- And Allh calls to Dar As-Salm (the abode of peace )and He guides whom He wishes into the right way.

(Ynus : 25)

rO?I???? d?? v U?A s b??N ?] v u??b t]K

fu

Contrary to what appears to occur today by some fanatics intheir efforts to propagate Islm, Muslim advocates have to actin complete compliance with Allhs words:

Summon you to thy way of the Master with wisdomand with proper advice and argue them in the kindest manner;


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Christians, of them who believe in Allh and the Last Dayand work righteousness, then on them shall be neither fearnor shall they grieve.

(Al-Midah : 69)

d? u?O? t]KU s s U?B]M? u?U?]B U sc?] uM sc] ]ue r rNOK u U(U qL

bzU*E id tl it i I l hi h d l d th G l f i


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152

Evidently, it is Islm which declared these Gospels of uni-versalism, for the first time in history, in order to bring differentreligions into closer good relations of fraternity.

Surely, every nation has been given a Messenger fromAllh, and there has been no class of people but had its Warnerfrom Allh. The Q ur'n says :

1- And for sure We have sent in every nation a Messanger...

(An-Nahl : 36)

qM u W] q v UMF bI

2- ... There has been no nation (or people ) but had its War-ner (from Allh ).

(Ftir : 24)

dU dc UNO ] W] s

.

3- Say (you Muslims) we believe in Allh and (in) thatwhich has been revealed to us and (in) that which has been

revealed to Ibrhm and Ismil and Isaac and Jacob andthe tribes and (in) that which was given to Moses and Jesusand (in) that which was given to the Prophets from theirLord; we do not make any distinction between any of them,and to Him we submit.

(Al-Baqarah : 136)


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uIF U qOUL rOd v e U UMO e U t]KU U]M uu

b? sO d?H rN s? u?O?]M v U? v?O? vu? v U? U??_uLK t s rNM

dI

Muslims therefore find no difficulty in accepting the Di-vine origin of every other religion besides Islm, Allh The Al-

mighty says what means:

All people were a single nation, so Allh raised Proph-ets as bearers of Good News and as Warners and He re-vealed with them the Book with the truth...

(Al-Baqarah : 213)

U?J rNF? e scMsd?A? 5O?]M t]K YF? b? W] U]M U? dI oU

153

Undoubtedly, all of us are worshipping One God, Who isthe common source of all guidance to the human race. No tworevealed religions, in their original purity, could ever ministerto humanity principles contradicitory or baneful teachings tohuman salvation. Allh The Almighty says:

Say you believers in the different Books, come to a right-ful agreement between us and you : not to worship exceptAllh and not to associate with Him any other thing....

(l Imrn : 64)


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(l- Imrn : 64)

dA t?]K ] bF ] r?JMO UMMO u W?LK v uUF U?J q U q dL UO t

In Islm one is supposed to live mainly in order to workout what is conducive to the best interests of his people and ofhumanity in general, in terms of obeying Allh and not goingastray. Allh the Almighty says :

Say, for sure my prayers and my rites and my life and mydeath are all for Allh the Lord of the worlds.

(Al-Anm : 162)

5?*U????????F t?]K? v?U????????L???????? U???????O???????????????? v?J?? v???????? ] q?

UF_

The Qur'n is, in fact, the outstanding present support forthe truthfulness of most of the Prophets. For example, the fact

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that Jesus had no father receives convincing defense from theQur'n....

Let us do away with the gulf separating followers of the var-ious creeds. Let us kill our disputes in adoration of Allh, and

worship One, God Only.

Certainly, Allh dose not forgive associating otherswith Him and forgives lesser sins to whom He pleases.

(A Ni 48)


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(An-Nis : 48)

U???????A? s?* p? U??????? d???????H????????G t? d???????A? d???????H????????G? t]K? ] UM

Most of the troubles can be got over through worshippingOne God. This is the natural, universal and ideal religion. Inthis sense Allh addresses the Prophet Muh ammad (prayers andpeace be upon him) by saying:

And We have not sent you but for all the peoples asbearer of Good News and as Warner.

(Saba : 28)

Q????? dc? d??O???A U]MK? W??]U??? ] UMK U???

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THE MUSLIM WOMAN

I. The Veil

The position of women in the Muslim Society is uniqueand outstanding according to the teachings of the Qur'n. Adul-tery is strictly prohibited and fundamentals of decency andgood behaviour are proclaimed. There is not a single versewhich orders (harm life). Even conservative authorities do notf l i i h T k h I i i hi


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feel it necessay to communicate the Turks or the Iranians in thisrespect. Most of them have already given up seclusion.

To cover, by any dress, certain parts of our bodies whichare not normally left naked is essential, but still the Qur'n givespriority to the dress of decency and good behaviour. Allh TheAlmighty says:

O sons of dam, We did send down upon you dressesto overlay your shameful parts and a vestrue and the dress

of piety and fear from Allh which is the best; such are ofthe signs of Allh that they may reckon.

(Al-Arf : 26)

p u?I??] U? U?A r?Ju? u U?U?? rJOK UMe b?? vM Ud]]c rN]KF t]K U s p dO

d_It happened that in order to assure protection for the wives

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UM t]K kH U?L VOGK UEU UU U(U?]BU rNu

According to Islm, Muslim women have the right to in-clude in the marriage contract certain articles on which theymay be granted a divorce according to their demand.

The great majority of Muslim women prefer not to be in-dependent wage - earners, but by working in their houses theyalways contribute to the income to their families. The Muslimwoman, from this point of view, is an economic asset to herhome, but still not generally economically independent.


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III. Status Of The Muslim Woman

Before the age of Science, religion has always been the ef-fective tool for social action. In the earlier days of Islm, theProphet (prayers and peace be upon him) was taught by the

ideal of elevating the position of women of his day and improv-ing social conditions without violating the prevailing concept ofmasculine superiority. The teachings of the Qurn representeda social reform movement against the existing practices whichwere significant for those days, and so included mainly:

1- Abolition of infanticide.


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2- Putting limits and restrictions to polygamy.

3- Protection of widows and orphans.4- Declaration of marriage contract.5- Establishment of inheritance right to women.6- Bounds of veil to the purpose.

At present, in the light of scientific progress, which is alsothe message of Islm, vast changes have taken place in the posi-tion of the Muslim women. These changes represent phases of

fundamental renaissance including:

1- Educational opportunities.2- Occupying various jobs.3- Widening of the field of womans interest beyond the wallsof her home.

Some authoritis now argue that harmonizing the teachings

of Islm with modern thought represents various stages of ad-vance. Nevertheless, almost all Muslims recoginze the authorityof Islm to determine the bounds of social progress.

163

In the last few decades, Al-Azhar authorities in Egyptachieved the foundation of several new Faculties under thename of Al-Azhar University", which is responsible for teach-ing boys and girls segregated, modern languages, science, liter-ature, medicine, agriculture and engineering..

Naturally, unions of welfare and philanthropy, care of or-phans, chairty affairs, simple embroidery, workshops... and em-ployment scheme, furnish the objectives for societies or clubsof high-class women as organizers. However, education ofwomen now furnishes the motif concerning group action

t t bl th h b i i t


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amongst women, notably those who became ministers.

Finally, according to the spirit and teachings of Islm,Muslim women have become aware of their responsibilty topromote peace, and the Muslim educated woman alreadyassumes her responsibility as a world wide citizen.

Once more, the major factors in the decline of the MuslimWorld was the closing of the Door of Regeneration, notably inthe woman wrold after being mingled with several old customs

in the various countries reached by Muslims. For such reasons,Muslim authorities now have to do their best in order to directthe course of event to the true Muslim virtues for the good ofthe world at large.

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FAITHA NECESSITY

I. The Meaning Of Faith In Islm

Faith is regarded as the base and first outstanding principlein Islm. The Prophet (prayers and peace be upon him) had tostay about thirteen years at the beginning of his mission toaffirm this principle. His common definition of faith (asTradition) is that: (Faith is something embedded in the heartand justified by deeds and behaviour).

As a matter of extreme regret one observes that nowadays


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As a matter of extreme regret, one observes that, nowadaysfaith has been widely misunderstood and Islm has been greatly

misconceived by various numerous agglomerations of Muslimsgoing rather astray. Amongst these are:

A- The fanatics who are not righteous followers of theQurn which says:

1- Invite (people) to the way of your Lord with wisdomand good advice and argue them with the ideal...

(An-Nahl : 125)

s?? v v?]U rNU?? WM??? WEu??L W??LJU? p qO???? v qM

2- And fight in the way of Allh against those who fightagainst you, but begin not hostility; so Allh loves not theaggressors.

(Al-Baqarah : 190)

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In the past time, and to a limited extent at present,people worshipped the sun, the moon, the planets, the sea,the fire and even the cow!! All Allhs Prophets invitedpeople to believe in the Oneness of God, and the Qurnrecords many instances when most Prophets were

ridiculed, ignored and even preseculted. This used to takeplace in spite of the fact that each Prophet came for theenlightenment of his own people and for guiding them tothe righteous way. Only Muh ammed (prayers and peacebe upon him) came for the good of the people on earth.Allh the Almighty says:

And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the


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And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the

worlds.(Al-Anbiy : 107)

U?O??_ 5*U?FK W?L? ] U?MK U?

This, naturally, means that every Mulsim is invited andrequested to deliver the messages of Islm and to teach it

to non-Muslims within his reach.This readily means that the message of Islm in an

everlasting responsibility.

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II. Goodness or Kindness in Islm

Goodness or kindness is a natural result of faith andoutstanding virtues of hummanity. the Arabic word incommon use for goodness is (ih sn), which may stand forseveral meanings such as: excellence in work, chairtyaffairs, bestowing favour, mercifulness, doing thingswell...Another equal words is (birr).

When a man performs his duty towards Allh andpeople as well, he is regarded in Islm to have done andacheieved favour to himself. Allh says:

Wh d d i i f hi lf d h d il i


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Whoso does good it is for himself and who does evil it

is against it and your Lord is not an unjust to Hisservants. (Fussilat : 46)

bOFK ]E p U UNOKF U s tHMK U(U qL s XKBSome Muslims argue that (Ihsn) meaning goodness has

two phases namely : 1-Bestowing favour on others, and 2-Ecelence in work - The Qurn quotes tell us:

1- Lo! Allh enjoins justice and kindness....

(An-Nahl : 90)

qM? U??? b??FU d??Q t]K ]

2- Lo! Allh favours those who go righteously andthose who are kind.(An-Nahl : 128)

171

. .

qM uM? r sc] u?I] sc] l t]K ]

3- ... And do fair deeds, for sure Allh loves thefair-doers.

(Al-Baqarah : 195)

dI 5ML V t]K ] uM

In Islm, however, goodness, in the broadest meaning,is one of the highest levels of worship. It is the essencespirit and accomplishment of faith.


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4- Is the reward of fairness aught save fairness?

(Ar-Rah mn : 60)

sL?d U? ] U? e? q

The Prophet Muh ammad (Allhs prayers and peace beupon him) said concernig goodness: (That you worshipAllh as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He

sees you). This points out to the absolute presence withAllh, and the necessity of bearing Him in mind. to fear,and still to love, Him, and thus to submit and becomesincere to Him.However, Allh knows every thing and He says, forexample:1- We verily created man and We know that his selfwhispers to him and We are nearer to him than his

jugular vein.(Qf :16)

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q?? s t??O d?? s? t???H t? u??u U?? rKF U?? UM?IK b??I bu

2- Have you not seen that Allh knows what is in

heavens and what is in the earth; there is no secretconference of the three but He is their fourth, nor offive but He is their sixth, nor of less than that or morebut He is with them wheresoever they may be, andlater, on the day of Resurrection, He will inform themof what they did. Lo! Allh is Knower of all things.

(Al-Mujdalah : 7)


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] W u? s uJ U? _ v U u?L?] v U? rKF t]K ] d r

s rNF u ] d? p s v rNU u ] W?L rNF u

rOK v qJ tK ] WUOI u uKL UL rNM ]r uU U

WU:On top of all this, goodness also means spendingmoney in aspects of vital importance to the communitysuch that the giver, the taker and the whole nation achievehappiness. Allh says:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces tothe east and the west but righteous is he who believesin Allh and the Last Day and the Angels and the Bookand the Prophets and gives wealth, for love Him, to

kinsflok and to the orphans and theneedy and thewayfarer and to those who ask and to set slaves free,

and observes (proper) prayer and pays the poor-due

and those who keep their convenant when they make

one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity andtime of distress; such are they who are sincere; such

are the pious.

(Al-Baqarah : 177)

t]KU s s? ]d? ]s J d?G??L d?A?L q?? rJu? uu ]d?? fO


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s s d s d d q r u u u d fO

vd??I t???? vK U??L v 5?O?]M? U??J WJz??L d?? u??OU]e v ?]B U Ud v 5KzU] qO?] s 5UL vU?O

p Q 5 ]d?]C UQ v sdU?]B bU rbNF u?uL

d??I??? u???I??]???L r p? u??b??? sc]

Goodness may also mean originality, depth theaccuracy in our deeds. This particular meaning is made

clear in the Prophets Tradition, such as: (For sure Allh

wishes from anyone of you doing something to

accomplish it excellently).

Goodnesse may also mean giving gallantly, warding

off evil and paying an ill-deed with a good one. Thus, onereads in the Qurn what means:

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And the good deed and the evil deed are not alike;repel the evil deed with one which is better, then Lo! hebetween whom you there was enmity (will become) asthough he was a close friend. But none is granted itsave those who are steadfast and none is granted it

save the owner of a great fortune.(Fussilat : 34 - 35)

tMO p?MO c] S?? s? v v?]U l W???O??] WM?? u???

rOE k ] UU?]IK U d? sc] ] UU?]IK U rO?L v t]Q? b

..


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XKB2- It was by the mercy of Allh that you were lenientwith them (O Muhammad ), for if you had been sternand fierce of heart, they would have dispersed from

round about you. (l -Imrn : 159)

pu? s u?CH VKI k?OK UE XM u rN XM t]K s? WL? U?L? dL

3- Allh describes the Prophet Muh ammad (Allhs prayersand peace be upon him) in a verse which says that means:Your are of a magnifent character.

(Al-Qalam : 4 )

qI r?OE oK vK?F p]

THE MUSLIM THOUGHT

I- Outstanding Characteristics Of Islm

Islm as a religion is distinguished from other religions by

an outstanding characteristic quality established by the versewhich says what means :

Lo. The worst of beasts in Allhs sight are the deaf,the dumb who have no sense.

(Al- Anfl : 22)


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UH_ uKIF sc] rJ rB t]K bM ]b ]d ]

The verse declares that Islm categorically discards ignor-ance from the qualities of faithful Muslims.

As was mentioned before (in Books 1, 2, 3), Islm, in ef-fect, combines faith and knowledge comprizing study of the

material universe. The two form one whole in which knowledgeis the food and faith is the cure which cannot be effective with-out food.

Islm fights out ignorance and its teachings urge towardsenlightenment and scientific research, because it regards sci-ence the principal means for advancement and the proper wayfor civilization. It is the straight way along which the faithfulcan achieve happiness in the earthly life and in the Hereafter. In

this meaning one reads in the Qurn what means :

1- ......Allh will raise those of you who believe

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and those (of you) who are given knowledge to even highergrades of honour...

(Al-Mujdalah : 11)

U rKF u sc] rJM uM sc] t]K ld WU:

2 - And We have brought to them (the disb elievers) a BookWe explained the meaning thereof with knowledge

the holy quran and science

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