INTEGRATING ISLAMIC AND MODERN KNOWLEDGE—PHILOSOPHICAL CONCEPTS AND THEIR PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The study of nature by itself will not lead to God no matter how deeply one delves into the world of matter. The heart of the observer must be responsive to the ‘wonders of God’ so that nature does not present itself as facts to be cast into neat mathematical formulas or just inspire awe and appreciation with no further elevation of the soul. Knowledge of the natural world reinforces evidence for the existence of the almighty Creator and strengthens the belief in meeting with Him (bi liqā’ rabbihim yūqinūn) for those who have opened their hearts to receive the eternal message contained in each speck of the universe. Doing more science will not make Muslims better morally or spiritually unless these values are actively sought and inculcated in their personal lives. Moral and spiritual training is an essential part of education and this training should be built into science education as well. Studying natural phenomena will lead to the knowledge of Allah (ma‘rifatullāh) only if they are recognized as the signs of Allah (āyātullāh).

DOES BELIEF IN HUMAN EVOLUTION ENTAIL KUFR

© 2020 by the Joint Publication Board of Zygon Nuh Ha Mim Keller, a contemporary Muslim theologian, argues against the compatibility of evolution and Islam. In this article we intend to critically evaluate his position in which he advances three separate arguments. First, he criticizes the science of evolution. Second, he demonstrates the metaphysical problems with naturalism and the role of chance in the enterprise of evolution. Third, he contends that evolution and the creationist narrative in Islamic scripture is irresolvable. Given these points, Keller concludes that believing in human evolution takes one outside the fold of Islam (kufr). After reviewing each of these points we argue that his claims are unwarranted because of other possibilities which Keller may have not considered. In effect, we argue that believing in evolution doesn\u27t necessarily or definitively entail kufr