Scientific Knowledge in the Qur'an
Muslims find that the Qur'an contains references to scientific processes and natural laws, many of which were unknown to the world at the time of its revelation. Muslims do not therefore find a conflict between their holy text and the findings of modern science. The Qur'an itself testifies to this harmony of faith and knowledge: “Do they not consider the Qur'an? Had it been from any other than God, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy” (Qur'an 4:82).
The Universe
According to the Qur'an, Allah created the universe in an explosion that caused Earth and the heavenly bodies to form in perfect harmony and order: “Do the unbelievers not see that the heavens and earth were joined together [as one unit of creation], before We ripped them asunder? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Qur'an 21:30).
In another verse, the universe is described as having been “smoke” that came together before being “ripped asunder” in an explosion (Qur'an 41:11). In verse 51:47, there is reference to Allah continuing to “expand” the sky. These descriptions are found to be in accordance with modern theories regarding the Big Bang, the continued expansion of the universe, and the origins of life in water.
The Qur'an describes the creation of life as a sign of God's Greatness: “And Allah has created every living thing from water. Of them are some that creep on their bellies; some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills, for verily Allah has power over all things” (Qur'an 24:45).
Development of Life
In the Qur'an, Allah is described as the Creator who developed life in “stages.” These stages are not specified but are described as being thousands upon thousands of years of time as we know it. While Islam teaches that Adam and Eve were the first humans, it leaves open the idea of the development of life in general over time.
The Qur'an also gives specific descriptions of the development of human beings in their mothers' wombs. “We reproduced him [humans] from a tiny drop, that is placed into a place of rest, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into a hanging clot [embryo], then developed the hanging clot into a lump [fetus]. Then We made the lump into bones, and covered the bones with flesh. We thus developed out of it a new creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create!” (Qur'an 23:12–14). Another verse describes the fetus as being developed “in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness” (Qur'an 39:6). Some scholars now interpret this as referring to the abdominal wall, the uterine wall, and the placenta.
Other verses of the Qur'an describe the formation of mountains or make reference to the nature of air and water currents. Some might argue that these verses are vague enough to be open to interpretation. Indeed, interpretation of these verses has changed over time as new scientific discoveries have been made. However, Muslims believe that it is highly improbable that the Qur'an should use these terms and language based on the level of scientific knowledge of the time. Most important, none of the verses has been found to be in direct contradiction with current scientific knowledge.
These references to the “signs” of God have served as an inspiration and a challenge for generations of Muslims to learn more about the natural world and the laws that govern it. Muslims study not just for the sake of knowledge, but to better understand Allah's order so that humans can maintain the intricate balance that Allah has set in place.
Islam places a very high value on literacy. Even during the early years, when Muslims were engaged in wars of defense, enemy prisoners of war could earn their freedom by teaching ten young Muslims how to read and write. Both girls and boys are encouraged to attend school, and in many Muslim countries, women outnumber men in university programs.
