One frequently hears discussions on "science and religion" and people trying to compare between the two. However, the problem with all such attempts goes back to problematic terminology. Allow me to explain.
Any comparison between two entities necessitates examining parallel aspects between them. If I want to compare two computers, then I'll compare memory to memory and processor speed to processor speed. If I want to compare a treatment and a control group then I have to make sure that both groups are comparable in terms of their other relevant characteristics like health, age, gender, etc. If I don't compare parallel aspects in both groups the comparison would not be valid. Whenever we do a comparison, we need to always examine aspects of the two groups/entities that are parallel.
But are we talking about parallel aspects when we say, "Science & Religion"? I would say no, and here's why...
Science has an intrinsic mechanism of filtering out dubious theories that lack experimental validity by the process known as falsification. So, when we talk about science there is the implicit notion that we are speaking only of theories that have a valid basis in experimental evidence and have the requisite parsimony to be accepted amongst the scientific community. In other words, we look for the simplest explanation that goes with the facts. So we are not talking about flat earth theories or geocentric models of the solar system when we say 'Science', because - according to the agreed-upon methodology of researchers - such theories are no longer valid.
But when it comes to the religious community, there is no agreed upon criterion for falsification as there is within the scientific community (which is not to say that such a criterion does not exist!). So what that entails is that ALL theologies and belief systems are being included in the term 'religion' irrespective of their logical coherence and validity. We place all belief systems on the same level in terms of their validity. We're not questioning the validity of any belief system no matter how incoherent or illogical its precepts are.
And while in terms of ethics, that should certainly be our attitude towards adherents of other belief systems so that everyone is treated with respect, when it comes to logical inquiry and academic debate such an assumption does not hold. If I meet someone who holds a religious belief or a scientific opinion which is incoherent or contradictory, my respectful manner of interacting with them does not negate my understanding that they are incorrect in their views.
So we should either compare ALL scientific theories with ALL religious systems irrespective of their validity (which is not such a good idea), OR we should use terminology that does not necessitate the inclusion of erroneous beliefs/theories.
So let us rephrase the comparison by looking instead at the domain in which scientific theories and religious beliefs operate. If we do this, we can rephrase our terms so that we are comparing between the following two methodologies:
1. Trying to explain the nature of observable phenomena in our universe based on experimental evidence. This methodology is descriptive in that it seeks to describe the underlying mechanisms behind such phenomena. This is the "how" and this is the domain of questions that scientific theories seek to address.
2. Trying to account for our position in existence in order to delineate guiding values in our lives. This methodology is prescriptive in that it seeks to prescribe a meaningful way for us to construct our live with a source of moral guidance. This is the "why" and this is the domain of questions that belief systems seek to address.
I say "belief systems" and not simply "religion" because even individuals who do not accept a religion still must find answers to the second domain of questions and they do this by subscribing to a variety of secular philosophies. Both domains of questions are inescapable and confront every human being.
In conclusion, comparisons require looking at parallel aspects. And if we do that here we find that we can describe this as a comparison between two methodologies which seek to answer two different domains of questions. Now my wording for these two methodologies may not have been the most precise, but hopefully the main idea comes across.
However, just because we are dealing with two different domains of issues does not mean there isn't a common logical approach to both of them. I talked about the scientific method earlier. In science the accepted theory is the one that provides most parsimonious explanation for observable phenomena. Applying this standard to the realm of religion, Muslims maintain that not only does Islam provide the most parsimonious explanation for our position in the universe, but it stands above all other religious or secular ideologies in its logical coherence and comprehensive answers, beginning with the most fundamental question of the purpose of life. What's more, it provides an explanation that is in tune with the natural predisposition of human beings (see the post 'Islam in a nutshell' for the Islamic explanation).
Concerning the origin of the universe, the sudden sentience of a human being, the fundamental moral sense and natural disposition of human beings, the beliefs and ideas of other nations, the presence and purpose of suffering in the world, and many other issues, Islam provides definitive, logical and comprehensible answers. While many may be content to merely plead ignorance or fail to provide alternative theories on such issues, a scientific approach would require the acceptance of the logical answers provided by Islam.
What does Islam teach? What are the Islamic beliefs?
Rather than post links to elaborate articles, I'm going to do my best to summarize the answer and present to you - Islam in a nutshell.
Islam is the name for a divinely ordained and complete way of life founded on the principle that there is only one God, and that He alone is worthy of our adoration and servitude. The fact that it is a complete way of life means that it contains guidance in all affairs, whether spiritual, social, communal, financial, environmental, political, etc. Islam literally means submission to God and the Muslim is one who submits to God. This entails acceptance of and adherence to the revealed laws. Through dedication to God the Muslim comes closer to Him and acquires inner peace and tranquility.
Islam calls on humanity to acknowledge that there is only one God, to believe in Him and to worship Him alone. Human beings are to utilize their God-given faculties of reason and logic to come to the realization that they have not arisen by coincidence out of insentience and chaos, but are rather subject to the definite order of a single supreme Omniscient Lord. He has not created human beings in sport but has placed them on earth with a precise purpose, to enjoin righteousness and forbid evil. Through one's struggle to spread virtue and righteousness one acquires a deeper understanding and a stronger relationship with God. The righteous will be rewarded in the next life with paradise while the evil-doers will be punished with Hell.
Noble as the human purpose is, human beings tend to fall short and many tend to deviate from the pure and pristine servitude of the One God into man-made doctrines and sins. Hence, God has continually appointed Prophets from every nation to call their people away from sin and vice and back to the noble position of worshiping God and performing righteous deeds, abiding by His laws. Each prophet communicated God's revelation to their respective nations and warned them against persisting in evil and disbelief. Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, John and Jesus are some of the prophets sent by God. Muhammad is God's final prophet, sent to all humanity to call them back to the truth before the coming of the Day of Resurrection where every human being will stand to be judged before their Lord for that which they did in their life.
All the Prophets brought the same message and shared the same call. Those who accepted that message and submitted to the way of God are called Muslims. Thus, in the time of Prophet Moses, the Muslims were those who answered his call and followed him, submitting to the laws of God. Similarly, in the time of Prophet Jesus, the Muslims were those who followed and accepted his call. Now, after the coming of the Prophet Muhammad, one must believe in him and accept his call.
Despite the fact that previous prophets shared the same call, their people deviated from the path and the revelations brought by their Prophets were either lost or corrupted. The Qur'an is God's last message to mankind, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Unlike the previous revelations whose preservation was entrusted to its nation, God has promised to preserve the Qur'an Himself and the duty entrusted to Muslims is its propagation since the Qur'an is for all mankind.
In addition to God's revelation, the Qur'an, the Islamic way of life is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah. Together, these two sources are the guiding lanterns in the life of every Muslim, illuminating the path to God, the path of righteousness.
For more detailed information, please consult the following website:
http://www.islamreligion.com
An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem Science has with God, The Almighty.
He asks one of his new students to stand and.....
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm? (Student is silent.)
Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fellow. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God.. .
Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Prof: So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Prof: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)
Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.
Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't.
If it were you, would you be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of
course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the
argument is going.)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's
brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable. )
Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH.
An Ultimate Truth: Does it Exist?
by: Ibn Masood
Too many times many of us are either discouraged or turned off by religions who always claim to hold the keys to the Truth. This leads many of us to think that if everyone claims to have found and follow the ultimate Truth, then none should exist, because then how can there be multiples of this great Truth?
What a sad and depressing conclusion this is for us... This leads us to think that life is nothing but a hollow brittle shell that shatters into pieces at its end, without ever bearing any meaningful fruit.
But wait.... there is hope.
I'm not going to claim the keys to the Truth, I cannot, how can I claim to know it after what I have just told you? But if there is something... then who knows of it? Who holds its keys?
We all know that there is some powerful Being out there, we can only guess at it's characteristics because there is no one to tell us about it. But if this Being out there, should it not have the keys to the Truth? Should it not be aware of it's details?
All I ask you as a fellow human being, is to sincerely, with all your heart, with all the effort you have made to search for the Truth, to drop all the previous biases and misconceptions, not matter what they are, to surrender yourself to this Being and the keys it holds, to ask this Being to guide you to the Truth, to guide you to what is true according to It, and NOT according to what people say, what people preach and what keys people claim to hold.
If you keep doing this, sincerely and devotedly, this Being, this God, will guide you to the Truth, and reveal its nature to you, and when you finally find it, find yourself weeping with joy, I hope that you will continue to ask God, to keep you on the Truth, and to never let you off of it.
Why does evil exist in the world?
There is divine wisdom behind the existence of what we perceive as 'evil' in the world. We can attribute its existence to a few general reasons.
Evil as a Test
Muslims view life as a test through which human beings strive to come closer to God and develop their relationship with Him by submitting to the divinely ordained way of life. Consequently, any calamity that befalls us is a test for us, and those who patiently persevere through such afflictions and stand strong in their devotion to God are the ones who have succeeded. Likewise, afflictions that befall others in the world around us are also tests for us. Had there been no violence in the world, where would the test be to strive for peace? Had there been no poverty, how would our generosity be tested? Had the world been free on injustice, then how could anyone make noble sacrifices in the cause of justice? Our good deeds bring us closer to God, and these deeds are contingent on the existence of some problem in the world around us. If we patiently persevere through calamities, enjoin the good and forbid the evil, we will be rewarded immensely in the next life. When a person commits a sin or immoral act, they are failing in their test. They are failing to properly use their abilities that God has entrusted them with. The duty to strive against evil in this world is a duty that has been entrusted to human beings as a test for them. Thus, when human beings fail to fulfill their duty, the deficiency is in them and NOT in God.
Example from Qur'an:
Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned. [Surah Al-Anbiya, v.35]
Evil as a Reminder
In addition to their function as tests, calamities also serve as reminders for us. They remind us of the temporal nature of the life of this world, and they also remind us of the fact that true happiness and peace only comes in devotion to God alone, and not materialistic pleasures. We are reminded by sad events of the inevitable end of life and we are compelled to reflect on what we have prepared for the next life. We are reminded of the need to return to God's revelation for the promotion of virtue in our world, and we are reminded that abandoning path of God entails the rise of evil. We are reminded that no matter how great we may think ourselves to be, God is the Most Great and He is the Master in control of His servants. In the blink of an eye, He can take away the blessings that He has bestowed one with, so it behooves the true servant of God to be always grateful.
Example from Qur'an:
The story of the man with Two Gardens
And present to them an example of two men: We granted to one of them two gardens of grapevines, and We bordered them with palm trees and placed between them [fields of] crops. Each of the two gardens produced its fruit and did not fall short thereof in anything. And We caused to gush forth within them a river. And he had fruit, so he said to his companion while he was conversing with him, "I am greater than you in wealth and mightier in [numbers of] men." And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, "I do not think that this will perish - ever. And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return." His companion said to him while he was conversing with him, "Have you disbelieved in He who created you from dust and then from a sperm-drop and then proportioned you [as] a man? But as for me, He is Allah , my Lord, and I do not associate with my Lord anyone. And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, 'What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah '? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children, It may be that my Lord will give me [something] better than your garden and will send upon it a calamity from the sky, and it will become a smooth, dusty ground, Or its water will become sunken [into the earth], so you would never be able to seek it." And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, "Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone." And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah , nor could he defend himself. [Surah Al-Kahf, vv. 32-43]
Evil as a Punishment
Furthermore, calamities also serve as expiation for any of our misdeeds. The sins that we commit in our lives are often the cause, whether directly or indirectly, for much of the tribulations that may befall us. Any punishment from God in this life will remove a proportional amount of sins from a person, and may often increase a person's reward as well, in this life and/or in the Hereafter. This point is especially important to remember in the case of innocent children or other people who are not morally accountable yet undergo major suffering in this world. Sometimes the suffering may be brought about by other human beings. In such cases it reflects the failure of such people in their accountability to God, and they will not go unpunished for their evil. In other cases, innocents may suffer as the result of some neutral cause like a medical disease. In either event, for those who are suffering they will be recompensed in the next life with a reward that is infinitely greater than the suffering they had to endure in this life.
Example from Qur'an:
And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. [Surah Ash-Shurah, v. 30]
Evil has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return in repentance. [Surah Ar-Rum, v. 41]
Wa aleikom salaam
Nazir
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