When the Quran Reconciles Science and Faith 2
Part 2
In Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 30, we will focus on the expression “those who disbelieved”.
This phrase refers to people who reject or refuse to believe in the existence of Allah, His revelation, or His prophet. In the Quranic context, this term encompasses several categories of people, depending on their attitude toward faith and divine signs.
1. The Deniers of Divine Signs
Those who disbelieved are those who, despite the evident signs of creation (the heavens, the earth, water, etc.), refuse to recognize the existence of the Creator. They are invited to reflect on the universe and its wonders, which testify to the order and wisdom of Allah. Their rejection may stem from arrogance, ignorance, or a deliberate resistance to the truth.
2. The Polytheists (Al-Mushrikun)
In the context of the Quranic revelation, this verse could also address the polytheists of Mecca, who worshipped idols and ascribed partners to Allah. Their disbelief lay in their inability or refusal to acknowledge the oneness of God (tawhid), despite the clear evidence of His creation.
3. Materialists or Skeptics
Another interpretation may include those who deny the existence of a Creator or who explain the origin of the universe and life through purely material causes, without acknowledging divine intervention. The verse addresses them by highlighting observable facts to awaken their spiritual awareness.
Although the verse was revealed in a specific historical context, its message is universal. “Those who disbelieved” can refer to anyone, across time and space, who rejects the truth after being exposed to divine signs. It is not just about rejecting the Islamic faith but also about denying the order and wisdom evident in the universe.
“Those who disbelieved” are not limited to a specific group but refer to those who refuse to recognize Allah and the clear signs of His creation—whether they were contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) or others throughout history. This verse directly addresses them, inviting them to reflect and move beyond their rejection by recognizing the obvious truth.
This is an intriguing reflection, and it deserves deeper analysis. The idea that this verse from Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30) might allude to modern scientific discoveries, such as the Big Bang theory, has sparked much debate among scholars and thinkers.
As a timeless and universal message, the Quran is a book intended for all of humanity, regardless of time, place, or culture. The expression “those who disbelieved” is not confined to a specific era or people but applies to all who reject Allah’s signs, whether they lived during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or at any other point in history.
In this context, it would be reductive to claim that this verse applies only to 20th-century scientists or to those who formulated theories about the origin of the universe and did not believe.
Science and Faith Are Not Opposed
Many Western scientists who studied the creation of the universe did not do so with the intention of rejecting God but rather to understand the laws of nature. Some of them were believers, while others were agnostic or atheist. To say that “those who disbelieved” refers only to these scientists would be an unfair generalization.
However, it is true that some materialist ideologies have used scientific discoveries to deny the existence of a Creator. Such an attitude could be included in the category of those who reject divine signs.
The Quran as an Invitation to Reflection
The Quran is not limited to a specific scientific context but serves as a universal call. Modern scientific discoveries, such as the Big Bang theory, are seen by many as confirmations of Quranic truths, but the Quran is not addressing only scientists or a particular era. Its message is valid for all humanity, at all times.
The Harmony Between Science and Revelation
Faith and science are not contradictory. Muslims believe that scientific truths, when correctly understood, reinforce belief in Allah. The scientific discoveries of the 20th century, although attributed to Western scholars, can be perceived as manifestations of Allah’s signs some recognize them, while others deny them.
Even if the verse can be interpreted as an allusion to scientific realities discovered later, the expression “those who disbelieved” broadly refers to all who refuse to acknowledge the clear signs of Allah in creation, regardless of their culture or era. This demonstrates the depth and universality of the Quranic message, which speaks to all people and encourages reflection on the wonders of the universe.
A Message Adapted to All Eras
One of the fascinating aspects of the Quran is its depth and its ability to address human beings of all eras, according to their level of knowledge and understanding.
The Quran speaks to all generations and all levels of knowledge, and it is designed to be understood progressively. Those who lived before modern scientific discoveries could understand this verse according to their own context and level of knowledge.
For the contemporaries of the Prophet (PBUH), the idea that the heavens and the earth had a common origin and were then separated could be interpreted as a symbolic or poetic description of creation. They could see it as an allusion to Allah’s omnipotence and His role as the Creator.
For later generations, with the advancement of scientific knowledge, this verse takes on a more precise meaning, particularly with the Big Bang theory.
Thus, the Quran allows room for interpretation, enabling each era to discover new dimensions of its teachings.
The Quran’s Language of Reflection
Before scientific discoveries, people were not required to understand this verse in complex scientific terms. The Quran often uses imagery and concepts that encourage contemplation and reflection.
• The idea of separation: Even without scientific knowledge, a person contemplating nature could perceive organization and harmony in the universe, suggesting that it was not random but created by a Supreme Being.
• Water as a source of life: People instinctively knew that water was essential for life, which was enough to understand this part of the verse as a reminder of Allah’s blessings.
The Quran as a Timeless Text
The Quran remains relevant across all eras. It contains truths that are immediately accessible as well as passages that reveal their depth only as human knowledge progresses. For example, early Muslims could understand this verse as proof of God’s greatness.
Today, with scientific discoveries, the verse resonates differently and invites us to see a convergence between science and faith.
This shows that the Quran is not a science book but a text that guides humanity through the ages by stimulating thought and research.
It is important to emphasize that the Quran does not require scientific understanding to be accepted or followed. Its primary goal is to guide humanity toward Allah and provide evidence for those who seek signs in creation. Even if earlier people did not grasp scientific details, they could understand the spiritual message—that Allah is the Creator of the universe and that His signs are visible to those who reflect.
The fact that a verse revealed over 1,400 years ago describes a scientific reality discovered much later is, for many believers, additional proof that the Quran is a divine revelation. At the time of its revelation, no one had the knowledge to imagine a theory like the Big Bang, which strengthens the idea that this message comes from a higher knowledge.
Those who lived before modern scientific discoveries were not unable to understand this verse, but they interpreted it within their own cultural and spiritual context. Because of its divine nature, the Quran offers layers of understanding suited to each era, revealing truths that are immediately comprehensible while preserving mysteries that unfold over time. This richness makes the Quran a universal and timeless book.
You can continue reading the full article in the book available at the following link 🔗 👇 :
• PDF book link 👇 :
• Book link 👇 :
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire