Why Muslims Need to Focus On Science Also, Not Duas and Prayers Only?

By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam 6 August 2024 The Arabic Exegesis of the Qur'an Is Known as "Tafseer," While The Interpretation of Divine Creation, The Universe, Is Referred to as Science. While The Qur'an Is in Human Vernacular, The Book of the Universe Is in A Material Medium. To Gain a Comprehensive and Accurate Understanding of the Divine Messages, It Is Pivotal to Read the Qur'an and The Book of the Universe In Parallel. ------ The physical universe and the Qur'an are considered twin manifestations of divine self-revelation. Viewed as texts, the universe is like a written scroll in a material medium, while the Qur'an is a text in human vernacular. The verses of the Qur'an are called “ayat” (signs), as are the phenomena of nature. The universe contains signs (ayat) that believers are encouraged to study to strengthen their understanding of God and thereby their spirituality. Sayyed Hossein Nasr, an eminent Islamic scholar, expounds on this eloquently: “The Qur’an depicts nature as being ultimately a theophany which both veils and reveals God. The forms of nature are so many ‘mosques’ which hide various Divine Qualities while also revealing these same Qualities for those whose inner eye has not become blinded by the concupiscent ego and centripetal tendencies of the passionate soul.”1 This duality, the revelation and concealment of the divine, highlights the depth and complexity of nature as both a manifestation and a mystery of the divine in Islamic theology. The Arabic exegesis of the Qur'an is known as "Tafseer," while the interpretation of divine creation, the universe, is referred to as science. While the Qur'an is in human vernacular, the book of the universe is in a material medium. To gain a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the divine messages, it is pivotal to read the Qur'an and the book of the universe in parallel. The following Prophetic tradition enlightens this fact: “‘To be present in the circle of a learned man is better than prostrating oneself in prayer a thousand times or visiting a thousand sick men or joining a thousand funerals.’ It was then said, ‘O Prophet of God, is it better than te reading of the Qur’an?’ To which he replied, ‘What good, though, is the Qur’an, except through knowledge.’”2 By engaging with both forms of divine communication, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the intricate relationship between the spiritual and physical realms. This approach of studying the Qur'an and the universe together enables us to explore the wonders of creation and deepen our understanding of the Creator's wisdom and design, thereby reaching the highest stages of spirituality. The study of nature has material dividends also, as stated in the following Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: “Seek knowledge; its acquisition is fear of God, its pursuit is prayer; search for it is holy war; its propagation is charity; its teaching is fraternity; for it is the index of right and wrong; it is the lighthouse of the road to Paradise; it provides consolation in loneliness, friendship in estrangement, fidelity in thick and thin, a protective arm against enemies, rapprochement towards foreigners, decorum among friends [and] through knowledge, God is obeyed and worshipped. In knowledge, the good is revealed, loved, and implemented, for it is the precursor of action, the first principle of every good deed.”3 Islamic spirituality is a five-legged stool, and the legs are worship, supplications (duas), rituals, faith in the unseen, and seeking knowledge from nature. The current Muslim world is satisfied with worship, Duas, faith, and rituals but often ignores nature. As a result, the Muslim world has become subservient to other nations or is being controlled by others. For example, the most powerful nations have acquired better data collection, armament, and its delivery systems by studying nature. They destroy anything that they don’t like. The world has seen what happened in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Algeria, and now Gaza. The only thing the Muslim world can do at present is weep helplessly. The reason is for their helplessness is loud and clear. The current Muslim world focuses only on making duas and prayers. While it is important, they ignore or don’t heed the warning of God, “Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Qur’an 13:11), and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim”4 Reference 1. Ref: Nsar, Seyyed Hussein. Islam and Environmental Crisis. MAAS journal of Islamic Science. p.35). 2. al-Ghazali, The Book of Knowledge. Translated by Nabiah Amin Farsi. Islamic Book Service, New Delhi. p.11). 3. al-Faruqi, I.R. The Cultural Atlas of Islam*. p. 313. 4. Sunan Ibn Majah 224. ------ T.O. Shanavas is a native of Kerala, but is now based in the USA. He is the author of “Islamic Theory of Evolution The Missing Link Between Darwin and The Origin of Species.” Co-author of the book, And God Said, "Let There Be Evolution!": Reconciling The Book Of Genesis, The Qur'an, And The Theory Of Evolution. Edited by Prof. Charles M. Wynn and Prof. Arthur W. Wiggins. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-science/muslims-science-duas-prayers/d/132873 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism