Science and Panpsychic Universe of the Qur’an

By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam 17 October 2024 From A Qur’anic Perspective, Both The Qur’an and The Universe Must Be Studied in Parallel to Grasp the True Meaning of the Divine Message. If A Conflict Arises Between the Two, It Stems from Human Misunderstanding, Not from an Inherent Contradiction Between the Books. People Must Revisit and Reread Both Until Harmony Is Achieved. Thus, from an Islamic Viewpoint, Science and Religion Are Not Separate Realms but Interconnected Paths to Understanding the Divine ------ Commonly, scientists and theologians insist that science and religion are two distinct realms that should not be mixed, a view also shared by many modern Muslim scholars. However, the Qur’an and the universe are considered twin manifestations of God in Islamic tradition. The Qur’an is revealed in human language, as stated in Qur’an 12:2: “Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand,” while the divine book of the universe is revealed in a material medium, as mentioned in Qur’an 21:104: “Written scroll.” The interpretation of the Qur’an is called Tafsir, and the interpretation of the universe is called science. Therefore, from a Qur’anic perspective, both the Qur’an and the universe must be studied in parallel to grasp the true meaning of the divine message. If a conflict arises between the two, it stems from human misunderstanding, not from an inherent contradiction between the Books. People must revisit and reread both until harmony is achieved. Thus, from an Islamic viewpoint, science and religion are not separate realms but interconnected paths to understanding the divine. The universe portrayed in the Quran can be interpreted to suggest a panpsychic view, where consciousness is considered fundamental and ubiquitous across all of creation—from subatomic particles to the biosphere. This perspective implies that every part of the universe, whether animate or inanimate, possesses some form of awareness or consciousness. This interpretation aligns with certain verses in the Quran that describe all elements of creation as being aware of and submitting to a divine order. Such a view emphasizes the interconnectedness and inherent value of all aspects of the universe, reflecting a holistic understanding of existence. In contrast, scientific theories of consciousness primarily focus on the brain as the center of conscious experience, relying on neurological and cognitive studies to understand consciousness. While both perspectives explore the nature of consciousness, they differ in methodology and foundational assumptions. The Quran integrates spiritual dimensions, whereas science focuses on empirical evidence and neurological processes. The article, “The Panpsychic Universe of the Qur’an and The Theory of Evolution,”1 faced criticism with comments such as “consciousness in inanimate objects is an outlandish idea and a fairy tale,” and assertions that “specialized brain structures are required to make consciousness possible.” However, consciousness is not a single, unified phenomenon but rather a multidimensional concept that can manifest in varying degrees and forms across different entities. This perspective allows for a broader understanding of consciousness, not limited to complex brain structures, but encompassing all of creation, from inanimate objects to living beings, as seen in panpsychic interpretations. The main components or dimensions of consciousness include: 1. Perceptual richness: refers to the quality or intensity of sensory experiences that an individual perceives 2. Evaluative richness: The ability to assign positive or negative values to experiences. 3. Integration at a time: The binding of different sensory and cognitive elements into a unified experience. 4. Integration across time: The ability to connect experiences over time, including planning for the future. 5. Self-consciousness: Awareness of oneself as a distinct entity. All these components of consciousness is seen in birds and animals. There is growing scientific consensus that many animals, including birds, possess some form of consciousness: Evidence for Animal Consciousness 1. Mammals and Birds: There is strong scientific support for conscious experiences in birds and mammals; 2. Other Vertebrates: There is a realistic possibility of consciousness in all vertebrates, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish; 3. Invertebrates: Some invertebrates, such as insects, decapod crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks, may also have conscious experiences; Specific Examples • Crows: Studies have shown that crows exhibit neural activity corresponding to their perception, which may be a marker for consciousness. • Cleaner Wrasse Fish: These fish have shown signs of self-recognition in mirrors, suggesting a form of self-consciousness. • Octopuses: They respond differently to anaesthetics and environments associated with past pain, indicating conscious experiences. It’s important to note that consciousness varies along multiple dimensions. Different species may have different consciousness profiles.2&3 So, science has shown that different animals, birds, animals exhibit various levels of consciousness across multiple dimensions, each adapted to their specific ecological niche and evolutionary history. Science, which often focuses on the “requirement of specialized brain structures to make consciousness possible,” also provides evidence that brainless organisms, such as trees and microscopic algae, can respond to the needs of other trees and organisms. This suggests that consciousness, or at least a form of awareness and responsiveness, may not be limited to creatures with complex brain structures, broadening our understanding of how life interacts and communicates within ecosystems. For instance, research shows that trees can communicate and share resources with one another through underground fungal networks known as mycorrhizal networks. Here are the key points about tree communication: 1. Mycorrhizal Networks • Trees form symbiotic relationships with fungi in the soil, creating vast underground networks called mycorrhizal networks, sometimes referred to as the “wood wide web.” These networks connect the root systems of multiple trees, even of different species, enabling the exchange of nutrients, water, and chemical signals. Through these fungal networks, trees can share: carbon, water, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, sugars produced during photosynthesis, and resources from older, more established trees to younger seedlings or stressed trees, supporting their growth and survival. Scientists continue to study the ways trees interact with their environment and each other, making it an exciting and evolving field of research.4 The University of Vancouver Prof. Suzanne Simard’s experiment on tree communication involved studying the interactions between Douglas fir and paper birch trees through mycorrhizal networks. Here are the key points: 1. Experiment Setup: Simard planted mixed groups of young Douglas fir and paper birch trees in forest plots and used radioactive carbon isotopes to trace carbon movement between them. 2. Findings: The experiment demonstrated that trees could exchange carbon through underground fungal networks. In summer, shaded Douglas fir trees received carbon from birch trees, while in fall, the flow reversed as birch trees lost their leaves. 3. Implications: This discovery highlighted a cooperative relationship where trees share resources based on seasonal needs, challenging the traditional view of forests as purely competitive environments.5 An even more remarkable finding was that the fungal network facilitated this exchange. The fungus grasped the signal from trees and transported sugar deprived of sunlight in winter. While fungi do not possess human-like consciousness, their active role in nutrient exchange and resource distribution within ecosystems demonstrates a complex interaction and responsiveness to environmental conditions. These findings suggest that both trees and fungi may exhibit a form of consciousness or awareness in their interactions, showing how interconnected and adaptive nature can be.6 So far, we’ve discussed consciousness in animals, birds, trees, and fungi. However, there is also some evidence of a low level of self and subjectivity in elementary particles as revealed in Qur‘an: 41:11. Recent scientific discoveries suggest that even atoms exhibit forms of interaction. For example, researchers at Delft University of Technology report: “How materials behave depends on the interactions between countless atoms. You could see this as a giant group chat in which atoms are continuously exchanging quantum information. Researchers have now been able to intercept a chat between two atoms.” In this experiment, the atoms were separated by a distance of 20 miles.7 A Chinese experiment also demonstrated this “chat” between atoms separated by miles.8 This phenomenon is described in scientific terms as Quantum Entanglement. It has been shown that when photons are observed in the double-slit experiment, they change their behaviour based on observation. Physicist Ernest Rutherford famously remarked, “The electron would have to know beforehand to which orbit it has to jump. Otherwise, it would not emit light with a single, definite wavelength when it starts to jump”9 Based on the research, some scientists agree that a trickle of low level of consciousness in the inanimate world. It is not at the same level as in humankind and Jinn. What does consciousness in the inanimate world means? In the inanimate world, their choice of action and consciousness are limited to what is assigned to it by the divine. For example, atoms and electrons exhibit a variety of movements and behaviours based on the principles of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. These movements include: • Translational Motion • Rotational Motion • Vibrational Motion • Orbital Motion • Spin Motion • Quantum Jumps • Electromagnetic Interaction • Diffusion and Brownian Motion Depending on the context and environment, an atom or electron can exhibit any or all of these behaviours. Similarly, the natural responsibilities assigned to mountains can be viewed in this context. Mountains, like all geological features, play a significant role in Earth’s ecosystem and contribute to the broader cosmic order. Their functions, which influence life and planetary processes, support the overall operation of the Earth within the universe. Some key roles of mountains include: - Stabilizing Earth’s Crust, - Climate Regulation, - Part of the Water Cycle and Ecosystems, - Protection against Erosion and Contribution to Soil Formation, - Magnetic Field and Geodynamics, which help protect Earth from harmful cosmic radiation and maintain life on the planet. The Qur’an emphasizes that all creations—from subatomic particles to humankind—are endowed with consciousness, self, and subjectivity from Allah, inclining them toward recognizing their Creator. Consciousness is a fundamental aspect of all creations rather than something that emerges over time. Each entity, from subatomic particles to humans and the four fundamental forces, possesses varying degrees of free will and performs its designated role without constant divine oversight. Higher beings like humans and jinn are endowed with a greater capacity for understanding and interaction, reflecting a spectrum of consciousness and responsibility. Inanimate objects possess a very limited form of consciousness, which manifests only in expressing their inherent potentials within specific scenarios. Despite this limited level of awareness, inanimate components play crucial roles in the evolution of the universe from its beginning to its end. In contrast, modern science typically attributes the self and subjectivity of inanimate beings to: 1. Chemical Properties: Interactions at the molecular level. 2. Physical Properties: Fundamental characteristics of matter and energy. 3. Biological Properties: Emergent phenomena from complex organic systems, leading to consciousness in higher organisms. In summary, every component, regardless of its scale, plays an intentional role within the divinely orchestrated universe without requiring constant divine oversight, reflecting profound interconnectedness and unity. Together, the universe functions as a seamless, self-regulating organism, governed by complex physical laws and forces, evolving from its inception to an unknown future end. In this perfect creation, the universe serves as a testing ground for human beings, where unpredictable events arise, challenging humanity to manage them ethically and compassionately. In this automated and dynamic universe, God intervenes only in response to prayers, if He wills. ----- References 1. https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/panpsychic-universe-quran-theory-evolution/d/13337615 2. Johnthan Birch, Alexandra K. Schnell & Nicola S. Clayton. “Dimensions of Animal Consciences.” Trends in Cognitive Science. Dimentions 2020 Oct 1, Vol 24, Issue 24(10): p 789-801. & 3. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna148213; 4. https://e360.yale.edu/features/exploring_how_and_why_trees_talk_to_each_other). 5. https://youtu.be/Un2yBgIAxYs?si=si-3z_stAP43RYO 6. https://www.ttbook.org/interview/listening-mother-trees 7. Science Daily, May 27, 2021. 8. Science, February 13, 2020 9. Richard Morris, Nature of Reality, p. 15 ------- Related Article: The Panpsychic Universe of The Qur‘an, & The Theory of Evolution Is it Darwin’s or Muslim Theory of Evolution? Let History Answer It Ibn Khaldun And The Creative Evolution Of Life The Creation/Evolution Of Human Species The Quran and the Creation/Evolution of Human Beings ---- 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/science-panpsychic-universe-quran/d/133463 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