Uniting Quranic Revelation and Scientific Exploration to Produce Light upon Light

By Naseer Ahmed, New Age Islam 19 October 2024 In the Quran, the verses are called Ayat, meaning signs of Allah. These Ayat are not confined to the sacred text alone but extend into the physical world—the natural laws and phenomena we observe. The Quran encourages us to reflect on both forms of these Ayat, revealing that understanding Allah’s message is incomplete without contemplating His creation. The signs in the Quran about the material world are often brief and cryptic, requiring deeper exploration. The true details are to be discovered through systematic study—what we today know as science. In this context, science is not separate from the study of Allah’s signs but is a necessary tool to unlock their meanings. As we delve into the material world through scientific inquiry, we gain a clearer understanding of the Quran’s Ayat. The Quran urges us to reflect on the wonders of creation, using our intellect to grasp the full significance of what Allah has placed before us. For example, consider the following verse: (2:164) “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day; in the sailing of ships through the ocean for the benefit of mankind; in the rain that Allah sends from the skies, giving life to a dead earth; in the beasts that roam the earth; in the changing of the winds, and the clouds trailing between the sky and earth—indeed, in these are Signs for a people of wisdom.” This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial observation. It demands that we engage in deeper reflection and inquiry into the universe's workings. The natural phenomena mentioned are not merely to be admired; they are signs pointing toward Allah’s wisdom and power. To fully comprehend them, we must study the world systematically, employing the tools of science to understand how these processes function. Similarly, the following verse reminds us of Allah’s dominion over all things, urging us to study His creation with a sense of purpose: (7:185) “Do they not consider the dominion of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allah has created? It may well be that their end is near. In what message after this will they believe?” These verses are a call to look into the vastness of the universe with both reverence and inquiry. By observing the physical world, we can gain deeper insights into the message of the Quran. The Light of Allah: Science Illuminating Revelation A profound metaphor for divine guidance is found in the verse about Allah’s Light: (24:35) “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche, within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass; the glass as if it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed Tree—an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west—whose oil is almost luminous, though fire has barely touched it. Light upon Light! Allah guides to His Light whom He wills.” This metaphor reflects the way in which knowledge works. The Ayat of the Quran are like the olive oil from a blessed tree—not from this world but of divine origin. This divine knowledge, however, does not shine its full brilliance unless it is touched by the “fire” of scientific inquiry. When the Quran’s Ayat are paired with our understanding of the material world, it creates “Light upon Light.” The combination of revelation and reason produces a clarity that neither can provide alone. The Need to Look for the Explication of the Quran in Science To truly grasp the Quran's message, embracing scientific discovery is essential. The Quran offers signs, but it is through science that we decode their full meaning. For instance: (15:21) “And there is not a thing but its treasures are with Us; but We only send down in due and ascertainable measures.” Initially, one might interpret this verse narrowly, thinking that Allah refers only to resources like rain or the elements that were placed on Earth at its creation. But modern science reveals a deeper, ongoing process. The heavens continue to send down treasures in precise and measurable quantities. Science tells us that the heavier elements, such as gold and uranium, were not formed during the Earth’s creation but were sent down from the heavens through cosmic processes. These elements, essential for life and human progress, come from the violent collisions of neutron stars and the dust from supernovae—confirming that Allah is continually sending down treasures in “due and ascertainable measures.” (57:25) “…We sent down Iron, in which is material for mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind.” The verse makes a seemingly simple statement about iron. Yet, science reveals that iron was not originally part of the Earth—it was sent down through celestial events. This scientific knowledge enhances our appreciation of the verse, allowing us to marvel at Allah’s precision in creation and to understand His generosity in providing exactly what we need. Science and the Quran: The Gateway to Deeper Understanding Without science, our understanding of Allah’s Ayat remains limited. Science acts as the key that unlocks the deeper meanings within the Quran, revealing the profound wisdom contained in both the text and the world around us. Consider the following: The universe’s lightest elements—hydrogen, helium, and lithium—were formed in the first moments after the Big Bang. Heavier elements, up to iron, were forged later in the cores of stars. Precious metals such as gold were created in the violent aftermath of neutron star collisions. This discovery transforms our understanding of Allah’s continual provision of resources and treasures from the heavens. Margaret Meixner, a leading scientist in cosmic studies, confirms that supernovae are the "factories" producing the dust and elements needed for stars, planets, and life to form. Such scientific findings allow us to truly appreciate verses like: (57:25) “…We sent down Iron, in which is material for mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind.” Rejecting the Light of Knowledge Despite the clarity that both revelation and scientific inquiry can offer, there are those who try to extinguish Allah’s Light: (61:7-8) “Who does greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allah, even as he is invited to Islam? Their intention is to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths, but Allah will complete His Light, even though the unbelievers may detest it.” The Quran’s Light is not easily extinguished, but it requires sincere seekers to pursue it. One can fully grasp the depth of Allah's guidance only by embracing both the Ayat of the Quran and the Ayat in the physical world. Conclusion: Science as a Tool to Grasp the Full Light of the Quran To truly seek Allah’s Light, we must engage with the divine revelation in the Quran and the scientific study of the world around us. The deeper our understanding of the material world, the more clearly we see the wisdom and grandeur of Allah’s Ayat. May Allah guide us all to His Light and inspire us to pursue knowledge in all its forms. Ameen. ----- A frequent contributor to NewAgeIslam.com, Naseer Ahmed is an Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and is an independent IT consultant after having served in both the Public and Private sector in responsible positions for over three decades. He has spent years studying Quran in-depth and made seminal contributions to its interpretation. 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