Biological Evolution – An Islamic Perspective (OP)
http://islamtoday.com/showme2.cfm?ca...sub_cat_id=792
Biological Evolution – An Islamic Perspective| Prepared by the Research Committee of IslamToday.net under the supervision of Sheikh `Abd al-Wahhâb al-Turayrî|
Many Muslims wonder about the theory of biological evolution – the theory that living species on Earth today are descended from others in the past, and that the present diversity of living species we see is a result of descent with modification over the course of numerous generations.
Muslims also wonder about one of the main processes that evolutionary theory proposes to explain how evolution takes place – the process of natural selection. This is the idea that the individuals within a populations of living organism vary in their individual traits – they are not exactly alike – and that the organisms which are most successful at leaving descendants will pass on their unique traits to the next generation at the expense of the traits possessed by less successful organisms in the population, thereby contributing to a long-term gradual change in the suite of traits found within the population.
We as Muslims must ask:
Does the theory of evolution – and likewise the theory of natural selection as a mechanism of evolution – conform to Islamic teachings or conflict with them?
Is a Muslim allowed to believe in evolution as a scientific theory as long as he or she accepts that Allah is behind it?
Can a Muslim believe in human evolution? If not, how can we explain the fossils of upright, bipedal, tool-using apes with large brains that have been discovered?
To start with, we wish to emphasize that our concern here is not with examining the scientific merits of the theory of evolution. What we want to know is what Islamic teachings have to say about the idea. Whether evolution is true or false scientifically is another matter altogether.
When we look at the sources of Islam – the Qur’ân and Sunnah – we see that, with respect to human beings living on the Earth today, they are all descendants of Adam and Eve.
Allah also says: “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is the one who is the most God-fearing.” [Sûrah al-Hujûrât:13]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) identified the "male" mentioned in this verse as being Adam. He said: “Human beings are the children of Adam and Adam was created from Earth. Allah says: ‘O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is the one who is the most God-fearing’.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (3270)]
We also see that Allah created Adam directly without the agency of parents.
Allah says: “The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: ‘Be’ and he was.” [Sûrah Âl `Imrân: 59]
We also know that Eve was created from Adam without the agency of parents.
In the Qur’ân, Allah states clearly: “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 1]
Therefore, the Qur’ân tells us that Adam and his wife were the father and mother of all human beings living on the Earth today. We know about this by way of direct revelation from Allah.
The direct creation of Adam (peace be upon him) can neither be confirmed nor denied by science in any way. This is because the creation of Adam (peace be upon him) was a unique and singular historical event. It is a matter of the Unseen and something that science does not have the power to confirm or deny. As a matter of the Unseen, we believe it because Allah informs us about it. We say the same for the miracles mentioned in the Qur’ân. Miraculous events, by their very nature, do not conform to scientific laws and their occurrence can neither be confirmed nor denied by science.
What about other living things, besides the human beings living on the Earth today? What about plants, animals, fungi, and the like?
When we turn our attention to this question, we find that the Qur’ân and Sunnah do not tell us much about the flora and fauna that was present on the Earth before or at the time of Adam and Eve’s arrived upon it. The sacred texts also do not tell us how long ago Adam and Eve arrived upon the Earth. Therefore, these are things we cannot ascertain from the sacred texts.
The only thing that the Qur’ân and Sunnah require us to believe about the living things on Earth today is that Allah created them in whatever manner He decided to do create them.
Allah says: “Allah is the Creator of all things and over all things He has authority.” [Sûrah al-Zumar: 62]
Indeed, Allah states specifically that He created all life forms: “And We made from water all living things.” [Sûrah al-Anbiyâ’: 30]
We know that “Allah does what He pleases.” Allah can create His creatures in any manner that He chooses.
Therefore, with respect to other living things, the Qur’ân and Sunnah neither confirm nor deny the theory of biological evolution or the process referred to as natural selection. The question of evolution remains purely a matter of scientific enquiry. The theory of evolution must stand or fall on its own scientific merits – and that means the physical evidence that either confirms the theory or conflicts with it.
The role of science is only to observe and describe the patterns that Allah places in His creation. If scientific observation shows a pattern in the evolution of species over time that can be described as natural selection, this is not in itself unbelief. It is only unbelief for a person to think that this evolution took place on its own, and not as a creation of Allah. A Muslim who accepts evolution or natural selection as a valid scientific theory must know that the theory is merely an explanation of one of the many observed patterns in Allah’s creation.
As for the fossil remains of bipedal apes and the tools and artifacts associated with those remains, their existence poses no problem for Islamic teachings. There is nothing in the Qur’ân and Sunnah that either affirms or denies that upright, brainy, tool using apes ever existed or evolved from other apelike ancestors. Such animals may very well have existed on Earth before Adam’s arrival upon it. All we can draw from the Qur’ân and Sunnah is that even if those animals once existed, they were not the forefathers of Adam (peace be upon him).
Gator, this thread is about discussing things not "copy, paste" websites that say "why evolution is correct", if you want i could start uploading why creation is right websites like harun yahya, or what ever, and not discuss anything, thats what you are doing, if you come here bring up some points and we start discussing like Abdul Fattah said.:coolalien:zip:
What I reckon is that among the thousands of fossils, not one, not a single chunk, was shown super sized. Did you deduce that all remnants dating back thousands, hundreds of thousands and millions of years are all irrelevant because the true and gigantic human fossils are supernaturally hidden from biologists?
Adam, if he existed, is more likely to have been created not too long ago if many of the early commentaries on prophets are taken into account. If a Muslim can believe that Adam was 100 feet tall notwithstanding the lack of evidence, he can equally believe that humans emerged a few thousand years in the past, because I simply see no difference between the two absurdities.
I can do without your comedic style writing.. perhaps it makes you popular with the ladies, but I doubt it will get you far on this forum. as well your exponential numbers which seem to double with every post!
my reply to you is on the other thread. I so hate to repeat myself!
cheers
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Hey Ali, I like to think of this thread as not just addressing evolution in its entirety, but also, the interesting bits of evidence put forward by scientists to get an islamic response or from anyone interested in evolution (pro or con). I've been posting and there hasn't been much in the way of responses, so therefore the lack of discussion.
I'd be happy to politely discuss with you or almost anyone. Abdul was a good guy to discuss things with and so was MustafaMc.
Anyway, just wanted to see the Islamic perspective.
What I reckon is that among the thousands of fossils, not one, not a single chunk, was shown super sized. Did you deduce that all remnants dating back thousands, hundreds of thousands and millions of years are all irrelevant because the true and gigantic human fossils are supernaturally hidden from biologists?
Adam, if he existed, is more likely to have been created not too long ago if many of the early commentaries on prophets are taken into account. If a Muslim can believe that Adam was 100 feet tall notwithstanding the lack of evidence, he can equally believe that humans emerged a few thousand years in the past, because I simply see no difference between the two absurdities.
Account disabling still not working?
I do not think that these owners/bosses are interested in that as long as you keep the site alive you can have 10 accounts and post all manner of rubbish, just remember not to annoy anyone of them in private or there will be hell to pay
In the Bible the Old and New Testiment there are Geneological records that show the ansestors form Adam to King David and in the New Testiment from Adam to Jesus. It is the very first Chapter of Mathew. I seems that this would make for a pretty acurate time line.
I am humbly stating this just for information.
I personal as a Christian don't think any of the Bible to be Myth except for the Parables that Jesus use to help explain things to his followers. I believe the Bible to be the Words from God. I believe that Muslims feel the same way about the Qu'an.
There is proof of adaptation but, I don't feel adaptation it proof for Evolution.
Hey, must people be provoct to spark conversation here?:thankyou?
What would you like? genealogical accuracy according to the bible? It really wouldn't fit on this thread as so it reads on the title Biological Evolution – An Islamic Perspective
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Even if you looked at the Bible as a source of History It shows a good time line when Adam and Eve first came on the seen. I do not have an Islamic persective yet. I am still looking for some one humble enough that would talk to a Fundimental Christian.
Even if you looked at the Bible as a source of History It shows a good time line when Adam and Eve first came on the seen. I do not have an Islamic persective yet. I am still looking for some one humble enough that would talk to a Fundimental Christian.
May Allah bless you....
If you'll browse the very first page of this very thread you'll have received the Islamic perspective, there is no time line for when Adam & Eve descended to earth. I don't view the bible as an accurate source of history, considering all the internal contradictions and I am pretty sure you'd rather be spared a rather large cut and paste. The bibles don't agree with one another let alone in concert with science and nature or the nature of the divine. It is actually for those very reasons separation of church and state eventually took the west out of its dark ages. I really don't know how many would like to re-visit them..
If you cause enough ruckus I am sure you'll catch the attention of someone humble as well knowledgeable :thankyou:
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Hello again, I just had a quick question. Does the Qu'an teach that you should be at all times ready to lead people who are not muslim to you your Faith?
I am merly a christian man seeking to find out the truth about Islam. I have read a lot on the site and I am begining to enjoy the wisdom in you faith.
I feel even as a christian that I could be close to believing the Allah is the one true God and that the story of Muhammad and his actions are truly of a prophet.
I think it would be more benificial to the cause of your faith if you could be more diplomatic. You critise a book that I hold deer to my heart also and I have been through it several times.
I am man that prays that all of Islam and the people of your nation get to Paradise. These aren't just words I am telling you. God knows I have done this.
I am here seeking after eternal matters not to partake in a good debate. I guess I stubled into the wrong area.
May all the peace and blessing of heaven be given unto you....
Hello again, I just had a quick question. Does the Qu'an teach that you should be at all times ready to lead people who are not muslim to you your Faith?
The Quran teaches many things, but compulsion in religion isn't one of them No!
I am merly a christian man seeking to find out the truth about Islam. I have read a lot on the site and I am begining to enjoy the wisdom in you faith.
Ok
I feel even as a christian that I could be close to believing the Allah is the one true God and that the story of Muhammad and his actions are truly of a prophet.
Ok
I think it would be more benificial to the cause of your faith if you could be more diplomatic. You critise a book that I hold deer to my heart also and I have been through it several times.
Diplomacy doesn't denote that I should be a hypocrite simply to spare your feelings.
1- Believe me when I tell you, I don't care to convert anyone, I'd rather we have better Muslims than more Muslims.
2- The cause of my religion isn't to malinger and ambush.. the journey to God is a solo one.
I am man that prays that all of Islam and the people of your nation get to Paradise. These aren't just words I am telling you. God knows I have done this.
That is nice indeed
I am here seeking after eternal matters not to partake in a good debate. I guess I stubled into the wrong area.
It does seem odd that you wish to get into a religious debate on a thread about biological evolution yes..
May all the peace and blessing of heaven be given unto you....
Lomah
and to you
Peace
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
There are levels of religiosity.
Islam, Iman, ikhlas, i7san..
our main purpose is to worship Allah swt. A few people offer 'da3wa' but a da3wa is only good is the other party has a sincere will to learn.. chapter II of the Quran does tell you, that there is no compulsion in religion.
I as a person haven't chosen to give da3wa (invitation to Islam) to others.. other Muslims might want to, again your worth as a person in the eyes of God isn't by the number of converts.. as each soul is held responsible for his/her own deeds, that isn't to say that there isn't a great reward if in fact you should invite someone to Islam and they with an open heart accept it...
all the best
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Well,
You have help along my way to understanig this a little better. I am going to look all these words up and go from there.
Thank you for all you help!
Islam: submission Iman: faith ikhlas: Fidelity; sincerity, faithfulness to one's duties; accuracy, or exact correspondence to some given quality or fact; loyalty ihsan: perfection, excellence, goodness
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