Combined Wonders Of Quran And Astrophysics

Hello Matt Browne,
Greetings!

�The Quran is not a science book and neither is the Bible.�

The Qur�an is not the book of science; it is primarily the book of guidance. The Qur�an contains many verses that exhort believers to ponder upon them.

�Fabricating all kind of connections is total nonsense and a complete waste of time.�

That may be your opinion. But, Muslims are commanded to study, comprehend, and believe in the entire Qu�ran. That means it is not the waste of time for them. It is rather an act of worship for them.

�The Quran does not predict discoveries in astrophysics.�

The bottom line is that it directs believers to read the Qur�an with meaning and thought. Scientifically speaking, you don't nullify anything without any evidence. For example, what evidence do you have that the Qur'an does not predict discoveries in astrophysics?

�We should rather discuss how 7 billion people can get along with each other.�

We should definitely discuss as to how to unify the entire world, how to stop the war and violence etc., and how to prevent them from happening in the first place. There are many sections here, and you may take part to promote this process.

Hello schmikbob,
Greetings!

�I would argue that the writings of Galen and Hippocrates stand as an amazing compilation of medical knowledge of their time.  The histories of Herodotus and Thucydides are also authors of books at the pinnacle of writing on the Greco-Persian wars. They do not resort to vagueness or pretend to be anything other than what they are.  Nor does anyone try to interpret them to stuff meaning where it doesn't belong.�

I expected that you would quote works of Astrophysics that don�t contradict with the modern scientific facts. For example, what was prevalent then with regards to the creation of the universe? Anyway, Galen and Hippocrates made great contributions in their times. But, their work was not flawless. For example, Galen�s theories of the circulation of blood were refuted later.

 �I have found the attempt to find scientific meaning in some rather vague statements in the Quran that have not previously been attributed with this meaning is a recent phenomenon.  It is shocking to me that more people, muslims in particular, don't have a problem with this.�

I think this may be discussed in detail in another thread. Briefly speaking, Muslims are capable of appreciating the signs of Allah as they apply both faith and reason (of course, faith dominates) to understand Him and His amazing creations. In the process, faith and science harmonize, but faith overrules science in contradiction. For example, early Muslims had the faith in the entire Qur�an, even though many verses were at odd then with the prevailing science.      

�Also, I feel that the Science and Technology section is a perfect place for a discussion about science in the Quran.�

It seems we are on the same page as long as the discussion takes place for the purposes of learning and understanding. Debating from an atheistic perspective, for example, may be accommodated in the Interfaith section.  

Looking at your interest, I am creating a thread in this section (schmikbob�s questions) where your concerns may be discussed at length:

Hello brother schmikbob,
Greetings!

�The Quran of the 7th century added nothing new to science.  It was simply written vaguely enough so it doesn't contradict modern science.  That�s really not a difficult task, as much as you might wish it to be.�

Is there any book of the 7^th century (or preceding it) other than the Qur�an that was written so it doesn�t contradict the modern scientific facts? Please provide the evidence.  

�By the way, the list of things that are technically incorrect in the Quran are endless, try googling the subject.  You will be on line for the rest of the year.�

There are hundreds of anti-Islamic web sites on the internet. But, this is a Islamic discussion forum where one is expected to discuss his or her concerns amicably and respectfully for the purposes of learning and understanding.    

As I said in my previous post in this thread, learning happens systematically. Do you believe in God? If you don�t, I think you better start a thread in the interfaith section, say, how to prove scientifically that there is a God or something to that effect.  

Science is not absolute, but it is a tool to understand the magnanimous wisdom of the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. Science has its limitations, whereas God is perfect.

Last but not least, if there is a contradiction between Islam and science in any way, we take the position that science may still be in a developing stage along the line. Because science changes from time to time, it is not science that defines what Islam is or what Islam should be. However, science may help explain magnificent creations of the Creator (Allah/God).

Brother, I would like to share a beautiful verse here:

Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?

Qur'an 41:53

May Allah guide us all.

Peace