Modern science is indebted to Muslim scholars and scientists for its evolution. In the Middle Ages, Muslim achievements in various branches of science grew up under the guidelines of the Qur’ān. Muslim scientists greatly benefitted humankind. They made their researches and inventions a source of reform and welfare, used both rational and mock arguments and deliberated upon the phenomena of the universe. These views were expressed by Engineer Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) in his presidential address at the two-day International Seminar/Webinar held under the aegis of Idara Tahqeeq-o-Tasneef-e-Islami, Aligarh on May 29 and 30.
The main theme of the seminar was “Qur’ān and Science: Aspects of Similarities and Differences and Ways of Mutual Cooperation”. Ameer Jamaat clarified that instead of understanding the miracles of the Qur’ān as a whole, attention should be paid to various scientific sciences and instead of adopting an unbalanced attitude, the evolving branches of science should be studied. In scientific and scholarly pursuits, a balanced approach should be taken between rational and imitative arguments as opposed to the concept of sanctity.
The JIH leader emphasised that Islamic civilization cannot be intimidated by the sciences which are ignorant of God. Islamic Civilization has its own worldview and wants to make science bound by God’s commandments.
The Chief Guest, Mr S. Aminul Hasan, JIH Vice President, said it is a good fortune to make the topics discussed in the seminars of Western universities a topic of discussion in Idara Tahqeeq-o-Tasneef-e-Islami. He said that clash between the Qur’ān and science is not possible. The main reason for the discrepancy between science and religion/ faith is that we later invented many things in the name of religion.
Stressing on the need for modern interpretation of scientific verses, he said that scientific instruments were not available at the time when Qur’ānic commentaries were being written and science had not made much progress. Invention is always in line with the requirements of the time. Today the digital world has revolutionised the lives of young people, so it is important that our scientific study is unbiased and unemotional.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Syed Masood Ahmed, former Dean Faculty of Life Science AMU, while counting the weaknesses of modern science, said that it has no consciousness of the ‘Khilafah’, so it is devoid of the Qur’ānic concept of righteousness and welfare.
He highlighted various aspects of similarities and differences between Islam and Science and offered the concept of an alternative science. He said the values of the present science have corrupted all areas of human life. Furthermore he explained that for scientific interpretation of 700 verses of the Qur’ān, it is necessary to consult the 1450-year commentary collection of the Qur’ān. The science that the Industrial Revolution has promoted is indifferent to religion and God. He enlightened the audience on the lofty goals of evolutionary science by Muslims.
In his introductory remarks, Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, President of the Institute, said that the creation of inanimate objects, plants and man himself is a testimony to the existence of the One and Only God. Arguing from the verse of Surah Al-Imran: رَبَّنَامَاخَلَقْتَهَذَابَاطِلاً, he eliminated the fear of science and advised modern scientists to find ways to get closer to science.
The programme started with the recitation of the Qur’ān by Qari Mahfooz-ur-Rehman Nadvi. Mr. Naseem Ahmad Khan, Convener Seminar, while delivering the welcome address, introduced the topic and welcomed the delegates and guests from India and abroad. Vote of thanks was presented by the Idara Secretary Ashhad Jamal Nadvi.
In the two-day international seminar, 30 expert scientists from USA, UK, Africa and India presented their valuable articles online and offline. From cities of Aligarh, Delhi, Kashmir and Bangalore, teachers of science and research presented their studies.
The titles of some of the articles were as follows: The status of natural, quantitative, western and modern sciences and their application in the light of Qur’ānic teachings, Qur’ān and Archaeology, Qur’ānic Concept of Health and Qur’ānic Teachings, Offering an Alternative to Principal Modern Science, Qur’ān and Concepts of the Universe, The Philosophy of the Universal Landscape of the Qur’ān, Ways of Compatibility between the Qur’ān and Science, Qur’ānic instructions for bio-diversity and environmental protection, Signs of Allah around us, Qur’ānic philosophy of evolution, Instructions for environmental protection in the Qur’ān and Hadith, Biology and the Qur’ān, Research on Bruj in the Qur’ān, Lord of the East and West, The Miracle of Qur’ān and Modern Science etc.
Prof. Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli, Prof. Muhammad Idris, Maulana Muhammad Tahir Madani, Dr. Ziauddin, Professor Muhammad Saud Alam Qasimi, Dr. Arafat Zafar, Dr. Muhammad Razi-ul-Islam Nadvi, Dr. Mohiuddin Ghazi, Prof. Zafar ul Islam Islahi and Dr. Shariq Aqeel were chairpersons and organisers of the five academic meetings.
After each session, chairpersons commented on the papers presented and critically analysed various aspects. In the concluding session, Professor Tariq Munir from Canada and Professor Muhammad Saud Alam Qasmi and Dr. Faiza Abbasi from Aligarh presented their impressions and congratulated the Idara Tahqeeq-o-Tasneef-e-Islami, Aligarh on this scholarly initiative.
At the end of the seminar, a few suggestions on the subject were approved. Some of these suggestions were that ways should be found to interact between the Qur’ān and science with a moderate perspective, and avoiding hardline approach. Positive science should be promoted. Strong components of Western science should be utilised. Scientific progress should be empowered. A discourse based on the service to humanity should be formed by separating the scientific miracles of the Qur’ān and the non-scientific discourses in the existing literature of Qur’ānic commentaries. Systematic efforts should be made for Islam-oriented philosophy and methodology and science and scientific attitude based on Qur’ānic values should be promoted in educational institutions.