🔬 Science & Faith: The Dual Nature of Attitudes Toward Knowledge 🕌

Definition and Meaning

Science, Attitudes Toward

Definition: The varying perspectives within the Muslim world on the pursuit of scientific knowledge, oscillating between enthusiastic support and cautious skepticism, influenced by religious tenets, historical contexts, and philosophical arguments.

How do Muslims view science? In Islam, seeking knowledge is considered an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized this by urging believers to acquire knowledge from “the cradle to the grave” and to seek knowledge “even in China.” The Muslim world has contributed vastly to the natural sciences yet has also seen fluctuating views on the utility and religious appropriateness of science and philosophy.

Etymology

• Derived from the Latin word scientia, meaning “knowledge”.
• In Arabic, science translates as “علم” (ʿilm), often entwined with notions of both religious (fiqh, theology) and secular knowledge.

Background & Historical Facts

Golden Age of Islamic Science:

• Al-Biruni (973-1048 CE): A polymath who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and the natural sciences.
• Ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980-1037 CE): Known for his works on medicine (The Canon of Medicine) and philosophy.
• Ibn al-Haytham (965-1040 CE): A pioneering scientist in optics, often referred to as the “father of modern optics”.

Contrarians & Critics:

• Al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE): Authored Tahafut al-Falasifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers), critiquing Greek philosophy and influencing religious orthodoxy.
• Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406 CE): In his Muqaddimah, he warned against philosophy and science that he believed could detract from religious devotion.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Supporters: Emphasize that there’s nothing in the Qur’an opposing scientific inquiry and point to historical Islamic contributions to science.
• Skeptics: Argue that certain philosophical and scientific pursuits distract from religious adherence and observance.
• Modern View: Generally sees no conflict between natural sciences and Islamic belief but exercises caution on ethical issues like genetic engineering.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

1. Inquiry in Islam
2. Islamic Epistemology
3. Religious Knowledge

Antonyms:

1. Scientific Apathy
2. Knowledge Neglect

Related Terms with Definitions

• Al-Fiqh (الفقه): Islamic jurisprudence, emphasizing law derived from religious texts.
• Ka’alam (کاعلم): Persian for ’like knowledge’; indicative of the blend of mysticism and science.

Exciting Facts

1. Astronomy in Islam: Many stars have Arabic names due to Muslim astronomers’ extensive contributions.
2. Philosophy’s Peril: Al-Ghazali’s criticisms are considered influential in limiting philosophical studies within certain Islamic contexts.

Quotations from Notable Writers

• Muhammad: “Acquire knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” and “Seek knowledge everywhere, even in China.”
• Ibn Khaldun: “The end of craftsmanship is linked to human life in this world, and its existence depends on it. When human beings perish, all craftsmanship likewise perishes because it means nothing else but the relevance of their use for human needs.” (Muqaddimah)

References for Further Study

1. “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazali.
2. “The Canon of Medicine” by Ibn Sina.
3. “The Book of Optics” by Ibn al-Haytham.

Farewell Note: Embrace the boundless horizons of knowledge, balancing the scales of faith and reason. 🌌📘🕌

- Dr. Shereen Abdur-Rahman, October 2023