Evolution, Theory of, and Islam§
The theory of evolution posits a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth, most famously outlined by Charles Darwin in his work “On the Origin of Species.” However, when this theory intersects with Islamic beliefs about creation as narrated in the Qurʾān, it creates a field of intense debate.
Etymology and Background§
- Evolution comes from the Latin word “evolutio,” meaning “an unrolling” or “to develop.”
- Islam is from the Arabic root “س-ل-م” (s-l-m), meaning “submission” or “peace.”
In classical Islamic thought, explanations about the creation of the universe and life are derived from the Qurʾān. The primary narrative is that God (Allah) created life in its complex forms as cited in various Qurʾānic verses.
Historical Facts and Dates§
- 19th Century: Charles Darwin publishes “On the Origin of Species” in 1859, proposing natural selection as the means by which evolution occurs.
- Late 19th - Early 20th Century: Muslim world encounters Darwin’s theory; prominent responses—the spectrum varied from opposition by traditionalists to some level of acceptance by modernists like Jamal al-Din al-Afghani.
- 20th Century: Now modern Muslim-majority countries display varied stances, with the theory being part of curricula in Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Indonesia, and other countries, while being rejected or restricted in places like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Cultural Differences and Similarities§
Responses toward the theory of evolution differ markedly across the Muslim world:
- Turkey and Egypt: Evolution is generally part of the public educational curriculum.
- Saudi Arabia and Sudan: Teaching of evolution is strictly forbidden.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms§
- Synonyms: Natural Selection, Darwinism, Biological Evolution
- Antonyms: Creationism, Intelligent Design
- Related Terms:
- Qurʾānic Creation: The belief that God created the universe and life purposefully.
- Tawḥīd: The Oneness of Allah, fundamental in Muslim theological discourse.
Exciting Facts§
- Jamal al-Din al-Afghani: An early modernist who critiqued and reframed evolution in the light of Islamic knowledge, juxtaposing it against European colonial discourse.
- Saudi Text: Textbooks explicitly debunk evolution, reflecting state-supported theological stances.
Quotations from Notable Writers§
- “The theory of evolution is neither against Islam nor Islam has anything to do with evolution. An ultimate science truism is that no scientific conclusion, including evolution, can ever be definitive.” — Pervez Hoodbhoy
Suggested Literature and Further Studies§
- Books:
- “Islam and Evolution: Al-Jalīl al-Khatīb’s Pursuits in the 19th Century” by Elisha Wright
- “Faith and Science in the Muslim World” edited by Mehemmed Salih
- Articles:
- “Evolutionary Biology, Darwin, and the Qurʾān: A Harmonious Pattern?” by Ayesha Iqbal
- Videos and Documentaries:
- “Islam and Science: History and Modern Conflicts” – A documentary exploration.
Inspirational Farewell§
May your journey in uniting faith and reason continue to illuminate the path to understanding. As you delve deeper into this discourse, may you bridge gaps and foster dialogues that make us stronger in our shared humanity.
Fatima Siddiqui October 2023
