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
### What is the main argument of creationism against the theory of evolution?
- [x] That life was created in its present form by a divine entity.
- [ ] That evolution does not explain mutations.
- [ ] That species do not change over time.
- [ ] That DNA does not support evolutionary theory.
> **Explanation:** Creationism asserts that life in its diverse forms was directly created by a divine entity (i.e., Allah in Islamic context) rather than evolving over time.
### Which 19th-century naturalist is most closely associated with the theory of evolution?
- [x] Charles Darwin
- [ ] Isaac Newton
- [ ] Albert Einstein
- [ ] Gregor Mendel
> **Explanation:** Charles Darwin is the naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, most famously in his work "On the Origin of Species."
### In which country is the teaching of evolution forbidden in public schools?
- [x] Saudi Arabia
- [ ] Turkey
- [ ] Egypt
- [ ] Indonesia
> **Explanation:** In Saudi Arabia, the teaching of evolution is forbidden in public schools, reflecting the country's conservative religious stance.
### What is the Quranic stance on the origin of life?
- [x] Life was created by Allah.
- [ ] Life emerged from non-living matter.
- [ ] Life has existed eternally.
- [ ] Life evolved from simple forms to complex ones.
> **Explanation:** According to the Qurʾān, life was created by Allah, which implies a divine purpose and a specific creation narrative, different from the scientific theory of evolution.
### In Islamic thought, which concept describes the oneness of Allah?
- [x] Tawḥīd
- [ ] Hadith
- [ ] Sunnah
- [ ] Sharia
> **Explanation:** Tawḥīd refers to the oneness of Allah, a central tenet of Islamic belief, stressing monotheism.
### Who among the early modernists framed Islam's perspective on evolution through engagement and critique?
- [x] Jamal al-Din al-Afghani
- [ ] Al-Farabi
- [ ] Ibn Sina
- [ ] Omar Khayyam
> **Explanation:** Jamal al-Din al-Afghani was one of the early modernists who critiqued and engaged with the theory of evolution from an Islamic perspective.
### Which root word in Arabic forms the basis for "Islam"?
- [x] س-ل-م (s-l-m)
- [ ] م-ز-ن (m-z-n)
- [ ] ك-ت-ب (k-t-b)
- [ ] ف-ق-ه (f-q-h)
> **Explanation:** The root "س-ل-م" (s-l-m) forms the basis for "Islam," meaning peace or submission, reflecting the essence of submitting to the will of Allah.
### What perspective does Pervez Hoodbhoy offer about the theory of evolution and Islam?
- [x] Evolution neither refutes nor conflicts with Islam.
- [ ] Evolution proves the Qurʾānic verses scientifically.
- [ ] Islam completely opposes any form of evolution.
- [ ] Evolution is part of Islamic eschatology.
> **Explanation:** Pervez Hoodbhoy suggests that the theory of evolution neither contradicts Islam nor does Islam have a specific stance against it, emphasizing the provisional nature of scientific conclusions.
