Modern science worships the shadow and forgets the light — mistaking fragments of creation for the source itself. Traditional science did not concern itself as much with causation. Rather, it observed and recorded patterns and correspondences in the natural world, always recognising that causality lies with God.
Traditionally, knowledge was categorised in a hierarchical structure. This had the knowledge that pertains to the spiritual (Metacom) realm, such as Theology and Metaphysics at the top, followed by the knowledge that pertains to the psychological (Microcosm) realm, such as arts and humanities, then the knowledge that pertains to the physical (Macrocosm) realm, the Natural Sciences. The spiritual realm relates to the Absolute, and is hence the realm of Truth and Certainty, with the psychological and physical realms being fragmentary reflections and projections of this spiritual realm. All knowledge in this way pointed to its Divine Sustainer.
During the Renaissance, with the decline of the Catholic Church in Europe, a new, or rather resurrected Greco- Roman heresy was sowed into the fabric of human thought, the illusion that man was self – sufficient and potentially unlimited, and hence the grossly narcissistic idea of human greatness.
It took a couple of centuries for this to manifest and become apparent, subsequently poisoning, usurping, and finally eradicating the previous true vision of mankind, as God’s viceregent on earth. This diabolical seed bore fruit to new knowledge systems which instead of being based upon Truth and Certainty, were based upon conjecture and fantasy.
Its foremost offsprings in this day and age are:
- The Theory of Evolution, which denies the Creator and puts forth a wholly unsubstantiated metaphysical presumption of the ‘Survival of the Fittest’.
- An Economic theory based upon speculation and imaginary perpetual growth.
- A Historical perspective based upon individual subjectivity and ego – deconstructionism.
- A set of political systems ranging from Capitalism to Communism built upon a utilitarian, materialistic and mechanical perspective of man.
The Divine Word and Physical Phenomena
The Qur’an is the Word of God and the Truth to mankind about his purpose which qualitatively illustrates nature and history as signs of God’s Will. The Qur’an teaches us the essential, Immutable Truths as to the meaning and purpose of Creation.
Modern science is at best the physical observations of temporary phenomena and the ever-changing modelling of physical phenomena using accumulated data and facts. It is wrong to compare the absolute Truths within the Qur’an to the ever-changing models and descriptions of transient physical phenomena within science.
Modern Science inverts the hierarchy of knowledge and presumes that that the foundation of knowledge is the physical world. This is a realm of the fragmentary and the dependent. Both the relationships between scientific phenomena are tenuous and vague while the phenomena by themselves are not self-sufficient. Modern Science is based upon the axiom that one should doubt everything until it can be empirically (physically) proven. But such a basis is fraudulent in two essential ways:
- That which pertains to the psychological and spiritual planes of reality, by definition transcend physical determination and therefore cannot be physically proven.
- Modern science is in fact comprised of both an empirical (practical) science based upon careful observations and measurements and a speculative (theoretical) science dealing with hypotheses, abstract ideas, thought experiments and imagination to provide suitable modelling.
While empirical science retains a measure of objectivity, grounded in observable, measurable phenomena, it historically traces its roots to traditional sciences, which have their origin in metaphysical and theistic frameworks. By contrast, what may be termed speculative or ‘romantic’ science reflect a secular epistemology that elevates human autonomy and self-sufficiency, projecting this philosophical stance onto the interpretation of the natural world. In many cases, speculative science becomes an ideological enterprise, wherein secular assumptions about reality are imposed a priori upon the physical data.
At their core, these ideas attempt to reduce all physical effects to purely physical causes. This can be termed a horizontal causality which neglects the higher, metaphysical reality in which all effects ultimately derive from Divine decree: vertical causality.
Traditional Knowledge systems were centred on the Divine, the Complete, the Perfect, with all things emanating from this Perfection. The lesser being radiated from the Greater. As the rays of light emanate from the sun or the stokes of a wheel emanate from the centre. Whereas modern knowledge systems take the fragmentary and try to build from it a holistic system, deeming, impossibly that the lesser has the ability to create the greater. This is akin to building a model of an object based on its shadow in the absence of light.
Cause and Effect: Horizontal and Vertical Causality
Modern science seeks a physical cause for every phenomenon—a form of horizontal causality rooted in the assumption that events arise purely from observable, material interactions. In contrast, traditional science did not concern itself as much with causation. Rather, it observed and recorded patterns and correspondences in the natural world, always recognising that causality lies with God.
In the traditional worldview:
- It is not fire that burns wood; rather, God bestows the quality of burning upon fire.
- It is not the knife that cuts butter; rather, God grants the knife the ability to cut.
- It is not water that quenches thirst; rather, God imparts to water the property of quenching thirst.
Modern, rational man will also attribute death purely to physical phenomenon, saying things such as ‘the man died from a heart-attack’, meaning the heart attack caused his death. Instead, the spiritual man recognises the physical effect, but recognises that its cause is with He Who decrees everything. God first ordained the man’s death and as such, the heart stopped as the spirit was removed from the body.
Scientism is the view that science and the scientific method are the best or only way to render truth about the world and reality. Scientism seeks to reduce all phenomena, be it spiritual, psychological, or physical to a purely physical cause, like trying to describe the details of an objects in terms of its shadow.
This is once again atheism’s attempt to find meaning and purpose in defiance of the obvious – God. The bitterest irony is that all these atheist paradigms are not based on fact or observation, but an emotional rejection of the Truth. Such idolisation of science is not merely a disservice to science but is, itself unscientific.
The Source of Scientific Theories
Among the attributes of the Creator is the Originator (the Original). There is nothing altogether new or original whether in principle or in manifestation unless it comes from our Lord through inspiration in man or as a creation in the world. All else is either variation, derivation, manipulation, deviation, distortion, or perversion of the pure form. Many of the abstract theories that exist within theoretical physics today are nothing more than physical reductions of a metaphysical elucidation of spiritual principles.
Traditionally a paradox has always existed between fate and free will. Is the motion and destiny of all cosmic forces and man determined by the Absoluteness of the Divine or is the universe and man in a state of constant unpredictable change (free will) owing to the Infinite nature of the Divine?
The true answer is that the two perspectives are both correct, but not resolvable on a rational plane, it is only when one sees that fate is free will and that free will is fate that the apparent dichotomy is vanquished. In modern physics there is a similar paradox between Determinism and the Uncertainty Principle (Classical and Quantum Mechanics). Is the motion and destiny of all cosmic forces and man (who is no more than a physical entity) determined by a series of mathematical equations and initial conditions or is the universe and man in a state of constant unpredictable change given that the act of measuring anything accurately changes it in a way that cannot be predicted?
Similarly, in the traditional understanding of Creation which included the Heavens and the Earth, one spoke of the Objective Realm of the Hereafter, and the relative, transient, subjective realm of this world, where actions can be good and bad depending on intention and context. In modern physics the special theory of relativity states that the only absolute objective constant is the speed of light, and all frame of reference from which the light is measured are physically equivalent and relative.
Likewise, all ancient civilisations refer to the ‘fall of man’ from the heavens to the earth, which can easily be seen as the Inspiration for postulating the existence of an abstract force or physical quantity called ‘Gravity’. Gravity draws all matter downward and is symbolic of man’s moral descent post-Fall and his yearning for ascent back to God.
The degeneration of human nature held by the traditional narrative, that man can be reduced to his base value -the physical Body and desires associated with it- is reflected in Science in the Law of Entropy which holds that with time, there is a continuous increase in disorder and homogeneity. This scientific principle aligns with the metaphysical truth that creation tends toward disorder unless sustained by a higher order, the Divine will.
Evolutionary theory, which posits complexity emerging from chaos without design, stands in contradiction to this law. Ironically, ‘chaos’ itself has a whole science that attempts to explain it. Although called ‘chaos,’ the theory postulates that ‘random’ patterns are infinitely complex and non-repeating. These fractals still show consistency and order in what appears chaotic. This beautiful and total precision is impossible without acknowledging the metaphysical. Nature’s variation in leaf patterns, clouds, and coastline length reveals the insufficiency of reductionism and the need for a Divine unifier – the Creator of the heavens and earth.
Likewise, Newton’s Third Law of motion states that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,” closely reflecting the spiritual concept of divine justice, also referred to as ‘karma’ – that every deed has its consequence.
There are among the many examples of how contemporary theories in physics are not original, but the reductionistic regurgitation of traditional metaphysical principles.
Reflections of Physical Realities
Many theories try to explain microscopic phenomenon using macroscopic analogies available in the physical world. For example, the first models of the atom were based on the Solar System, whereby electrons orbited a huge nucleus in resemblance to how planets orbit a much larger centre – the sun. This theory has now been superseded as electrons are now seen as waves as oppose to merely particles.
Light, again, breaks this pattern. Light is said to consist of photons. Yet, in some contexts, photons behave like waves, while in others, they behave like particles. So, what is a photon—wave or particle? The answer is: a photon. It is neither simply a wave nor a particle, but a quantum entity with no precise macroscopic analogy. Its nature defies classical imagination, which is itself confined to manipulating concepts drawn from the observable, macroscopic world.
Physicists often regard mathematics as the language of the physical world, while mathematicians tend to see physics as a specific realisation or instantiation of broader mathematical structures. Yet just as some microscopic phenomena have no macroscopic analogy, like light, it is equally possible that certain microscopic realities may lack an existing mathematical formulation. In such cases, a new mathematical language may need to be devised, introducing an inevitable degree of subjectivity into the framework of interpretation.
When engaging with any natural phenomenon, a modern physicist might be guided by a tiered line of inquiry:
- Can this phenomenon be expressed using established mathematical equations?
- If not, is it possible to construct a new mathematical (or logical) framework to model it?
- If not, does the phenomenon transcend quantitative determination altogether?
Most modern theoretical physicists, however, are daunted by the second question and often unwilling to concede the third. Because the suggestion that reality exceeds the bounds of quantifiable formalism (even if known to be the case) threatens the foundations the whole scientific enterprise, it is simply dismissed as ‘unscientific’.
Half Truths
They say the devil speaks in half-truths, and this is the case with so much in modern scientific theory. Knowing that pure falsehoods and lies will be rejected, modern theories use elements of fact to mask and validate falsehoods that they contain or emphasise lesser truths to veil greater Truth. For instance, Freudian theories say that man is driven by his desires and ego, while obscuring the greater Truth that man was made as God’s vicegerent to master his desires and overcome his ego by submitting to God. Similarly, Evolution sights observed, local and small-scale adaption to justify the global transformation of species.
The Correlation Between Quranic Verses and Scientific Observations
The Qur’an, as the revealed Word of God, speaks of Eternal Realities that transcend the physical world and the limitations of language. It operates within the dimension of Quality, offering meaning and purpose, not only physicality. In contrast, science is concerned with the Quantity, providing precise measurements and empirical facts within the ever-changing material domain.
Embryology
Qur’anic Verse:
“Then We developed the drop into a clinging clot, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.”[1]
The stages of embryonic development described in the Qur’an correlate remarkably well with modern embryology. Though there is not an exact equivalence between Qur’anic stages and modern scientific classifications—given the latter’s subjectivity and evolving nature—this variation is expected. The Qur’an speaks in qualitative, universal language, and ties each phenomenon with the purpose of revelation which is to guide man’s soul and introduce him to his Creator. Science, on the other hand, offers quantitative detail, often subject to revision and without implication on man’s soul or ultimate destination.
The vivid metaphors such as the embryo described as a “chewed-like lump” require deeper reflection beyond pure quantity. Likewise, the reference to the embryo being enveloped in “three veils of darkness” in another verse[2] speaks to a reality that far transcends scientific reductionism.
“Indeed, We created humans from a drop of mixed fluids.”[3]
“Was he not a drop of ejaculated semen?”[4]
In the Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ says:
“At 42 nights after conception, Allah sends an angel to shape the embryo, give it hearing, vision, muscles, and bones, and then determine its gender.”[5]
Modern science affirms that sex is determined at conception (chromosomal), but physical differentiation becomes observable between 6 to 8 weeks (42–56 days)—remarkably consistent with the Hadith.
Cosmology
In the Qur’anic verse:
“Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, then We split them apart…”[6]
This aligns with traditional cosmology (materia prima acted upon by Divine archetypes) and with the Big Bang theory, which posits the expansion of a primordial singularity.
“Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and the earth: ‘Submit willingly or unwillingly.’ They both said, ‘We submit willingly.’”[7]
This may refer to the primordial gaseous state of the universe. In both traditional and modern interpretations, the cosmos began as an undifferentiated substance subjected to Divine command or physical forces. The Qur’anic reference to six ‘days’ of creation (Qur’an 7:54) aligns more accurately with six epochs or phases, long understood in classical exegesis as durations rather than 24-hour days, determined by celestial bodies that were yet to be created.
Separation of Seas
In the Qur’anic verses:
“He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together. Between them is a barrier they do not transgress.”[8]
“And it is He Who merges the two bodies of water: one fresh and palatable, the other salty and bitter.”[9]
These verses describe the boundaries between different types of water. Scientifically, this is observed in estuaries and oceans where water masses of varying salinity, temperature, and density meet but do not immediately mix, forming haloclines and thermoclines.
Skin and Pain Reception
God tell man in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our signs, We will roast them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burnt completely, We will replace them so they may taste the punishment.”[10]
Modern science confirms that pain is felt through nerve endings in the skin. Once these are destroyed, sensation ceases. The Qur’an references this exact mechanism in the context of divine justice, centuries before such knowledge was discovered and even as prevailing ideas went contrary to this reality.
The Lowest Place on Earth
In the Qur’anic verse:
“The Romans have been defeated—in the lowest land.”[11]
This refers to the area around the Dead Sea, the earth’s lowest terrestrial point (around 420 metres below sea level). Historically, this is where the Romans suffered defeat by the Persians. Some sources suggest lower oceanic points exist (e.g. Antarctic trenches), but in terms of inhabited land, the Dead Sea remains the lowest.
Mountains as Pegs or Stabilisers
In the Qur’anic verse:
“We placed firm mountains upon the earth so it does not shake with them…”[12]
“He created the heavens without pillars you see, and placed firm mountains…”[13]
Traditionally interpreted as stabilisers, mountains are now known to have deep subterranean roots that balance the earth’s crust. Some geologists debate their stabilising function, but their ‘peg-like’ nature aligns with the Qur’anic term.
The Extra Terrestrial Origin of Iron
In the Qur’anic verse:
“And We sent down iron, in which is great strength and benefit for humanity.”[14]
Scientific research indicates that iron is formed in supernovae and meteoritic bodies. This means that it was not formed on earth, but rather, it was delivered to earth from space. The phrase ‘sent down’ can thus be interpreted both literally and metaphorically.
Rifts in the Skies
In the Qur’anic verse:
“Even if We opened for them a gate to heaven and they continued to ascend…”[15]
“When the sky is split open, becoming gateways…”[16]
These verses speak of phenomena beyond current empirical observation. While black holes and wormholes are speculative models, the imagery points to a deeper metaphysical reality rather than physical phenomenon alone.
Darkness in the Depths of the Sea
In the Qur’anic verse:
“Like the darkness in a vast deep sea, covered by waves upon waves, topped by dark clouds—layers of darkness, one above another…”[17]
This aligns with modern understanding of the oceanic abyss where sunlight cannot penetrate, producing total darkness. The structure of layered darkness is scientifically accurate and profound, particularly as the naked eye perceives, in so far as it can see, that light would penetrate a medium such as water. To experience the darkness of the ocean would not only require an Arab Bedouin to brave the ocean, which is unlikely enough, but for him to dive to impossible depths.
References:
[1] Qur’an 23:14
[2] Qur’an 39:6
[3] Qur’an 76:2
[4] Qur’an 75:37
[5] Muslim on the authority of ‘Amir b. Wathilah rady Allahu ‘anh
[6] Qur’an 21:30
[7] Qur’an 41:11
[8] Qur’an 55:19-20
[9] Qur’an 25:53
[10] Qur’an 4:56
[11] Qur’an 30:1-3
[12] Qur’an 21:31
[13] Qur’an 31:10
[14] Qur’an 57:25
[15] Qur’an 15:14
[16] Qur’an 78:19
[17] Qur’an 24:40
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