Does the Quran Contradict Modern Science?

The question of whether the Quran contradicts modern science requires a profound understanding of both the Holy Quran and contemporary scientific disciplines. The Quran, as the divine revelation, serves as a comprehensive guide for humanity, illuminating the path to well-being in this life and the hereafter. Its primary objective is to lead humanity towards recognizing God, embracing virtuous ethics, and establishing social justice. Science, on the other hand, endeavors to discover the laws and phenomena of the material world through observation, experimentation, and rational explanation. From this perspective, it can be asserted that, generally, there is no fundamental contradiction between the verses of the Quran and established scientific facts. On the contrary, in many instances, the Quran astonishingly alludes to concepts and phenomena that have only been discovered and understood through modern scientific advancements. The Holy Quran itself is a book that repeatedly invites humanity to reflect, contemplate, ponder upon creation, and observe the divine signs (Ayat) throughout the universe. Verses such as "Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?" (Surah Muhammad, 47:24) and "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding" (Surah Al-Imran, 3:190) clearly indicate that Islam not only does not reject science but considers it a means for deeper understanding of God and His wisdom. Many Muslim scientists throughout history have been inspired by this Quranic encouragement, leading to significant advancements in various scientific fields. One aspect of the Quran's scientific miraculousness lies in its references to natural phenomena that were beyond human comprehension at the time of its revelation. For instance, regarding the expansion of the universe, the Quran states in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 47: "And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander." This verse distinctly points to the concept of the expanding universe, a phenomenon only confirmed in the 20th century by scientists like Edwin Hubble through the discovery of redshift and the Big Bang theory. At the time of the Quran's revelation, the prevailing belief was that the universe was static and unchanging. Another example is the Quran's description of the stages of human creation within the mother's womb. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, verses 12 to 14, the stages of the sperm-drop (nutfa), then a clinging clot (alaqah), then a chewed-like lump of flesh (mudghah), followed by the formation of bones and their clothing with flesh, are precisely described. These descriptions are in remarkable agreement with modern embryological findings, which have been obtained in recent centuries with advanced medical tools. This is particularly remarkable given that such detailed embryonic stages were not observable or comprehensible to humans during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Furthermore, the Quran refers to the role of mountains in stabilizing the Earth. In Surah An-Naba, verse 7, it states: "And the mountains as pegs." Modern geology has demonstrated that mountains possess deep roots extending far beneath the Earth's surface, sometimes many times their visible height. These roots act like pegs, stabilizing the Earth's tectonic plates and preventing severe tremors. This, too, was an unimaginable concept for any human being at the time the Quran was revealed. In some cases, apparent contradictions may arise. However, these inconsistencies are usually attributed to one of the following reasons: 1. **Misinterpretation of Quranic verses:** Sometimes, Quranic verses are interpreted superficially without considering their context, metaphorical or allegorical language, or deep linguistic and historical knowledge. The Quran is a book of guidance, not a specialized scientific textbook that describes every phenomenon with contemporary scientific details. 2. **Confusing scientific theories with established scientific facts:** Science is constantly evolving, and theories may change or be disproven. A contradiction is only relevant when an authentic Quranic verse conflicts with a "proven and undeniable scientific fact," not with a hypothesis or a theory that is still under investigation. Many "contradictions" that have been raised actually pertain to scientific theories that science itself later refuted. 3. **Limitations of human knowledge:** Human knowledge, even at its most advanced, is inherently limited. Allah states in the Quran: "And you have not been given of knowledge except a little" (Surah Al-Isra, 17:85). With this perspective, what science deems impossible today might become possible tomorrow with a new discovery, or what it perceives as a contradiction might, with a deeper understanding of both fields, resolve into harmony. In conclusion, the Quran and science can be viewed as two complementary paths to truth. Science helps us understand the "how" of the universe and discover the wonders of creation, while the Quran answers the "why" of existence and clarifies the purpose and meaning of life. The Quran introduces itself as a book of "Ayat" (signs), and every new scientific discovery, in essence, unveils another layer of the grandeur and order of creation, deepening our understanding of God, the Creator of the universe. Therefore, from an Islamic perspective, true science will never contradict the true divine word; rather, it will confirm and elucidate it. This synergy opens new horizons for humanity in further understanding both the Creator and the created, thereby strengthening faith.