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Heri Mahbub
Find a close relationship between science and the Koran in this article. Learn how the Koran inspired modern science, integration and role of Muslim scientists in history, as well as science and Islamic strategies in the digital era for the progress of the people. Read more for in -depth insight about science and faith.
Knowledge, particularly science, and religion are often considered two opposing entities. However, in Islamic teachings, knowledge is closely linked to the Quran. Islam not only encourages its followers to seek knowledge but also makes knowledge part of a spiritual journey toward a deeper understanding of God's creation.
This article will discuss the integration of the relationship between science and the Quran and how the two can be combined for the advancement of humanity.
Etymologically, the word 'science' is adapted from the English word "science" which actually comes from the Latin "scientia" which means to know or knowledge, (to know, knowledge) and the Latin word 'scire' which means to learn (to learn).
These two terms are identical to the Arabic term, 'alima, 'ilm which in the Islamic tradition is still differentiated from the terms idrak (perception) which relies on sensory perception and irfan (recognition), which has a meaning similar to knowledge or knowledge.
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The Koran is not only a holy book that contains rules and instructions for life, but also contains many verses related to natural phenomena and natural science. In several verses, Allah challenges humans to reflect on His creation and understand the laws of nature:
"And do the disbelievers not know that the heavens and the earth were once one whole, then We separated the two?" (QS. Al-Anbiya: 30).
"And indeed We have created humans from an essence (originating) from the earth. Then We made this essence semen (which is stored) in a firm place (the womb)." (QS. Al-Mu'minun: 12-13).
"And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Each of them runs in an orbit." (QS. Al-Anbiya: 33).
Since the Prophet brought Islam, it has made a major contribution to world civilization and human progress. KH. Hamid Fahmy, head of GONTOR, mentioned 4 phases of the birth of the scientific tradition in Islam; namely 1. the nubuwah period, 2. the formation of the scientific structure of the Qur'an and hadith, 3. the birth of scientific traditions and 4. the birth of Islamic scientific disciplines.
The first phase is the period of revelation. Alparslan explains that this period occurred during the Prophet Muhammad's lifetime, specifically during the two periods of Mecca and Medina. During this phase, the Prophet established and organized the fundamental belief system of Muslims; this means that the formation of the Islamic worldview had already occurred. The realization of this worldview became the basis for the development of the scientific tradition in Islam.
The second phase, the emergence of the scientific structure of the Qur'an and Hadith. This phase was marked by an awareness of the need to explain the fundamental concepts contained in the two primary sources of Islam, such as the concepts of faith, Islam, ihsan, existence, the afterlife, and so on. These concepts are considered the initial framework for scientific concepts.
The third phase saw the birth of Islamic scientific traditions and disciplines. This was a logical consequence of the initial framework of Islamic scientific concepts, coupled with the development of issues faced by the Muslim community. This phase was marked by the emergence of scientific communities, such as Ashab Suffah, and the emergence of many Islamic scholars who understood science or Islamic knowledge. This is where the scientific tradition began to emerge, specific to each discipline.
The fourth phase was the birth of Islamic sciences. During this phase, the scientific community began to define various disciplines, distinguishing them from each other, and giving them specific names. These included Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), grammar (nahwu), and grammar (sharf). Later, these disciplines expanded to include other scientific disciplines, such as astronomy, agriculture, statecraft, medicine, algebra, chemistry, natural sciences, life sciences, and so on.
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Islam places a high value on knowledge. In fact, the first revelation given to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a command to read and seek knowledge:
"Read by (mentioning) the name of your Lord who created." (QS. Al-'Alaq: 1).
From this verse, we can understand that Islam emphasizes the importance of reading, learning, and research. Knowledge is not only for worldly purposes, but also a means of drawing closer to God. When explored with the correct understanding of the verses of the Quran, Muslim scientists are able to reconcile religion and science.
The relationship is a unified thought or framework based on a worldview, also known as the Islamic worldview. For Muslim scientists, the relationship between science and Islam stems from the same source, so both are equally valid and acceptable to the people: the revelation of the Quran.
Integrating science and the Quran is not only about finding harmony between the two, but also about developing a unified mindset that values both sources of knowledge. Here are some principles of scientific integration:
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This shows that in Islamic science, the Koran is the main source of knowledge. As stated by Sheikh Yusuf Qardawi, Kalamullah is a revelation for humanity in that it originates from all kinds of knowledge. The Qur'an as a holy book is also a source of knowledge. Science was then developed based on the objective truth of this revelation.
In Islamic science, revelation holds the highest and most important place. Therefore, religion holds a very central and crucial position, and even science is derived from revelation, which is the source of truth, including scientific truth. This demonstrates the centrality of revelation to Islamic science. Thus, science and Islamic teachings are one. There is no dichotomy between the two.
Islamic history records that Muslim scientists such as Ibn Sina, Al-Farabi, Al-Khwarizmi, and Jabir Ibn Hayyan mastered not only religious knowledge but also science, medicine, mathematics, and chemistry. They are living examples of how science and the Quran can go hand in hand.
Islamic civilization in the 8th to 14th centuries experienced a golden age of science due to the strong integration between science and Islam.
In today's modern era, the integration of science and Islam remains a challenge. However, many Muslim scholars continue to explore the relationship between the Quran and science. Some steps that can be taken to strengthen this integration include:
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conclusion
The relationship between science and the Koran is not something that contradicts each other, but rather integrates and complements each other. The Koran provides basic instructions about natural phenomena which are then studied more deeply by science.
By understanding science and developing knowledge from an Islamic perspective, Muslims can again achieve the glory that Islamic civilization achieved in the past. Therefore, it is important for us to continue to explore, research and integrate science with Islamic teachings for the progress of humanity, the culmination of which is Rahmatan Lilalamin.
Wallahu'alam
Source/Reference:
Ministry of Religion's Lajnah Library
