Author: Abu Raef
Secularism (Part 22)
Some of the Opinions of Muslim Scholars About the Evolution of Creatures
Many contemporary scholars have mentioned and discussed the theory of evolution.
Mohammad Ahmad Bashmil, a contemporary scholar, writes about the theory of evolution and the gradual development of creatures. “What can be summarized from the views of this group of Muslim scholars, especially Imam Hassan Basri and Allamah Ibn Khaldoun, is that in the assertion that Allah, (S.W.T), has upgraded and evolved a small animal into a complete human being, there is no contradiction with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the beliefs of a Muslim. If that were the case, Muslims would not remain silent in response to Allama ibn Khaldoun’s claim.
The Muslim writer Abbas Mahmoud Aqad writes: “Any interpretation that people who believe in the evolution of species in the context of religion may hold lacks evidence or documentation for atheists to invalidate religion, deny the Creator, or contend that existence is devoid of signs of divine purpose and planning.”
Of course, it should be noted that these views of Muslim scholars do not endorse the perspectives of Darwin and his supporters; rather, they aim to address the issue of the existence of evolution in creatures throughout history. They assert that Allah, the Almighty, created the world of creatures with His power and creativity in an advanced and progressive manner.
But what should be considered different between the Islamic view and religious teachings regarding the theory of evolution and Darwin’s thought is that from the Islamic point of view, the principles and truths of things are fixed and unchanging, and their details and forms change. Also, another important point is that the change and evolution of all affairs and things is done by Allah Almighty, and it is Allah who created them and changes and perfects them in different forms and forms.
This is while Darwin and his supporters believe that the existence and evolution of creatures is the result of the influence of nature, favorable conditions and atmosphere, natural selection and genetic mutations, and this is in clear opposition to religious teachings and concepts.
Sheikh Anwar al-Jandi writes: “The correct scientific concept is that part of the elements is fixed and stable, and another part is variable and evolving, and there is a certain order between the fixed elements and the variable elements. This scientific concept is in accordance with the teachings and concepts of Islam; Because Islam is committed to the stability and sustainability of general principles and supreme rules along with the growth and development of details, details and branches.
There are fixed values in life that the theory of evolution will never understand, such as the oneness of Allah, the truth and nature of man, the principles of religion, the unity of the human race, the limits of Allah, the resurrection after death, and the law of divine punishment, which the theory of evolution can never explain. Say something about these matters.
Islamic thought considers creativity to be fixed for Allah, not for nature. Ba’as and Hashr prove the hereafter like complete faith in the unseen world. … The purpose of Darwin and his theory is clear and obvious, that by going beyond the limits of empirical science and its rules, they want to destroy religious thought, and everything related to it, such as faith in Allah Almighty and the Judgement Day.