Author: Mohajer Azizi
Analysis and Criticism of Modernism in the Light of Islam (Part 28)
-
The Influence of Darwin’s Theory on Modernists
Some followers of the modernist movement have also been influenced by Darwin’s theory and believe in the evolution of the world and animals.
Darwin’s theory, known as the theory of evolution, was first proposed by the English scientist Charles Darwin (1809-1882) in his famous book “The Origin of Species”.
In this book, Charles Darwin believed that none of the living beings existed in their present form; rather, they came to be in this form gradually and through changes in generations. He believed that the human species came into existence as a result of changes in single-celled organisms and their evolution, and he considered the origin and beginning of creation to be random and spontaneous.
Darwin’s theory, right or wrong, claims that humans came into being from the ape race and reached their present form through the passage of time and natural changes. After that, atheists (including some modernists) used this view as a pretext and tried to tarnish the true dignity and status of human with deceptive words; a human whom Allah honored, endowed with intellect and wisdom, and honored him with divine duties. They tried to reduce human to the level of an animal evolved from an ape and make no difference between him and other creatures, in order to provide a basis for humiliating and subjugating human. Meanwhile, extremist Jews, based on their Talmudic beliefs, also consider all non-Jews (Jewi’im) to be animals who were created only in appearance similar to humans to serve the Jewish people; the same people who consider themselves “Allah’s chosen people.” However, researchers point out that although Darwin traced the origin of human back to the monkey, he did not associate him with “inanimate matter,” as some atheists later did. In Darwin’s view, human had a higher status than the view drawn by Marxist atheists. He placed the discussion about human and other living beings in the framework of “biology”; a science that is clearly different from “material science”. [1]
Darwin’s theory about the creation of the world and animals through evolution and gradualism is completely contrary to the explicit texts of the Quran and Sunnah and is not accepted even by sound intellect and logic. In the following, by criticizing this theory, we will provide a convincing answer to its rejection:
-
It is clearly stated in the Holy Quran that Allah Almighty created human directly and without any intermediary from the soil, not that human was created through evolution and gradually from other animals; as Allah Almighty has mentioned about the creation of the first human:
«إنی خالق بشرا من طین»
Translation: “Indeed, I am the creator of human from clay”. [2]
And also, in another verse He has said: «ولقد کرمنا بنی آدم» Translation: “And indeed, we have honored the children of Adam”. [3]
It is clear from these verses that human is an independent creation and has a special dignity, and these characteristics have distinguished him from other creatures.
-
Darwin and his followers consider the emergence of animals to be a coincidence and natural selection, while the beloved Islam has introduced everything and objects as the product of Allah’s will and wisdom; as it has said:
«إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ» Translation: “Indeed, we have created everything in measure and calculation.” [4] Therefore, the creation of human and the universe was not without calculation and coincidence but was based on the precise measure and plan of the Lord of the worlds.
-
Islam considers human to be a superior being in whom Allah has breathed intelligence, free will, and a divine spirit:
«فَإِذَا سَوَّيْتُهُ وَنَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِي فَقَعُوا لَهُ سَاجِدِينَ» Translation: “So when I have perfected him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in prostration before him.” [5]
This exalted position is in no way compatible with the theory that human is merely an animal evolved from ape.
-
Furthermore, Darwin’s theory is not definitive even from a scientific point of view and contains many ambiguities and contradictions. Discovered fossils have not shown any clear and definitive intermediate link between human and ape. Darwinism is more of a hypothesis that some atheists later used as a pretext to deny Allah and belittle the status of human.
-
The Lord of the universe has introduced human as His caliph on earth by mentioning his name and specifically in the Quran:
«إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً» Translation: “Indeed, I will place a caliph on earth.” [6]
Therefore, human is not just an animal that emerged from a natural accident; rather, he is a creature with a special mission, responsibility, and dignity.
On the other hand, human has some unique characteristics that prove he is a distinct and special being and he did not evolve from anything from the point of view of science and intellect:
-
Human is a thinker being; a characteristic that is not seen in any other animal.
-
Human has the ability to speak and can express what is in his heart clearly and fluently; this ability is specific to human.
-
Human an has traditions, habits, and values; Such as the ways of socializing, generosity, courage, sacrifice, sadness and joy, which are not found among animals.
-
Human is a creator ; he builds and destroys, cultivates, creates industry and art, and he does all of this with his own thoughts and choices.
-
Human grows and learns from his experiences; he can avoid repeating past mistakes and compare and measure different issues.
-
Human is superior to all animals on earth; he has taken them into his service, used and tamed them, and this is a sign of his special and amazing position. Therefore, reducing human to the essence of apes and animals is obvious oppression.
-
Human has a special ability to control his ego and instincts; he can refine his morality, and this shows his superiority without any doubt.
-
Humans have the ability to learn, teach, read, and write; a trait found in no other creature on earth, except perhaps in the jinn.
Continues…
Previous Part
References:
- Encyclopedia of Contemporary Schools of Thought, Vol. 2, p. 161.
- Sa’ad: 71.
- Isra: 70.
- Qamar: 49.
- Hijr: 29.
-
Baqarah: 30.
