A Scientific Approach to the Quran

(Tafseer al-Quran bil Science)

Mahmood Jawaid
November 20, 2016

The Quran is basically a book of guidance. Its main objective is to guide the humanity in this life. 1 While
sticking to its central theme, it brings many topics under discussion. However, the structure of the book is
such that topics are not discussed in a topical manner. Most of the comments about almost any topic are
made in different parts of the book. For example, the timings of the five daily prayers are mentioned in
different verses, none of which mention all the five prayers in one verse.

Different approaches have been taken in the past to resolve this issue, the most common being trying to
determine the sequence of the revelations and determining which verse abrogates which verse. These
methodologies rely on Hadeeth. Whereas there is a consensus of all the Muslims on the content of the
Quran (Mushaf-e-Uthmani), the same cannot be said about Hadeeth.2 For example while Sunnis rely on
six authentic collections of Hadeeth3, Shias have their own four authentic collections,4 and Ibadis rely on
Tartib al-Musnad.5 As obvious, these different sets of collections have a profound, but sometimes
controversial interpretation of the Quran. This paper proposes an approach, which uses scientific
methodology that has been the bedrock of natural science. We call this Tafseer al-Quran bil Science.

Discussion

Scientific Method:
According to Collins English Dictionary6, scientific method is a method of investigation in which a problem
is first identified and observations, experiments, or other relevant data are then used to construct or test
hypotheses that purport to solve it.

According to The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy7, scientific method is an
orderly technique of investigation. The method consists of the following steps: (1) Careful observation of
nature. (2) Deduction of natural laws. (3) Formation of hypotheses – generalizations of those laws to
previously unobserved phenomena. (4) Experimental or observational testing of the validity of the
predictions thus made.

The scientific method, according to Oxford English Dictionary, is "a method or procedure consisting in
systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification
of hypotheses.8

Scientific methodology was founded by Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) (965–1039 Iraq). He argued the
importance of forming questions and subsequently testing them. 9 Galileo advocated the same approach in
his publication of Two New Sciences in 1638.10

At present the scientific methodology is based on a hypothetico-deductive model which was formulated in
the 20th century.11 According to this model, a hypothetical model based on observations is proposed. It is
then tested by the deduction of consequences from the model. 12

Scientific method consists of the following steps 13:

1. Make an observation or observations.
2. Ask questions about the observations and gather information.
3. Form a hypothesis — a tentative description of what’s been observed, and make predictions based
on that hypothesis.
 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

4. Test the hypothesis and predictions in an experiment that can be reproduced.

5. Analyze the data
6. Interpret the data and draw conclusions;
7. Accept or reject the hypothesis or modify the hypothesis if necessary.
8. Reproduce the experiment until there are no discrepancies between observations and theory.

Scientific method is an iterative process, “constantly developing more useful, accurate and comprehensive
models and methods. For example, when Einstein developed the Special and General Theories of
Relativity, he did not in any way refute or discount Newton's Principia. On the contrary, if the
astronomically large, the vanishingly small, and the extremely fast are removed from Einstein's theories –
all phenomena Newton could not have observed – Newton's equations are what remain. Einstein's
theories are expansions and refinements of Newton's theories and, thus, increase our confidence in
Newton's work.” 14 When a discrepancy is discovered between observations and theory, Steps 3- 6 are
repeated until the discrepancy is resolved.

Scientific method in natural science is used to explain observable phenomenon of the universe. The
universe thus provides the information (data or observation). But not all the observations are employed for
a single theory. Each theory focusses on observations which are relevant to that theory. The natural
science has, therefore, been divided into various faculties, each focusing on certain aspect of the universe.
For example, physics, chemistry, and biology concentrate on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects
of the universe.

Application of Scientific Method to the Quran:

Our confidence in applying scientific methodology to the Quran rests on the following characteristics
claimed by the Quran for itself:

 Internally Consistent: The Quran claims to be internally consistent. None of the verses oppose
or are in conflict with other verses.15
 Explained in Various Ways: The Quran also claims that different verses on the same subject
shine light on the topic from different angles. 16 It exposes different aspect of the same issue or topic.
It adds a dimension to the topic. This is like giving a panoramic view of a room by taking snapshots of
all the walls, the ceiling, and the floor of the room. A single snapshot of any of these will give only one
view of the room, not the whole room.
 Clear and Un-ambiguous: The Quran also claims that its statements are straightforward. There
is no ambiguity in the statement. 17 We will therefore refrain from deriving outlandish meaning for the
words used in the Quran.

We claim that the discrepancy observed among the verses is due to a deficiency in our understanding of
the concept we have developed. This is no different from incompatibility between some of the observed
data and a proposed hypothesis in natural science. We do not blame it on the data; we blame it on the
deficiency of our proposed hypothesis. We then try to remove those discrepancies by tweaking the
hypothesis. We need to do the same when we observe a discrepancy among the Quranic veres.

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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

In a manner similar to the natural science, we will apply scientific methodology to the Quran employing the
following steps:18
 While studying the Quran, we will make a mental note of subject of interest.
 We will develop a hypothesis for the subject of interest based on the verses studied in the Quran.
 We will tweak or modify the hypothesis as we come across more verses on the same subject to
make it consistent with all the verses encountered.
 We will not discard any verse related to the topic just because it does not fit the hypothesis.
Instead we will tweak the hypothesis to accommodate the verses related to the topic.

We will find that the scientific approach is the most holistic way for understanding the subject of interest in
the Quran. It is hoped that this innovative methodology can help resolve some of the issues dividing the
Muslim Ummah today.

According to the Quran there are levels of knowledge, each of us is at a certain level. Except the
ProphetSAW and men of understanding (ool-ul-albab), none of us can claim to have reached the pinnacle
of the Quranic knowledge. 19 As such the conclusions reached in the examples presented are only
hypotheses. It is a work in progress. Just like the hypotheses presented in natural science are subject to
modification based on new findings, so are the hypotheses presented in this book.

The following is an example of how scientific methodology can be applied to the Quran. The author has
chosen an example the conclusion of which is already well established to demonstrate the viability of the
methodology. The reader is referred to the author’s book titled “A Scientific Approach to the Quran,”
where he has presented many examples applying the scientific methododlogy to break new grounds in the
understanding of many subjects.

Example

The author will present here the example of the obligatory prayer showing how we can reach the same
conclusion we already know by using the scientific methodology. We already know that there are five
obligatory prayers (Fajr, Zohr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) and when we are supposed to offer them.

Timings for Salah:

The following verse tells us that we should offer prayer whenever we get up from sleep:

052.048 So wait patiently (O Muhammad) for the Declaration of your Lord, for verily you are under
Our Eyes; and glorify the Praises of your lord when you get up from sleep (heena taqoom). (Al-Hilali
and Khan),

Normally we get up from sleep in the morning and in the evening. We sleep from Isha till Fajr and take a
siesta in the afternoon:

024.058 O ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess, and the (children) among you
who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come to your presence), on three
occasions: before morning prayer (Salat-ul-Fajr); the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday
heat; and after the late-night prayer (Salat-ul-Isha): these are your three times of undress: outside
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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does
God make clear the Signs to you: for God is full of knowledge and wisdom.

The following verse is more specific: we should offer prayer when we get up in the morning [Fajr
(sabah)] and in the evening [Asr, (masa’)]:

030.017 So (give) glory to God, when ye reach eventide (heena tumsoon) and when ye rise in the
morning (heena tusbehoon);

The following verse expands the range of timing further. We should offer the obligatory prayer during
Fajr and from the declining of sun (Zohr) till the darkness of the night (Isha):

017.078 Establish regular prayers - at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night, and the recital of
the Qur'an in the morning prayer for the recital of dawn is witnessed.

The verse also implies that there is no obligatory prayer from sunrise till the declining of the sun. In an
agrarian society, the era when the Quran was revealed, people worked from sunrise till Zohr, took siesta
in the afternoon, and did socializing and shopping from Asr till the night fell (see 24:58 above).

The following verse tells us that we should offer prayers when the sun starts to decline (Zohr) and when
the night falls (Isha):

030.018 Yea, to Him be praise, in the heavens and on earth; and in the night fall (ashiyan)20 and
when the day begins to decline (tuzharoon).

The following verse tells us to offer prayer at the two ends of the day (Fajr and Maghrib) and in the
night (Isha):

011.114 And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day (tarafa-yin-nahar) and at the
approaches of the night (zolofum min allayl): For those things, that are good remove those that are
evil: Be that the word of remembrance to those who remember (their Lord).

The Quran has used the word nahar (day) and layl (night) as opposite of each other, one follows the
other. Night conceals and day makes things visible. Night is for rest and day is to earn the living

The day (nahar) has only two ends, sunrise and sunset where it meets the night (layl). The two ends of
the day can only be Fajr and Maghrib. There is no room in this verse for Zohr, which falls close to the
middle of the day, not at the two ends of the day. 21

The following verses also suggest offering prayer when the stars set (Fajr) and in the night (Maghrib and
Isha)22:

052.049 And for part of the night also praise thou Him,- and at the retreat of the stars!

The following verse tells us that we should offer prayer before the rising of the sun (Fajr), before its
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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

setting (Asr), part of the night (Isha), and the sides of the day (Fajr and Maghrib):

020.130 Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord,
before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the
night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy.

Analysis:
The following table summarizes which prayers are mentioned in which verse:

Verse Fajr Zohr Asr Maghrib Isha

No

17:78 X X X

30:17 X X

30:18 X X

11:114 X X X

52:49 X X X

20:130 X X X X

The table above shows that the relationship among the above verses is either complementary or
overlapping; none of the verses in isolation mention all the five prayers. Preferring any verse over the
others will cause us to lose at least one prayer.

Using the scientific methodology and taking a holistic view of all the verses, we can say that Verse 17:78
gives a time range when the prayers are to be performed: Fajr, and Zohr to Isha. The rest of the verses
then divide that time range between Zohr and Isha into segments:

Rise up from Bed

Salat-ul-Fajr
Time to Work
Salat-ul-Zohr
Lunch and Siesta
Salat-ul-Asr
Socialize and Shopping
Salat-ul-Maghrib

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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

Dinner
Salat-ul-Isha
Go to Bed

Only by taking into account all the verses holistically can we draw the conclusion that there are five
prescribed prayers. Had we started with a hypothesis based on any of the verses, we would have kept on
refining our hypothesis as we would have come across other verses till we had reached the count of five
prayers.

Conclusions:
The examples presented in this paper as well as in the cited book23 demonstrate that employing scientific
methodology allows us to interpret the Quran which is consistent with all the relevant verses, a defining
feature of the Quran. It frees us from relying on chronological history of the verses or worrying about
which verse is abrogated and which is not. Both of these approaches rely on documents which are not as
authentic as the Quran.

Just like in natural science, a hypothesis is valid only as long as available data does not contradict it, any
conclusion drawn from the Quran will remain valid as long as it is consistent with all the relevant verses.
Since none of us, except the ProphetSAW and may be those who are ‘rasekhoon fil Ilm’ can claim to
have absolute knowledge of the Quran, whatever conclusion we draw will always be a work in progress
subject to change and modification.

The author is not advocating the abandonment of Hadeeth (Sunnah of the Prophet SAW ) or the Ijtihad of
scholars. After all where else will we learn how to pray and how much zakah to pay? The author is
advocating the approach Muadh ibn JablRA took when the ProphetSAW made him the governor of Yemen:

When the Apostle of AllahSAW intended to send Mu'adh ibn Jabal to the Yemen, he SAW asked: How
will you judge when the occasion of deciding a case arises?

He replied: I shall judge in accordance with Allah's Book.

HeSAW asked: (What will you do) if you do not find any guidance in Allah's Book?

He replied: (I shall act) in accordance with the Sunnah of the Apostle of AllahSAW .

HeSAW asked: (What will you do) if you do not find any guidance in the Sunnah of the Apostle of
AllahSAW and in Allah's Book?

He replied: I shall do my best to form an opinion and I shall spare no effort.

The Apostle of AllahSAW then patted him on the breast and said: Praise be to Allah Who has helped
the messenger of the Apostle of Allah to find something which pleases the Apostle of Allah. 24

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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

About the Author:

Mahmood Jawaid is a chemical engineer by profession and writer by avocation. He is the published author of
“Secrets of Angels, Demons, Satan, and Jinns – Decoding their Nature through Quran and Science,” “Atom to Adam
– How, When and Where in the Light of Quran, Bible and Science (A Study of Human Origin),” “Hunting to Cloning
– Unearthing Civilizations through Quran,” “Lessons from the Qur’an,” “Lessons from the Qur’an Volume II,” “A
Scientific Approach to the Quran,” and “Divided We Prosper – A Humorous Reflection on Muslim Cultural
Practices.” He has also published many articles on religious issues in the Charleston Gazette, West Virginia and has
written research papers on Islamic issues from modernist perspective. He has also written quite a few poems in Urdu
and English. His writings can be found on MahmoodJawaid.com. He possesses Bachelor and Master of Science
degrees in Chemical Engineering, has Professional Engineers license from the State of Texas, and holds seven US and
European patents. His e-mail address is mnajawaid@yahoo.com. He possesses Bachelor and Master of Science
degrees in Chemical Engineering, has Professional Engineers license from the State of Texas, and holds seven US and
European patents. His e-mail address is mnajawaid@yahoo.com.

REFERENCES

1
002.185 Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide (Hoda) to mankind, also clear (Signs)
(Bayyenat / Mobeen) for guidance (Hoda) and judgment (between right and wrong) (Furqaan).
2
http://www.answering-islam.org/PQ/ch19-index.htm#ch19
3
Sahih al-Bukhari, and Sahih Muslim generally have the highest status. The other books of hadith are Sunan Abu
Dawood, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasai (Al-Sunan al-Sughra), and Sunan ibn Majah or Muwatta Imam Malik.
4
Kitab al-Kafi, Man la yahduruhu al-Faqih, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, and Al-Istibsar.
5
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadith.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hadith_collections.
6
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979,
1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/scientific+method
7
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005, Houghton Mifflin
Company.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/scientific+method
8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method
9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method
10
Galilei, Galileo (1638), Discorsi e Dimonstrazioni Matematiche, intorno a due nuoue scienze, Leida: Apresso
gli Elsevirri, ISBN 0-486-60099-8, Dover reprint of the 1914 Macmillan translation by Henry Crew and Alfonso de
Salvio of Two New Sciences, Galileo Galilei Linceo (1638). Additional publication information is from the collection of
first editions of the Library of Congress surveyed by Bruno 1989, pp. 261–264.
11
Godfrey-Smith, Peter (2003), Theory and Reality: An introduction to the philosophy of science, University of
Chicago Press, ISBN 0-226-30063-3. p. 236.
12
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hypothetico-deductive%20method
13
http://www.livescience.com/20896-science-scientific-method.html.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method.
14
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method.
15
Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than God, they would surely have found
therein much discrepancy (4:82)
16
Thus do We explain the Signs by various (symbols): that they may say, "Thou hast taught (us) diligently," and
that We may make the matter clear to those who know. (6:105)

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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

We have explained (Surrafna) (things) in various (ways) in this Qur'an, in order that they may receive admonition
(dhikr), but it only increases their flight (from the Truth)! (17:41)
And We have explained (Sarrafna) to man, in this Qur'an, every kind of similitude (Mathal): yet the greater part of
men refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude! (17:89)
(It is) a Qur'an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at
intervals: We have revealed it by stages. (17:106)
We have explained (Sarrafna) in detail in this Qur'an, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude (Mathal):
but man is, in most things, contentious. (18:54)
Thus have We sent this down - an arabic Qur'an - and explained (sarrafna) therein in detail some of the warnings, in
order that they may fear God, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him). (20:113)
We have put forth for men, in this Qur'an every kind of Parable (Dharaba), in order that they may receive admonition.
(39:27)
17
018.001 Praise be to God, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness
(‘ewaja):
018.002 (He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) (Qayyem) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible
Punishment from Him, and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall
have a goodly Reward,
039.028 (It is) a Qur'an in Arabic, without any crookedness (therein): in order that they may guard against Evil.
18
http://www.livescience.com/20896-science-scientific-method.html.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method.
19
003.007 He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established
meaning); (mohkamat) they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical (motashabihat). But those in
whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden
meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except God. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge
(Rasekhoon fil Ilm) say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message
except men of understanding (Ool-ul-Albab).
20
Although Yusuf Ali, Maududi, Mufti Shafi and many scholars have translated ‘ashiyan’ as late afternoon (Asr),
Shakir and Ahmad Ali has translated it as night fall, which stands for Isha. The term ‘Ashee is of the same root as
Isha. In the previous verse scholars have translated the term Masaa’ for Asr.
21
Night vs. day:
003.027 "Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on the night; Thou bringest the
Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou
pleasest, without measure." (also 022:061, 031:029, 035:013, 057:006)
039.005 He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day
overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time
appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again?
003.190 Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed
Signs for men of understanding,- (also 010:006, 023:080, 024:044, 045:005)
017.012 We have made the Night and the Day as two (of Our) Signs: the Sign of the Night have We made dark, while
the Sign of the Day We have made bright; that ye may seek bounty from your Lord, and that ye may know the
number and count of the years: all things have We explained in detail.
036.037 And a Sign for them is the Night: We withdraw therefrom the Day, and behold they are plunged in darkness;
091.003 By the Day as it shows up (the Sun's) glory; (also 092:002)
091.004 By the Night as it conceals it; (also 078:010, 092:001)
010.067 He it is That hath made you the night that ye may rest therein, and the day to make things visible (to you).
Verily in this are signs for those who listen (to His Message). (also 027:086, 030:061
025.047 And He it is Who makes the Night as a Robe for you, and Sleep as Repose, and makes the Day (as it were) a
Resurrection.

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 A Scientific Approach to the Quran

028.072 Say: See ye? If God were to make the day perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other
than God, who can give you a night in which ye can rest? Will ye not then see?
028.073 It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you Night and Day,- that ye may rest therein, and that ye may
seek of his Grace;- and in order that ye may be grateful. (also 030:023, 078:011)
078.011 And made the day as a means of subsistence?
22
Shafi, M., “Ma’arif-ul-Quran,” Adarah Al-Ma’arif,” Karachi, Pakistan, 1987. Explanation of Verse 52:49.
Maududi, S. A. A., “The Meaning of the Holy Quran,” Islamic Publications, Lahore, Pakistan, 1986, Explanation of
Verse 52:49.
23
Jawaid, M., “A Scientific Approach to the Quran,” InstantPublishers.com, 2016.
24
Sunan Abu Dawood, 3585, Sunan Al Tirmidhi, 1327.

Copyright 2016 by Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 9