“ISLAM AND SCIENCE”

A project report submitted to

Ma’am Sumaira

By

Fatima Kausar

BBA Ist Semester

FAZAIA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOR WOMEN

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 “In the creation of the heavens and the earth,

In the alteration of the day and the night,

In the ships that sail and benefit the man,

In the clouds,

In the rain,

There is a sign for those who thinks,

Understand,

And believe.”

[AL-QUR’AN]

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 Table of Contents

1. Introduction ……………………………………………………...… 4

2. Quran and Science………………………………………………..…..4

2.1 Creation of the universe…………………………………………4

2.2 Astronomy ………………………………………………..........5

2.3 Meteorology ………………………………………………… …6

2.4 Oceanology ……………………………………………………6

2.5Geology …………………………………………………….......7

2.6 Biology…………………………………………………………..8

3. Health Benefits of Islamic practices ………………………………...10

3.1 Health Benefits of every steps of Wadu ………………………10

3.2 Health Benefits of every aspects of Namaz ………………....…11

3.3 Health Benefits of fasting…………………...….………………...12

4. Conclusion ……………………………………………………….... 12

5. References …………………………………………………………. 13

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 ISLAM AND SCIENCE

1 INTRODUCTION

In Islam, religion and science have always been considered as twin sisters. Today, when science
has taken such great strides, they still continue to be associated. Basic Islamic concept is that the
entire universe is created by Allah, who is the Lord of the universe which He alone sustains.
There is, perhaps, no better illustration of the close links between Islam and science than the
Prophet (S.A.W.W) often-quoted statements:

“Seeking knowledge is compulsory on every Muslim.”

“wisdom is the lost property of the believer.”
“whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make his path to paradise easy.”
These statements and many others are veritable invitations to humanity to enrich their knowledge
from all sources (Haq Syed. 2009). 

2 QURAN AND SICENCE

For many centuries, humankind was unable to study certain data contained in the verses of the
Qur’an because they did not possess sufficient scientific means. It is only today that numerous
verses of the Qur’an dealing with natural phenomena have become comprehensible. With ever-
increasing knowledge, it is still not easy for the average scientist to understand everything he
reads in the Qur’an on such subjects, without having recourse to specialized research.

Seven hundred and fifty verses of the Quran (almost one-eighth of the Book) exhort believers to
study Nature (Ali, Shamsher, 2018).

“Verily in the creation of the Heavens and of the earth, and in the alternation of the night and
of the day, are there signs for men of understanding. They who, standing, sitting or reclining,
bear Allah in mind and reflect on the creation of the Heavens and of the earth, saying: Oh,
our Lord! Thou have not created this in vain.” (Al-Imran:189-190).

2.1 CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

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A great number of verses reveals the signs of the Almighty Creator in the universe. For example,
we read:

“Assuredly, in the Heavens and the Earth are signs the believers; and in the creation of
yourselves and living beings He disperses on Earth are signs to the firm in faith and in the
variation of night and day and the sustenance which Allah sends down from the Heaven,
whereby He gives life to the Earth after its death, and in sending winds in their ways are signs
for a people of discernment”.
(Al-Jâthiyah : 3-5)

The notion derived from the Qur’an is one of a parallelism in the celestial and terrestrial
evolutions. There are also basic pieces of information concerning the existence of an initial
gaseous mass ( dukhaan ) which are unique to the Qur’an. As well as descriptions of the
elements which, although at first were fused together ( ratq ), they subsequently became
separated (fatq) (Ali, Shamsher, 2018). These ideas are expressed in chapters Fussilat and al-
Anbiyaa:

“God then rose turning towards the heaven when it was smoke” Qur’an, 41:11

“Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then I split
them apart?” Qur’an, 21:30

According to modern science, the separation process resulted in the formation of multiple
worlds, a concept which appears dozens of times in the Qur’an. These Qur’anic references are in
perfect agreement with modern ideas on the existence of primary nebula (galactic dust), followed
by the separation of the elements which resulted in the formation of galaxies and then stars from
which the planets were born. Reference is also made in the Qur’an to an intermediary creation
between the heavens and the earth, as seen in chapter al-Furqaan:

“God is the one who created the heavens, the earth and what is between them…” Qur’an,
25:59

It would seem that this intermediary creation corresponds to the modern discovery of bridges of
matter which are present outside organized astronomical systems (Ali, Shamsher, 2018). This

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brief survey of Qur’anic references to creation clearly shows us how modern scientific data and
statements in the Qur’an consistently agree on a large number of points.

2.2 ASTRONOMY

“With power and skill did We construct the Heavens and indeed We expand them”. (Adh-
Dhariyât : 47)

The meaning of this verse is obviously that the universe expands. However, the expansion of the
universe has been established by the observation. Galaxies are receding away from us (the Milky
way) at speeds which are proportional to their distances from us. The progress in manufacturing
telescopes within the last two centuries, and the recent use of radio telescopes, extended our
scope of vision from the solar system [5 light hours in diameter], to the Milky Way [100,000
light years in diameter], to the other galaxies such as Andromeda [750,000 light years far], to
quasars and pulsars [billions of light years far] (Jamil Ragep, 2001). Miraculously enough
Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, I could swear by the sites of the stars and it is great oath if you are aware of
them.” (Al-Wâqi‘ah : 75-76)

2.3 METEOROLOGY

Meteorology is concerned with the study of air in its ways. Allah says:

“and in the turning about of the winds and the clouds compelled between the sky and the
earth surely there are signs for a people who understand”. (Al-Baqarah:164)

However, the Qur’an is known to be the first book which declared and announced the fact that
clouds are formed by winds.

“And Allah is He Who sends forth the winds so that they raise up the clouds, and He drives
them to a land that is dead.” (Fâtir : 9)

It is well known now that air contains water-vapor, and that when it rises up in the atmosphere,
its temperature decreases adiabatically, and consequently it can no longer hold all its water vapor
content. Condensation of the surplus water-vapor thus takes place, either in the form of droplets
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or in the form of ice crystals, according to the prevailing temperature. In this manner, clouds
develop in rising air (Ali, Shamsher, 2018).

2.4 OCEANOLOGY

Modern science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier
between them. This barrier divides the two different seas so that each sea has its own
temperature, salinity, and destiny. For example, Mediterranean Sea water is warm, saline, and
less dense, compared to Atlantic Ocean water. The Mediterranean Sea water enters the Atlantic
over the Gibraltar sill. The Holy Qur’an mentioned that there is a barrier between two seas that
meet and that they do not transgress.

“He has set free the two seas meeting together. There is a barrier between them. They do not
transgress.” (Ar-Rahman:19-20)

When the Qur’an speaks the divider between the fresh and salt water, it mentions the existence
of “a forbidding partition” with the barrier (Nasr, 2011). Allah says:

“He is the one who has set free the two kinds two water, one sweet and palatable, and the
other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a forbidden
partition.”(Qur’an 25:53)

2.5 GEOLOGY

The science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it
is composed and the physical, chemical and biological changes that earth has undergone or is
undergoing. Many verses of the Qur’an had clear indications to Geology (Muzaffar Iqbal, 2007).
Allah says:

“it is He who created the Heaven and earth in true proportions.” (In’am : 73)

“it is He who has made the earth for you like a carpet spread out and He has caused path
ways for you to travel through it.” (Surah Ta Ha : 53)

2.5.1 EARTHQUAKES

The word “earthquake” is mentioned twice in the Qur’an, indicating “The Last Hour Quake”
which is much more devastating than all the earthquakes that have affected and will affect our

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planet(Ali, Shamsher, 2018). Allah glory be to him describes for us the terrors of the Day when
the earth throws out its burdens from its core to its surface. Allah says:

“When the earth is shaken with its (final) earthquake. And when the earth throws out its
burdens. And man will say: “What is the matter with it?” That Day it will declare its
information (about all that happened over it of good or evil). Because your Lord will inspire it.
That day mankind will proceed in scattered groups that they may be shown their deeds. So,
whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever
does evil equal to the weight of an an atom shall see it.”(Surah Az-Zalzalah : 1-8)

2.5.2 METALS AND ROCKS

Muslims knew about metals and precious stones as well as their physical and chemical
characteristics. They classified precious stones and gave them scientific descriptions (Muzaffar
Iqbal, 2007). The Almighty introduces Iron to us. Allah says;

“and we sent down the iron, in which there is strength and many benefits for the people….”
(Al-Hadid : 25)

2.5.3 MOUNTAINS

The Qur’an draws attention to a very important geological function of mountains. Allah says:

“We placed firmly embedded mountains on the earth, so it would not move under them….”
(Al-Anbya : 31)

“And the mountains Has He firmly fixed.” (An-Nazi’at : 32)

“And the mountains as pegs.” (An-Naba : 7)

“And he has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you.” (An-
Nahl : 15)

2.6 BIOLOGY

More than anything else, the statements in the Qur’an dealing with living things, both in
the animal and vegetable kingdoms, especially with regard to reproduction are
astounding. 

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2.6.1 BOTANY

Progress in botany at the time of Prophet (S.A.W.W) was not advanced enough in any country
for scientists to know that plants have both male and female parts (Ali, Shamsher, 2018).
Nevertheless, we may read the following in the chapter Taa Haa:

“(God is the One who) sent down rain from the sky and with it brought forth a variety of
plants in pairs.” Qur’an, 20:53

Today we know that fruit comes from plants that have sexual characteristics even when they
come from unfertilized flowers, like bananas. In the chapter ar-Ra‘d we read the following:

“… and of all fruits (God) placed (on the earth) two pairs.” Qur’an, 13:3

2.6.2 PHYSIOLOGY

In the field of physiology, there is one verse which appears extremely significant. One thousand
years before the discovery of the blood circulatory system, and roughly thirteen centuries before
it was determined that the internal organs were nourished by the process of digestive, a verse in
the Qur’an described the source of the constituents of milk, in conformity with scientific facts
(Alnoor Dhanani, 2002). This verse is taken from the chapter an-Nahl:

“Verily, in cattle there is a lesson for yon. I give you drink from their insides, coming from a
conjunction between the digested contents ( of the intestines ) and the blood, milk pure and
pleasant for those who drink it.” Qur’an, 16:66

The constituents of milk are secreted by the mammary glands which are nourished by the
product of food digestion brought to them by the bloodstream. The initial event which sets the
whole process in motion is the conjunction of the contents of the intestine and blood at the level
of the intestinal wall itself (Alnoor Dhanani, 2002). This very precise concept is the result of the
discoveries made in the chemistry and physiology of the digestive system over one thousand
years after the time of Prophet (S.A.W.W).

2.6.3 EMBRYOLOGY

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There are a multitude of statements in the Qur’an on the subject of human reproduction which
constitute a challenge to the embryologist seeking a human explanation for them. It was only
after the birth of the basic sciences which contributed to our knowledge of biology and the
invention of the microscope, that humans were able to understand the depth of those Qur’anic
statements. Today, there are many Muslims, possessing a thorough knowledge of the Qur’an and
natural sciences, who have recognized the amazing similarity between the verses of the Qur’an
dealing with reproduction and modern scientific knowledge (Ali, Shamsher, 2018).

“Verily, I created humankind from a small quantity of mingled fluids.” Qur’an, 76:2

“Then He made [ man’s ] offspring from the essence of a despised fluid.”

Qur’an, 32:8

“God fashioned humans from a clinging entity.” Qur’an, 96:2

“I fashioned the clinging entity into a chewed lump of flesh and I fashioned the chewed flesh
into bones and I clothed the bones with intact flesh.” Qur’an, 23:14

“I fashioned (humans) a clinging entity, then into a lump of flesh in proportion and out of
proportion.” Qur’an, 22:5.

“… and (God) gave you ears, eyes and hearts.” Qur’an, 32:9

It is especially in the field of embryology that a comparison between the beliefs present at the
time of the Qur’an’s revelation and modern scientific data, leaves us amazed at the degree of
agreement between the Qur’an’s statements and modern scientific knowledge (Alnoor Dhanani,
2002)..

3 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ISLAMIC PRACTICES

3.1 STEPS OF WUDU AND THEIR BENEFITS

• The Wudu comprises of washing the hands, arms right up to the elbow, face, mouth,
nostrils, and feet up the ankle, all three times each. The inside and behind the ears, as well
as he part of the head above the forehead is wiped once

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 • Done five times a day, it not only cleanses these vital parts of the body from dust and dirt
but also “softens" and refreshes them.
• The obvious reason behind washing the mouth during ablution is to remove the food
particles, which could cause teeth and gum problems. That is also the reason why miswaks
also encouraged before ablution.
• When washing one’s nostrils, one is also performing a preventive health measure as the
germs trapped in the nostrils are removed and do not pass on to the respiratory
system(lungs).
• According to a study conducted by a team of doctors in Alexandria University, the
Prophetic tradition, which urges the exaggeration of washing the nostrils by introducing
the water in the nostril then blowing it out, positively affects the inner coating of the
nostrils. Those who carried out the washing in the correct form had clean, shiny nostrils
with no dust clinging to the small hair inside.
• Repeated washing of the face invigorates the facial skin cells and helps prevent early
wrinkles as well as having a cleansing effect on the inside of the eyes, which prevents eye
infections.
• Washing the ear helps rid them from wax accumulation, which may cause ear infections as
well as affecting the inner ear, which eventually causes body imbalances.
• The Prophetic tradition of encouraging one to wash between the toes while washing the
feet, is also extremely important as it prevents the foot, which in our modern times is
trapped most of the day inside shoes, from acquiring athlete’s foot (Haq, Syed, 2009).

3.2 HEALTH BENEFITS OF EVERY ASPECT OF NAMAZ

3.2.1 QIYAAM
• The voluntary clenching of the hands, blood flow is increased in the hand area and the
brain
• Various muscles are exercised with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
3.2.2 RUKU
• Bowing (Raku) is done by forward movement of the backbone.

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 • The unique position of Ruku has positive effects on the back muscles. The back muscle
contract actively and they become stronger.
3.2.3 SAJDAH
• Good effect upon memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive
abilities
• Neck muscles get best exercise
3.2.4 JALSA & QAIDA
• It Has Good Effect Upon Memory, Vision, Hearing, Concentration, Psyche and all Other
Cognitive Abilities
• The Neck Muscles Get Best Exercise descriptions (Muzaffar Iqbal, 2007).
3.3 FASTING
Some key benefits of fasting include:
• Insulin levels: Blood levels of insulin drop significantly, which facilitates fat burning.
• Human growth hormone: The blood levels of growth hormone may increase as much as
5-fold. Higher levels of this hormone facilitate fat burning and muscle gain, and have
numerous other benefits.
• Cellular repair: The body induces important cellular repair processes, such as removing
waste material from cells.
• Gene expression: There are beneficial changes in several genes and molecules related to
longevity and protection against disease (Nasr, 2011).

4 CONCLUSIONS

In Islam, religion and science have always been considered as twin sisters. Today, when science
has taken such great strides, they still continue to be associated. The Qur’an is a book which
encourages reflection. Many of the statements in the Qur’an are concerning nature and science.
The Qur’an contains knowledge about the physical natural world, and about the inner dimensions
of our souls. It relates to our feelings, wants and needs. The brief survey of Qur’anic references
to different aspects of science and life like creation of universe, astronomy, biology, geology etc
clearly shows us how modern scientific data and statements in the Qur’an consistently agree on a
large number of points.

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 REFRENCES

• Ali, Shamsher. (2018), “Science and the Qur'an"

• .Haq, Syed (2009),"Science in Islam". Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages.
• Islam by Alnoor Dhanani in Science and Religion, 2002, p. 88.
• Jamil Ragep (2001), "Freeing Astronomy from Philosophy: An Aspect of Islamic
Influence on Science", Osiris, 2nd Series, vol. 16, Science in Theistic Contexts: Cognitive
Dimensions, pp. 49–64, 66–71.
• Muzaffar Iqbal (2007), Science & Islam. Greenwood Press.
• Nasr. H (2011), "Islam and Modern Science"

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