Being a scientist, there is sometimes an underlying anxiety about how compatible my chosen path is with my deen. It seems Ive bought into the science vs. faith tug-of-war, until I reflect and realise it doesnt exist.

It was Einstein, the celebrity of the scientific world, who was purported to say "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." The past celebrated Muslim scholars were scientists as well as theologians and philosophers. Cambridge and Oxford, the seats of academia, are composed of Trinity, Jesus, Emmanuel and various Saints. Perhaps this separation of science and faith is contained in the theory of evolution, of which, not only the ideas, but also the principles of uncovering the non-need of religion, have permeated the whole concept of science.

Science without religion cannot explain the “why?” it is galloping along lame, missing a leg. We can discover “how”, analyse “what”, uncover “where”, but we cannot reason “why” because to do so requires knowledge of a purpose and a goal. It requires understanding why things cannot be any other way and why the current situation is the best for the future. The essential randomness of evolution demands reaction to the current but no planning for the future.

And religion without science has no reality and no practicality. Choosing to ignore all scientific discoveries is choosing to ignore God’s creation and so we wander around senseless, unable to navigate the current world and falling into pot holes we could fill if we saw them. We ramble on missing the cues and clues left around for us.

Religion and science are currently two monarchs, each ruling over their own kingdom, not realising that if they joined forces they would be greater. Their subjects, one set with inspiration the other with practical skill, could build up the kingdom to be more beautiful, grand and resistant to outside attacks.

So I am a scientist and whilst in this kingdom do I accept the Law of the Land or exercise my democratic right to question? Discoveries are only made possible through God’s will, Who removes the veil from our understanding and reveals His miracles. So we mustnt tut at the latest discovery and use it to build up the image of science being eternally against God that we build. It is only with Gods grace that these things are discovered, the people involved are merely intermediaries, the agents God reveals His power through. Henna Khan, of studying-islam.org, writes that Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin, once said:

We must continue to “dance”, keep moving and keep curious. It is only when you question that you get answers and in that dance we join science and faith in harmony. Take that step, exert that energy, approach your Beloved and ask for the grace of Their Hand to lead you in a dance of discovery. It is up to your Beloved to accept, and only They know the best time to lead you to the revelation.

How does the pigeon navigate across miles of invariant sea? How do daffodils know when it’s spring? If we don’t open our eyes and search God’s creation, why should He give us the privilege of discovery? Until we ache with the weight of awe of God’s infinite blessings and flawless creation He won’t relieve our hearts with removing the veil. And we must not turn our backs against science and let those without wonder and appreciation shape the future of discovery and keep ignoring the “why”; the essential ingredient that gives meaning, purpose, and the human need for wonder and beauty to an otherwise purely descriptive field.

Science is the lamp, religion provides the discoveries. We can build the perfect lamp, designed to spread the light far and strong, but why should we even have a lamp if there is nothing to see? The discovery of the treasures of God is the reason for a lamp. The treasures are always there, but the light enables us to discover them. And to build the lamp, we must question what it is that we keep bumping into in the dark.

Last update : 19-02-2007 22:49

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