Comparing Modern Science and Divine Guidance
Exploring the harmony between Quranic verses and modern biological discoveries
Human knowledge flows through two seemingly different streams: the Book of Revelation, the Quran, and the Book of Nature, the physical universe. In the modern era, as the theory of biological evolution has emerged as a respected scientific theory in academic circles, many Muslim intellectuals, scientists, and interpreters have wondered whether the Quran, which is a book that explains everything, contains any indications about this process of creation.
This article attempts to answer this question by constructing a bridge of understanding between the verses of the Quran and modern biological science.
The Quran as divine guidance for humanity
The universe as a manifestation of divine creation
The Quran is not a book of science, but a book of guidance. However, it contains numerous verses that encourage reflection on the universe. A careful study of these verses reveals that the process of creation is a gradual and stage-wise process 1 5 .
"And We made from water every living thing. Then will they not believe?" (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:30) 5
Modern science agrees that life on Earth originated in an aquatic environment.
"And Allah has created every animal from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four." (Surah An-Nur, 24:45) 5
This verse presents biological diversity in a sequence that aligns with evolutionary progression.
"How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you [back] to life, and then to Him you will be returned." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:28)
The Quran presents human creation as a phased process rather than an instantaneous event.
"And We made from water every living thing" (21:30) 5
"Some that creep on their bellies" (24:45) 5
"Some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four" (24:45) 5
"Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh" (23:14) 5
| Modern Scientific Concept | Quranic Statement | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Life originated from water | "And We made from water every living thing" (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:30) 5 | Origin of Life |
| Change and diversity in species | "And Allah has created every animal from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills." (Surah An-Nur, 24:45) 5 | Biological Diversity |
| Creation in stages | "How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you [back] to life" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:28) | Gradual Creation |
The sequence described in the Quran (crawling → bipedal → quadrupedal) conceptually aligns with the evolutionary journey described by modern biology: aquatic life → early terrestrial creatures → advanced terrestrial organisms 5 .
In the modern era, many Muslim thinkers and scientists are proposing models where evolution can be accepted as a God-guided process (Theistic Evolution) 3 5 . According to this view, the physical processes of evolution (genetic variation, natural selection) are God's established laws of nature (Sunnan Allah), through which He has developed life in the universe 5 .
The interpretation of the word "Taqdeer" (Divine Decree) in the Quran is also explained as these laws of nature, which represent a coherent system established by God 5 . Just as Muslims believe that rainfall is a natural process but its Creator is God, similarly biological evolution can be understood as a means of God's creative expression 5 .
Evolution as a God-guided process within established natural laws
Natural processes as manifestations of God's established order (Sunnan Allah)
Evolution as a means through which God actualizes His creative will
Science and revelation as complementary sources of knowledge
"Say, 'Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.'" (Surah Al-Ankabut, 20) 5
This verse itself is evidence that in Islam, scientific research and discovery are not only permitted but encouraged. The principle of gradual and stage-wise creation described in the Quran does not conflict with the modern theory of evolution, but rather has a harmonious relationship with it.
The dialogue between the two reflects that both the "Book of Revelation" (Quran) and the "Book of Nature" are signs of the same Creator, and a deep study of both can bring humans closer to their Lord.