Abstract –
This article examines the compatibility of Islamic beliefs with the theory of evolution, which has been a subject of debate between science and religion. The article begins by defining evolution, tracing its etymology and the development of its meaning in scientific discourse. It then distinguishes between directly observable aspects of evolution, such as some observed phenomenon of antibiotic resistance and selective breeding, and suppositional aspects, like human-chimp common ancestry, which rely more heavily on philosophical assumptions and induction. Highlighting key philosophical issues, such as the problem of uniformitarianism, universality, induction and the “black swan” problem. This article argues that scientific theories, especially those with higher reliance on suppositional elements, cannot claim absolute certainty. The Quran’s account of human creation is discussed in relation to evolutionary claims, concluding that while Islam accepts directly observable truths in science, it does not obligate belief in theories with higher probabilistic framework specially that contradict divine revelation. Thus, evolution as a scientific theory does not inherently refute Islamic teachings, as Islam reserves epistemic priority for scriptural certainty over probabilistic scientific theories.
Introduction-
The theory of evolution has become a focal point in discussions around science and religion, often creating a perceived conflict between modern scientific views and traditional religious beliefs. While evolution is widely accepted in scientific circles, it has also led to significant debates across the Abrahamic faiths, including Islam.- (1)– However, Islam’s rich 1400-year-old intellectual tradition provides a nuanced approach that allows for critical engagement with scientific theories without undermining core theological beliefs. This article explores why evolution does not inherently contradict Islamic teachings, distinguishing between empirical observations within evolutionary science and large hypothetical claims that lack definitive proof. By examining both the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry and the Quranic account of human creation, this article aims to show that Islam can accommodate scientific knowledge where it is certain, while reserving epistemic priority for revelation where scientific conclusions remain speculative. Through this analysis, it becomes clear that Muslims need not see evolution as a threat to their faith
Quranic View vs. Evolutionary Theory – Addressing the Tension
The perceived tension between the Quranic account of human origins and evolutionary theory centers around the creation of humanity. The Quran describes the origin of humans with specific references to Adam’s unique creation, while evolutionary theory proposes a gradual development of species, including humans, over millions of years.(2) This section examines both viewpoints
A. Quranic Description of Human Creation
The Quran presents the creation of the first human, Adam, as a direct act of God, with clear language implying a unique creation:
Adam Created from Earthly Substances
The Quran frequently mentions that Adam was created from clay, dust, or earth. For example, in Surah Sad (38:71-72), Allah states, “When your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am creating a human being from clay…when I have formed him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in prostration before him.’” This creation narrative is widely understood as a direct act by God, indicating that Adam did not have biological ancestors.
B. Evolutionary Theory’s Perspective on Human Origins
Evolutionary theory proposes that all living organisms, including humans, evolved from a common ancestor over millions of years through gradual modifications. This framework suggests that humans share a lineage with other primates, with genetic and fossil evidence pointing toward a long evolutionary process rather than a sudden creation.
Common Ancestry of Humans and Other Primates
Evolutionary theory holds that humans share a common ancestor with species like chimpanzees, with genetic similarities cited as evidence. (3) The theory suggests that humans diverged from a shared ancestor with other primates approximately 5-7 million years ago, leading to the emergence of modern humans through gradual evolutionary steps.
C. Apparent Conflict: Direct Creation vs. Gradual Development
The primary conflict arises from the Quran’s description of Adam’s unique and direct creation, which seems to contrast with evolutionary theory’s claim of gradual development and common ancestry. While the Quran describes Adam as a specially created being with no biological ancestors, evolutionary theory implies a continuous lineage leading back to earlier life forms
Defining Evolution
To address whether evolution conflicts with Islamic teachings, it’s essential to understand what evolution entails, its scientific foundation, and the distinction between what is empirically observable and what is theoretical.
A. Etymology of Evolution
The term “evolution” originates from the Latin word evolutio, which means “unrolling” or “unfolding.” Initially, this word referred to the physical process of unrolling a scroll, a concept that later expanded metaphorically to describe any process of gradual change or development. By the 17th century, evolution was used in various fields, such as medicine and mathematics, to signify growth, development, or maturation-(4) – An accessible resource that covers the history of “evolution” and its original use in Latin.
The biological sense of the term, referring to changes in species over generations, first appeared in the works of Scottish geologist Charles Lyell in 1832 (5)
Scientific Definition of Evolution
Biological evolution, simply defined, is the process by which organisms undergo gradual changes over generations through inherited modifications. (6 )
This definition includes both small-scale/micro evolution, such as shifts in gene variant frequencies within a population from one generation to the next, and large-scale/macro evolution, like the divergence of different species from a common ancestor across many generations.
This distinction is crucial in understanding the different layers of evolutionary theory: generally speaking while microevolution is widely accepted as observable fact, macroevolution remains more theoretical and is often where philosophical and theological debates arise. (7)
Is Evolution True? The Spectrum of Certainty
To determine whether evolution presents any challenge to Islamic teachings, we need to consider what parts of evolution are observable truths just as we see the sun in the morning and which parts remain suppositional such as we try to make an inference if there is a house on fire at a distance based on black smoke when it can just be a camp fire By understanding these distinctions, we can identify which aspects may or may not conflict with Islamic doctrine.
A. The Concept of Truth in Science and Philosophy
The idea of “truth” in science often refers to models or explanations that best align with observed data. In philosophy, this is referred to as the Correspondence Theory of Truth, which defines truth as that which corresponds to reality. For example, the statement “2 + 2 = 4” reflects a mathematical truth, just as “the Earth orbits the Sun” reflects an astronomical truth.
Islamic scholars, such as Imam al-Bajuri, have similarly explained (but not exactly the same) truth as “that which corresponds to reality” (8), meaning that Muslims generally recognize truths that can be directly observed or deduced from reliable evidence. This understanding can help Muslims distinguish between observed scientific phenomenon and high probability theories.
B. Observable Truths in Evolution
Some aspects of evolution are directly observable and widely acknowledged within both scientific and religious communities. These include small-scale evolutionary changes, which can be repeatedly observed and verified through scientific experimentation and do not require too many speculative assumptions. Examples include:
Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, have shown a rapid ability to develop resistance to antibiotics like methicillin. This process, known as antibiotic resistance, can be observed and tracked in laboratory settings, making it a well-documented example of evolution at work on a micro scale.(9)Hybridization in Plants and Animals
Hybridization, or the crossing of different species or varieties, has led to the development of new plant and animal types, such as the pluot (a plum-apricot hybrid) and various citrus fruits like the tangelo. Hybridization showcases how selective breeding can result in observable changes and new varieties, aligning with the principles of genetic modification and selection.(10)
Domestication of Dogs
The domestication of dogs from wolves is a prime example of artificial selection, where humans selectively bred wolves over thousands of years to emphasize specific traits. This has resulted in the diversity of dog breeds we see today, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors tailored to different needs.(11)
Each of these examples illustrates small scale processes, observable changes in specific populations that align with the concept of “descent with modification.” Because these phenomena are observable, denying their truthfulness is scientifically unreasonable and generally poses no theological problem within Islam.
C. Probabilistic aspect of Darwinian
evolution In contrast to observable phenomena, some aspects of evolution, especially those involving large-scale changes over millions of years, are less certain and highly speculative. These speculative aspects include claims about the common ancestry of all species, such as the hypothesis that humans share a common ancestor with other primates. These aspects are supported by indirect evidence, such as implications of fossil records and genetic similarities. When these theories rely highly on certain probabilistic assumptions about their relation with the observable data and apply inductive reasoning, then it makes them less empirically certain and more speculative.
Philosophical Assumptions in Science
Scientific theories often rest on philosophical assumptions that, while widely accepted, are not empirically verifiable. For example:
Uniformity: The belief that natural processes operate the same way over time, allowing us to make inferences about the past based on present observations.
Universality: The assumption that natural laws hold consistently across different contexts and time periods. (12)
While these assumptions are foundational to scientific inquiry, they are not provable by science itself and remain philosophical axioms (these axiom Muslims can agree to due to them being strong axioms)
The Problem of Induction
Inductive reasoning, which is the basis of scientific theorizing, involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations. For instance, observing fossil records of different species over time might suggest a common ancestry, but this conclusion is not certain. Philosopher David Hume famously noted – “problem of induction” is in that inductive reasoning cannot guarantee truth because it assumes that patterns observed in the past will continue in the future—a belief that cannot be empirically validated.(13)
This issue is further highlighted by Nassim Taleb’s “Black Swan Problem”, (14)- which argues that a single contrary observation (like a black swan in a population previously thought to only contain white swans) can undermine a universal claim. The possibility of unforeseen evidence means scientific conclusions are always tentative and open to revision.
D. Implications for Islamic Belief
Given this spectrum of certainty, Muslims can accept observable aspects of evolution, such as microevolution, without conflict. However, claims of common ancestry or large-scale evolutionary changes that are based on indirect evidence and certain speculative assumptions do not carry the same certainty and, thus, do not need to be reconciled with Islamic belief. In Islamic epistemology, as stated by Muslim Philosopher like Ashraf Ali Thanwi,(15) when a certain truth (from revelation) contradicts a probable matter (from inductive science), the certain truth is given precedence.
Conclusion: Reconciling Evolution and Islamic Belief
The topic of evolution and its implications for religious belief has sparked significant discussion, particularly around human origins. However, a careful analysis reveals that Islam has the intellectual tools to engage with scientific theories like evolution without compromising foundational beliefs. Islam’s approach to knowledge, the priority given to revelation, and the acceptance of certain scientific observations all contribute to an intellectually robust framework that allows for a nuanced position on evolution.
A. The Distinction Between Observable Evolution and Speculative Theories
Islam does not deny observable facts within science. The reality of adaptation, microevolution, and natural selection is widely recognized, as these are empirical phenomena that correspond to reality and can be verified through direct observation.
B. Islamic Epistemology: Certainty Over Probability
Islamic epistemology provides a unique way to navigate apparent conflicts between revelation and science. In Islamic tradition, the Quran and Hadith are sources of certainty for Muslims, with divine revelation regarded as an indisputable truth. When a probable or speculative scientific theory appears to conflict with a certain religious truth, the certainty of revelation is given precedence.
.C . Embracing Science with Boundaries
Islam’s engagement with science is rooted in respect for knowledge and the pursuit of understanding the natural world. The Quran encourages reflection on the signs of God’s creation, which inspires Muslims to study and benefit from scientific advances. However, science operates within the natural realm and cannot fully address supernatural actions, such as the divine creation of Adam. Islam therefore respects scientific inquiry within its limits while maintaining a transcendent perspective on matters involving divine intervention.
By distinguishing between observable scientific facts and speculative theories, Abrahamic religions offers a more balanced view. Muslims can embrace scientific knowledge as a means to understand God’s creation better, while not feeling compelled to accept unproven theories as absolute truths.
Final Thoughts: Harmonizing Faith and Science
In conclusion, Islam’s approach to evolution demonstrates its intellectual depth and resilience. Muslims can respect and benefit from scientific advancements, including those related to evolution, while remaining critical of theories that go beyond the limits of empirical proof. The certainty provided by revelation allows Muslims to retain a firm understanding of human origins, while scientific knowledge enhances their appreciation of the world around them.
This harmonization of faith and science allows Muslims to remain confident in their beliefs without disregarding scientific knowledge. By viewing revelation and science as complementary sources of knowledge—each with its domain—Muslims can navigate the complexities of evolution without seeing it as a challenge to their faith.
Sources
“Islamic and evolution, David Solomon Jalajel,Introduction,pg 3
2,3 – Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters ,Donald R. Prothero,pg xii
4- Online Etymology Dictionary-evolution
5- Principles of Geology, Charles Lyell’s,pg 256
6- Berkleys university of California Understanding,evolution
7- The Philosophy of biological evolution,Michale ruse,pg 87
8- Sharh Jawahir al-Tawheed ,Imam Bajuri, verse 3
9- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – “Antibiotic Resistance.
10- Plant Physiology – “The Role of Hybridization in Fruit Evolution.
11- National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) – “The Genetics of Dog Domestication.
12- William Lane Craig speaks at the Texas A&M University Veritas Forum- Time : 01:01:55
13- A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume- Book 1, part iii, section 6
14- The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable,Nicolas Taleb,pg 50
15- Al Intebehaat al mufeedah.Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Principle 7
