Science, Attitudes Toward
Attitudes toward science within the Muslim world have experienced significant variations over centuries, oscillating between enthusiastic acceptance and cautious skepticism.
Importance of Religious Knowledge
Seeking religious knowledge is of such paramount importance in Islam that it is deemed an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying, “Acquire knowledge from the cradle to the grave,” and “Seek knowledge everywhere, even in China.” This underscores the high regard for learning within Islamic tradition.
Historical Fluctuations in Attitudes
The Muslim world has had differing perspectives on science, ranging from comprehensive embracement by some scholars to cautious or negative stances by others.
Comprehensive Embrace
Notable medieval Muslim scholars, such as al-Biruni (d. 1048), Ibn Sina (Avicenna, d. 1037), and Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen, d. 1039), exemplified an era when scientific endeavors were ardently pursued and resulted in substantial contributions to various fields of knowledge.
Cautious and Negative Positions
Contrasting views emerged from the orthodox ulama and scholars who were wary of Greek natural philosophy, fearing its potential danger to Islamic teachings. Al-Ghazali (d. 1111), in his work “Tahafut al-Tahafut” (Destruction of the Philosophers), critiqued the philosophical approach, aligning with the belief that “useful” knowledge is that which enhances religious piety. Another significant figure, Ibn Khaldun (d. 1406), in his seminal work “Muqaddimah,” included a section refuting philosophy, reflecting the complex interplay between science and religion in Islamic thought.
Current Perspectives
In contemporary times, the Muslim world largely does not oppose natural sciences. However, caution persists regarding certain scientific practices, such as genetic engineering and organ transplants. There is also some concern in specific circles regarding the sociological descriptions of human society, as these could imply influences other than Islamic beliefs guiding human interactions.
Qur’anic View on Scientific Inquiry
While historical attitudes have varied, the prevailing view today among many Muslims is that there is nothing in the Quran that explicitly opposes scientific inquiry. The Quran itself, in various verses, emphasizes observation and reflection on the natural world, often interpreted as encouragement for the pursuit of knowledge and scientific exploration.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: العلم تجاه (
Al-'ilm Tijah) - Turkish: Bilim Tutumu
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by al-Ghazali
- “Science and Islam: A History” by Ehsan Masood
- “Islam and Science” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance” by Jim Al-Khalili
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Historical Oscillation: The attitudes toward science in the Muslim world have vacillated, influenced by scholarly interpretations and societal conditions.
- Advances and Contributions: Despite periods of skepticism, Muslims have made major contributions to the development of natural sciences.
- Current Acceptance: Today, there is general acceptance of scientific inquiry in the Muslim world, although with caution in specific areas of modern science.
- Primacy of Religious Knowledge: Seeking knowledge is considered an act of worship in Islam, reinforcing the importance of intellectual engagement.
In conclusion, the attitudes toward science in the Muslim world present a rich tapestry of engagement characterized by deep intellectual pursuit as well as cautious deliberation, shaped by the nuanced interplay between faith and reason throughout Islamic history.
