A Dialogue On Evolution

Question and an answer regarding Evolution Theory M Mubashir Hassan Following is the Question of the evolutionist to the author followed by the reasonable argument of the author

Question Thank you so much for your elaborate listing and explanantions of the failures of the theory of evolution. I must read up more. I must, however, point out that at one time or another science on its own will correct itself if found lacking. This I had very specifically brought out in my write-up. I do not see how any other worldview (anything non-rational and that includes religion) can ever 'correct' itself. Sir, when you take cudgels against science not listening to dissenting voices (which anyway I do not agree and I have cited instances where science continually questions itself - this is how Newtonian physics got left behind), you give no instances of the religious viewpoints ever even acknowledging the possibility of something having gone wrong in its teachings. Have you ever asked why a religious teaching that you have imbibed has failed you (the probability of this hapening is significant)? Science poses this question to itself everyday. This is the difference. Finally, it will always boil down to who is able to correct himself and who has the adamantine attitude of never having made a mistake. I have chosen my path and so, it apears, have you. Let peace prevail. Answer Assalamu-Alikum: Thanks for your prompt reply. Let me admit that I am not against science. Science is the quest for knowledge and reality. And a person who has a scientific bent of mind should seek the reality. He must not blindly follow what is the fashion of the day. The theory of evolution is just a theory and there are large number of proved facts against it. As for as science correcting itself is concerned, it is admitted and when the science will correct itself it would be giving up the theory and accepting the creation by God which is now-a-days accepted in some circles as intelligent design. Sir, I have not taken cudgels against science, in fact I am an ardent champion and believer of science and it was science that helped me realise the existence of God. It is the misrepresentation of science to which I strongly object.

And I think it doing injustice to saying that religion is non-rational. It may be true of some religions but not of Islam. Islam always enjoins upon the believers to enquire, to do research upon the creation of Allah. In fact the first revelation upon Prophet Mohammad was: Proclaim! (or Read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher Who created. (Al-Qur'an Ch 96 verse 1) Science does not prohibit you to widen the area of your studies so I suggest to your good-self to study Islam. I recommend you to study AL-Qur’an. In English a good translation along with commentary is by Abdullah Yousuf Ali. It can be easily procured. And here I would quote a few verses. Please do read: Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation) before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm lest it should shake with them. (Al-Qur'an Ch 29 verse 30-31) And Allah has created every animal from water: (Al-Qur'an Ch 24verse 45) It is He Who created the Night and the Day and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along each in its rounded course. (Al-Qur'an Ch 29 verse 33) And yet among men there are such as dispute about Allah without knowledge and follow every evil one obstinate in rebellion! About the (Evil One) it is decreed that whoever turns to him for friendship him will he lead astray and he will guide him to the Penalty of the Fire. O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection (consider) that We created you out of dust then out of sperm then out of a leech-like clot then out a morsel of flesh partly formed and partly unformed in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term then do We bring you out as babes then (foster you) that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die and some are sent back to the feeblest old age so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further) thou seest the earth barren and lifeless but when We pour down rain on it it is stirred (to life) it swells and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs). This is so because Allah is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead and it is He Who has power over all things. (Al-Qur'an Ch 22 verse 3-6) Glory to Allah Who created in pairs all things that the earth produces as well as their own (human) kind and (other) things of which they have no knowledge. (Al-Qur'an Ch 36 verse 36)

Soon will We show them Our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth) and in their own souls until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things? (Al-Qur'an Ch 41 verse 53)