Day 14

By Shofi Ahmed 

Immensely Diverse yet Interconnected Universe Points To Tawheed

Tawheed is the belief in the divine oneness of Allah SWT, as mentioned in Sura 112 of the Qur’an: “Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.”

Scientific advancement is constantly progressing, and there are many positive aspects of it that are worth exploring. As Muslims, we should not ignore the significance of science, especially those who study Islam in a Madrasha or similar setting. Science also highlights the grandeur of Allah SWT, as the universe is immensely diverse yet fundamentally interconnected, pointing towards the oneness of Allah SWT as the Creator and Sustainer of the world.

Science reveals the amazing creativity and power of Allah SWT, which is manifested in a measured way. This complements religion and arts, which are immeasurable, whereas science is measurable and often mathematical, providing a precise understanding – a finite account of infinity. Thus, science inherits a dynamic nature. For example, the vibrations inside an atom are constant, and we can scientifically explain what causes them, but we cannot determine their purpose. This is where religion comes into play, we can be creative with arts as well as they are elements of the whole. As humans, we are obligated to utilise the plethora of elements we have inherited to seek a holistic understanding.

For example, imagination, although not a scientific concept, plays a significant role in scientific progress. It is often dreamy and best expressed through poetry, yet it is much needed in advancing science. Albert Einstein repeatedly emphasised the importance of imagination in scientific pursuits, and many great scientific advancements have originated from science fiction.

It is worth noting that a scientist should not be a stranger to the Madrasha space. While it may not be commonly known, historically, great scholars such as Imam Jafar Sadiq, Imam Abu Hanifa, and Imam Al-Gazzali were also scientists.

For instance, Imam Abu Hanifa made contributions to the field of Chemistry. This highlights the compatibility between science and Islamic teachings. So, as Muslims, we should not disregard the significance of science and its relationship with our faith. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the world around us, through both science and religion, can ultimately lead us to a deeper appreciation of the grandeur of Allah SWT.