What does Islam say about evolution?

In a Nutshell: The Quran and Hadith do not explicitly mention evolution. However, they emphasize Allah's (swt) creative power and intricate design in the universe. Many Muslim scholars reconcile these concepts by viewing evolution as a process guided by Allah (swt). Table of Contents In a Nutshell Introduction Evidences Evolution Analysis Misconceptions about Islam and Evolution FAQs Introduction The theory of evolution, which proposes that species change over time through natural selection, has sparked debate among Muslims. Some view it as incompatible with their faith, while others see it as a complementary explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. This answer explores Islam's perspective on evolution, examining Quranic verses, prophetic sayings (ahadith) and the views of Islamic scholars. Evidences Quranic Verses He who created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days and then established Himself upon the Throne.(Quran 57:4) - This verse highlights Allah's (swt) creative power over a period of time. And indeed We have created every living thing from water. Will they not then believe?(Quran 21:30) - This verse suggests a potential for transformation within creation. Do they not see how Allah originates creation and then repeats it? Indeed, that is for Allah easy.(Quran 29:19) - This verse emphasizes Allah's (swt) ongoing creative process, potentially alluding to developmental stages. And your Lord is the [cause of] creation of the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days, then He established Himself upon the Throne.(Quran 25:59) - Similar to verse 57:4, this verse emphasizes a timeframe for creation, potentially allowing for gradual processes. Hadiths: The Prophet (pbuh) said: Allah (swt) created Adam (as) at his full height of sixty cubits, then He kept on creating his progeny diminishing in stature until the present time.(Sahih Bukhari) - This hadith suggests a concept of change within creation over time. The Prophet (pbuh) said: Verily, Allah (swt) creates the creation in seven forms.(Musnad Ahmad) - This hadith hints at a potential for various stages in creation. Jabir ibn Abdullah (ra) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: The creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother's womb for forty days, then it is a clot of blood for a similar period, then a piece of flesh for a similar period.(Sahih Bukhari) - This hadith describes a developmental process within a human being. Companions' Opinions Imam Ali (ra) is reported to have said, Consider the wonder of Allah (swt)'s creation in the transformation of a single drop (of sperm) into a complete human being.- This statement highlights the concept of transformation within creation. Ibn Abbas (ra) is reported to have said, Allah (swt) knows all about the creation from the beginning to the end.- This suggests compatibility between faith and scientific discoveries about creation. Traditional Scholars' Quotes Imam al-Ghazali (ra): The purpose of religion is to deliver the message about the existence of the Creator, not the details of creation.- This emphasizes faith in Allah (swt) as the ultimate creator, allowing for scientific exploration. Ibn Rushd (ra): There is no conflict between faith and reason, for both ultimately lead to the truth.- This encourages Muslims to embrace scientific discoveries that complement faith. Dr. Osman Bakar (modern scholar): The Quran does not provide a scientific explanation for creation, but it does not contradict well-established scientific facts.- This highlights the Quran's focus on faith alongside scientific exploration. Evolution Analysis The provided evidences suggest that Islam neither explicitly confirms nor refutes the theory of evolution. The Quran highlights Allah's (swt) absolute power as the Creator, but the verses and hadith offer potential hints at gradual processes of creation and transformation. The notion of creation occurring over an extended period aligns with evolutionary concepts. Furthermore, the ahadith describing the development of humans in stages could be interpreted as mirroring aspects of embryology and potential broader evolutionary processes. This ambiguity has led to diverse interpretations among Islamic scholars. Some adopt a literalist understanding of the Quran, believing that Allah (swt) created each species distinctly. Others hold a more flexible view, arguing that scientific discoveries can enhance our appreciation of Allah's (swt) intricate design and the complexity of His creation. They propose that evolution could be the mechanism through which Allah (swt) guides the development of life on Earth. It's important to note that reconciling Islam and evolution does not negate the fundamental belief in Allah (swt) as the ultimate Creator. Many scholars contend that evolution, if perceived as divinely guided, is entirely compatible with Islamic beliefs. It is crucial to understand that Muslims believe Allah (swt) remains the source of all creation, regardless of the specific biological processes involved. Despite varying perspectives, most Islamic scholars agree that the theory of evolution does not conflict with core Islamic principles. Belief in Allah (swt) as the Creator, the sacredness of the Quran and the notion of accountability in the hereafter remain unshaken. The theory of evolution invites further contemplation of Allah's (swt) creation and opens space for a multifaceted understanding of His power, wisdom and intricate design. Misconceptions about Islam and Evolution Evolution and atheism directly equate:Islam emphasizes Allah (swt)'s role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Evolution, viewed as a scientific theory, does not contradict this belief. Many Muslim scholars find evolution consistent with their faith. Islam strictly prohibits acknowledging evolution:There exists a wide range of interpretations within Islam regarding evolution. While some may reject it, many traditional and contemporary scholars embrace the possibility of a divinely-guided evolutionary process. The Quran is a scientific textbook:The Quran is a source of divine guidance and spiritual wisdom, not a scientific text. Its verses can be interpreted broadly, allowing for compatibility with scientific discoveries. Evolution removes human sanctity:Islam teaches that humans hold a special place within creation. However, this status isn't contingent on whether they were created directly or through an evolutionary process guided by Allah (swt). Evolution is a complete theory explaining the origins of life:Evolution focuses on the transformation of life forms over time, not on the ultimate origin of life itself. This leaves ample space for Islamic perspectives on the divine spark that initiated life. Objections to Accepting Evolution Direct contradicts with Quranic creation story:Some argue that evolution conflicts with the Quranic description of human creation. However, the Quran speaks to faith while evolution addresses biological processes. The two can potentially coexist. Undermines human dignity:Some fear that evolution, by implying shared ancestry, diminishes the special status of humans. However, Islam teaches that human dignity stems from the soul and intellect bestowed by Allah (swt). Evolution is morally harmful:Some worry that evolution promotes a survival-of-the-fittest mentality, contradicting Islamic values of compassion and social justice. Evolution is merely a scientific description, not a moral code. Evolution eliminates need for a Creator:Some assert that if evolution explains the development of life, there is no need for Allah (swt). However, many Muslims see evolution as a testament to Allah's (swt) creative power Evolution is merely a theory not a proven fact:While the theory of evolution is well-supported by scientific evidence, some question its certainty. Islam places ultimate faith in Allah (swt), leaving space for scientific exploration and discovery. FAQs on Islam and Evolution Does Islam reject evolution outright? No, Islam does not explicitly reject evolution. The Quran neither confirms nor opposes the theory. Therefore, Muslims have a range of views, from rejection to full acceptance or considering it a guided process. If evolution is true, does that make Adam (as) a myth? The story of Adam (as) serves a symbolic and spiritual purpose within Islam. Whether he was created directly or emerged through an evolutionary process doesn't negate his role as the symbolic father of humankind. Does evolution contradict the concept of a soul? No, believing in evolution doesn't undermine the Islamic concept of the divinely-bestowed soul. The origin of the physical body and the creation of the eternal soul are separate aspects within Islamic belief. Can a Muslim believe in both Allah (swt) and evolution? Absolutely. Numerous Muslim scholars advocate the compatibility of Islamic faith and the possibility of an evolutionary process guided by Allah (swt). How does evolution fit with the idea of Allah's (swt) perfect creation? Many Muslims view evolution as a manifestation of Allah's (swt) continuous creative power. They consider evolution as revealing the intricate and complex mechanisms through which Allah (swt) has designed and diversified life on Earth. Conclusion The relationship between Islam and evolution involves a rich and nuanced discussion. The Quran and Hadith do not directly address evolution. However, they emphasize Allah's (swt) role as the Creator and the intricate design within the universe. This leaves open the possibility for various interpretations and understandings. Many Muslim scholars have grappled with reconciling faith and evolution. Some view evolution as a process guided by Allah (swt), demonstrating His infinite wisdom and creative power. Ultimately, the theory of evolution challenges Muslims to deepen their understanding of Allah's (swt) role in the universe while maintaining their fundamental beliefs.