Asalaamu alaikum wr wb.
This sites really nice masha Allaah. It discusses the evolution and some unanswerable questions for evolution. I've discussed that Islamically, humans didn't evolve off monkeys or other animals (based on Qur'an and Sunnah) - however there is not much mention of how other animals came into being - did they evolve or not? Only Allah knows, so it isn't really a problem for us to deny or believe whether animals/plants etc. evolved or not.
But just as a anti-evolution viewpoint, this is really interesting masha Allah:
http://www.allaahuakbar.net/ATHEIST/evolution/index.htm
Thursday, 14 February 2008
PDF
A Peer Review is explanations of all the different theories compared - then maybe a conclusion which i came up with? Please check this one.
A Peer Review is explanations of all the different theories compared - then maybe a conclusion which i came up with? Please check this one.
Peer Review:
The main theory throughout the world before the Big Bang was not too clear, some people argued that the universe was created directly as it is today. While other philosophies argued that the universe was existent forever without a beginning. The Big Bang theory gave another understanding of the universe and argued that the universe began from one area and began to expand from there, into the universe which we have existent today. This has been discussed earlier on, so i will try to discuss the other theories put forward.
Some people say that the universe around us was created in the form it is today. They believe that this is how the universe began, and was created by God. They argue that the universe only came into existence by an Originator, and that it is kept in order and being sustained for such a long period of time, and that this is why they believe that it is in the control of God. This is also known as the 'Creationist' theory, although creationists do have a wide range of opinions.
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/wic.html
Some Philosophers throughout the times tried to argue that the universe had been existent eternally without a beginning. They claimed that it was infinite, but weren't really able to give a full scientific explanation for it. This started off with the likes of Aristotle, and certain people throughout the times have believed in this theory. This could not be proven nor disproven, but when Edwin Hubble theorised the Big Bang and argued that the universe was expanding from a central point - the view of the universe being eternal did not remain too strong.
The Big Bang is the strongest theory among the mainstream today, and may well remain this way for quite a while.
http://www.egs.edu/resources/aristotle.html
The study of Edwin Hubble has disproved those who believe in an eternal universe, it has also given a better explanation to how the universe may have started - and how it has reached the state it is in today. Some will argue that the universe has gone through a process of eternal contractions and Big Bangs , however - this goes into metaphysics and therefore requires faith - therefore this is not science and cannot be proven or disproven. But since science is based on proof and evidences, this theory cannot be scientific.
Then there are some who believe that the Big Bang was caused by a Perfect, Flawless and Wise Originator. They believe in Him as God, who is Eternal and outside of His creation, He is controlling the affairs of the universe and sustaining it. They believe that this requires faith, but they know that this belief joins all the missing jigsaw pieces to the missing answers for all the questions which have been asked. Some may question who created this God - the response to this is that God is Perfect in every way, He is not like His creation - who are dependant upon others - His Perfection implies His Lordship (one who is Perfect cannot be created since that would imply that they are dependant upon another), and this is why we take Him as a God, and this is why we believe in Him.
Peer Review:
The main theory throughout the world before the Big Bang was not too clear, some people argued that the universe was created directly as it is today. While other philosophies argued that the universe was existent forever without a beginning. The Big Bang theory gave another understanding of the universe and argued that the universe began from one area and began to expand from there, into the universe which we have existent today. This has been discussed earlier on, so i will try to discuss the other theories put forward.
Some people say that the universe around us was created in the form it is today. They believe that this is how the universe began, and was created by God. They argue that the universe only came into existence by an Originator, and that it is kept in order and being sustained for such a long period of time, and that this is why they believe that it is in the control of God. This is also known as the 'Creationist' theory, although creationists do have a wide range of opinions.
http://www.talkorigins.org
Some Philosophers throughout the times tried to argue that the universe had been existent eternally without a beginning. They claimed that it was infinite, but weren't really able to give a full scientific explanation for it. This started off with the likes of Aristotle, and certain people throughout the times have believed in this theory. This could not be proven nor disproven, but when Edwin Hubble theorised the Big Bang and argued that the universe was expanding from a central point - the view of the universe being eternal did not remain too strong.
The Big Bang is the strongest theory among the mainstream today, and may well remain this way for quite a while.
http://www.egs.edu/resources
The study of Edwin Hubble has disproved those who believe in an eternal universe, it has also given a better explanation to how the universe may have started - and how it has reached the state it is in today. Some will argue that the universe has gone through a process of eternal contractions and Big Bangs , however - this goes into metaphysics and therefore requires faith - therefore this is not science and cannot be proven or disproven. But since science is based on proof and evidences, this theory cannot be scientific.
Then there are some who believe that the Big Bang was caused by a Perfect, Flawless and Wise Originator. They believe in Him as God, who is Eternal and outside of His creation, He is controlling the affairs of the universe and sustaining it. They believe that this requires faith, but they know that this belief joins all the missing jigsaw pieces to the missing answers for all the questions which have been asked. Some may question who created this God - the response to this is that God is Perfect in every way, He is not like His creation - who are dependant upon others - His Perfection implies His Lordship (one who is Perfect cannot be created since that would imply that they are dependant upon another), and this is why we take Him as a God, and this is why we believe in Him.
What was Man created from?
What was Man created from?
The allegation is as follows:
What was man created from? A blood clot [96:1-2], water [21:30, 24:45, 25:54], "sounding" (i.e. burned) clay [15:26], dust [3:59, 30:20, 35:11], nothing [19:67] and this is then denied in 52:35, earth [11:61], a drop of thickened fluid [16:4, 75:37]
The obvious explanation to this question is that these references describe different aspects or stages in man's creation. This has always been the understanding of such verses.
We will give a brief explanation of each verse, while presenting them in chronological order.
Most of the references refer to two different aspects of creation: Original creation and Embryological development.
Original creation
19:67 Does not man remember that We created him before, and he was nothing?
The phrase and he was nothing is the translation of the arabic wa lam yaku shay. Some confusion may have resulted because Yusuf Ali's translation renders it as out of nothing, which is not very accurate at all. The phrase literally means, and he was nothing.
Hence, this verse states that human beings were nothing, and Allah brought us into existence. This is a tremendous favour bestowed upon us, that we may be thankful to Allah swt.
This is allegedly in contradiction to the following verse:
52:35 Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators?
Ibn Kathir Ad-Damishqi (d.1372CE) has explained this verse as follows in his renowned Tafsir Al-Qur'an Al-Azim:Allah asks them, were they created without a maker or did they create themselves Neither is true. Allah is the One Who created them and brought them into existence after they were nothing.(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Abridged, Darussalam Publishers & Distributors, 2000, vol. 9, p. 297)Hence, this verse is not in contradiction to the previous verse at all, after closer examination. Even if we choose to translate verse 52:35 as "Were they created from nothing..." it would also be correct as Allah swt developed the human being from previously created substances.
20:55 Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again
The original creation of Adam pbuh was from the dust of the earth.
30:20 Among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust; and then,- behold, ye are men scattered (far and wide)!
This dust was then mixed with water to produce what is mentioned in the following verse:
15:26 And indeed, We created man from dried (sounding) clay of altered mud [min hama’in masnoon]
An interesting commentary on these verses has been provided here:
http://harunyahya.com/miracles_of_the_quran_p1_08.php#1
Sheikh Muhammad Mutwalli Ash-Sha`rawi also comments:If we take dust and add water to it, it will be mud. If it is left for some time, it will turn into clay. These are simply the stages of the creation of man. Man thus comes from dust, turned into clay after the addition of water. If we scrutinize this issue, we will find out that man, in his daily life, needs earth and depends on it in so many aspects. It is this earthy soil where we grow the plants upon which we live. Thus, preserving the materials of man depends on the source from which these materials are created.21:30...We made of water every living thing. Will they not then believe?
Scientists have analyzed the human body and found that it is composed of 16 substances including oxygen and manganese. These elements are no more than the elements of the earth?s crust. This experiment was not meant for proving the credibility of the Qur'an; rather, it was solely for scientific research purposes.
In addition, death itself serves as a proof of creation. When we try to demolish a building, we follow the reverse order of building it; we start with the last floor. By the same token, since we have not eye-witnessed the creation of man, then we shall see how death occurs. Actually, we witness several deaths everyday. When man dies, his soul leaves his body, then the decline starts; his body becomes dry (which is similar to the stage of clay) and then decays and turns finally into dust which was his original substance. Life is given to man through the soul that is blown into his body. When the soul departs, man dies and starts his way back to his original form going through the stages of his first creation. Thus, death stands as a living proof for creation (SOURCE)
This verse explains that all living things are composed of water.
Dr. Zakir Naik has commented on the above verse by saying:Only after advances have been made in science, do we now know that cytoplasm, the basic substance of the cell is made up of 80% water. Modern research has also revealed that most organisms consist of 50% to 90% water and that every living entity requires water for its existence. Was it possible 14 centuries ago for any human-being to guess that every living being was made of water? Moreover would such a guess be conceivable by a human being in the deserts of Arabia where there has always been scarcity of water? (SOURCE)The following link also comments on this:
http://www.miraclesofthequran.com/scientific_58.html
Embryological development
16:4 He has created man from a nutfah; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!
Dr. Omar Abdul Rehman has explained this as follow:Nutfah (The drop)
Al-Nutfah in Arabic means a drop or a small part of fluid and Nutfah in general describes a stage where the beginnings of a human being are found in this fluid (Ref: 6A, 12/6; 17/118; 19/120: 13A, 3/436: 15A, 17/116: 1C, 2/121: 7B, 3/116: 4D, 9/235-6: 5D, 6/258: 4A, 30/234: 7A, 4/336: 10A, 13/9: 12A, 4/288). Its real meaning can only be deduced from the text of Qur'an; evidently it is a comprehensive term and includes male and female gametes and part of their natural environments of fluid. It also includes zygote, morula and blastocyst till implantation in the uterus. This is illustrated by the following citation:And concerning the verse:
"was he not a drop or part of germinal fluid (Mani) emitted or programmed" (Surah Al- Qiyama, Ayah 37)
Here "Mani" means male or female germinal fluid (Ref: 1D, 5/276: 5D, 10/348:2D, 6/2497).
The Prophet's Hadith confirms the fact that the offspring is created from part of the germinal fluids.
"Not from all the fluid is the offspring created"
(Sahih. Muslim: Kitab Al-Nekah, Bab Al-Azl)
It is also known that not all parts of the ejaculate are equally potent in the fertilisation process. "In the first portion of the ejaculate are the spermatozoa, epididymal fluids, and the secretions from the Cowper and prostate gland fluids. In the last portions of the ejaculate are the secretions of the seminal vesicles. Most spermatozoa appear in the first part of the ejaculate, which is made primarily of prostatic secretions. Thus spermatozoa in the initial portion of the ejaculate have better motility and survival than those in the later portions, which are chiefly vesicular in origin". (SOURCE)
96:2 Created man, out of a (mere) clot of an Alaqah
Dr. Omar Abdul Rehman states:The 'Alaqah stageThese explanations make it evident that each verse is describing different stages in the creation of man.
"Then (thumm) We made the drop into an 'Alaqah". (Surah Al-Mu 'minun, Ayah 14)
In Arabic the word ‘Alaqah in fact has several meanings;Amazingly each of these terms can be applied to the developing embryo with stunning precision. All of these terms encompassed by the word ‘Alaqah describe the appearance of the embryo as well as its relationship with the womb. From the discussion below it becomes clear that the embryo resembles a primitive multicellular organism which is attached to a host and feeding on its blood.
something which clings or a suspended thing (Ref: 7B, 5/440: 1D, 4/125: 2D, 4/1529: 3D, 343: 4D, 10/267: 5D, 7/20)- a leech-like structure (Ref: 9A, 3/242: 20A, 2/281: 7B, 5/139: 2D, 4/1529: 3D, 343: 4D, 10/267)
a) something which clings
Modern science informs us that once the egg has been fertilised in the Fallopian tube it undergoes successive divisions to form a ball like structure of 12-16 cells by the third day. This structure is called a blastocyst and it reaches the uterus in 4 to 5 days. The blastocyst then lies free in the uterine secretions for a further 2 days. About a week after fertilisation the blastocyst begins to attach and implant into the uterine wall. By the 11th to 12th day it is completely embedded in the uterine wall. At this stage chorionic villosities begin to develop like roots in the soil, these draw nourishment from the uterus necessary for the blastocyst's growth. These formations cover the whole blastocyst and make it literally cling to the uterus. By the end of the second week implantation is complete. Inside the blastocyst the embryo is anchored to the wall of the chorionic cavity by a connecting stalk. Hence, these different ways of clinging and attachment seem to represent the most dominant features from day 7 to 21, and are perfectly described in the Qur'anic description by the word ‘Alaqah. For greater detail see S. Hussain (1986) ‘Al-‘Alaq:the mystery explored, Ark Journal, London, pp. 31-36.
b) a suspended thing
The 3 week old embryo inside the blastocyst which is embedded in the uterine wall is seen to be suspended in the chorionic cavity by means of the connecting stalk and is surrounded by the amniotic cavity and the yolk sac. Therefore, the term ‘Alaqah accurately describes the suspended embryo after it has been implanted.
c) a leech-like structure
The word ‘Alaqah can also be translated as ‘leech like structure'. The leech is a elongated pear shaped creature which thrives on blood sucking. At this stage of development the embryo from top view does bear a resemblance to a leech. This resemblance is even more marked if the 24 day old embryo is seen from the side. It is also interesting to note that the embryo is now dependent on the maternal blood for its nutrition and behaves very much like a leech!. (For greater detail see Moore, KL. ‘A scientists interpretation of references to embryology in the Qur'an.' Journal of the Islamic Medical Association of US and Canada, 1986, 18:15, and Moore, KL. and Azzindani, AMA.: "The Developing Human, Clinically Orientated Embryology, With Islamic Additions". 3rd Ed., Dar Al-Qiblah and WB Saunders).
In conclusion, whichever of the above terms are used to translate the word ‘Alaqah they are all stunningly accurate descriptions of the embryo at this stage in it's development as confirmed by modern science.
There is a gap of a few days between the stages of implantation (Nutfah) and 'Alaqah and this period is clearly explained by the above Ayah:
The word "Thumm" in Arabic is a conjunction indicating a time lag and the Ayah will, therefore, mean that after some time we created the "Nutfah" into 'Alaqah. (SOURCE)
'Before' the Big Bang?
'Before' the Big Bang?
Some people have tried to argue that 'before' this universe, there was already another universe which had contracted (became smaller.) It had become so small that it was in the form of a dense fireball. People say 'before' (with speech marks around the word Before) because Time in this universe began after the Big Bang.
They argue that this was the cause of the Big Bang which formed our universe that we are living in today, and the way this dense fireball became this universe was by expanding itself (the Big Bang occuring.)
They try to use this to argue against those who believe that God caused the Big Bang, and they argue that instead - all matter has always been forever - without a starting. And that these expansions and contractions have been occuring forever to form universes.
We just respond to this that;
Continued...
This is a Christian site, but still, you can check this section out insha Allah:
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/beginning.html#n01
Atheists cannot prove any other universes were before this universe since there is no proof for it;
Definition of Metaphysical:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=define%3A+metaphysical&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a
Metaphysical: Literally, beyond the physical realm, beyond that which we can realize or discover with our five senses. Also, a branch of philosophy which studies the “beingness” or inherent nature of reality.
www.himalayasaltcrystal.com/glossary.htm
Something which we can't discover with out 5 senses is not science. And is therefore something metaphysical.
Some people have tried to argue that 'before' this universe, there was already another universe which had contracted (became smaller.) It had become so small that it was in the form of a dense fireball. People say 'before' (with speech marks around the word Before) because Time in this universe began after the Big Bang.
They argue that this was the cause of the Big Bang which formed our universe that we are living in today, and the way this dense fireball became this universe was by expanding itself (the Big Bang occuring.)
They try to use this to argue against those who believe that God caused the Big Bang, and they argue that instead - all matter has always been forever - without a starting. And that these expansions and contractions have been occuring forever to form universes.
We just respond to this that;
1) There isn't any proof for this, since the 'other' universe is not visible to us - due to the fact that this universe is 'caused' because that one 'contracted' in the first place. Therefore this is simply an opinion, but isn't really backed up with much proof. It's just a hypothesis without any proofs.
2) Even if that is true, even if it is proven somehow. Then this still does not matter since Allah has been creating things forever, since He is Eternal without a beginning.
So He can create what He wills, through whatever way He wills. If this means creating one universe from another, then sure - why not? He creates humans from other humans, so why can't He create a universe from another universe? He has the power and He is the Wise, All Knowing.
Continued...
This is a Christian site, but still, you can check this section out insha Allah:
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/beginning.html#n01
Atheists cannot prove any other universes were before this universe since there is no proof for it;
Although there are atheistic scientists who believe that the universe existed before the Big Bang, I must make it clear that they present no evidence for this belief, since none exists! This kind of belief is metaphysical in nature as indicated in an article from the The Origin-of-Life Foundation, Inc.®:Metaphysical is something which is outside the realms of science, so science can't prove it or disprove it. Most of the time it's to do with things which aren't physical, which require belief."Appeals to multiple or 'parallel' cosmoses or to an infinite number of cosmic 'Big Bang/Crunch' oscillations as essential elements of proposed mechanisms are not acceptable in submissions due to a lack of empirical correlation and testability. Such beliefs are without hard physical evidence and must therefore be considered unfalsifiable, currently outside the methodology of scientific investigation to confirm or disprove, and therefore more mathematically theoretical and metaphysical than scientific in nature. Recent cosmological evidence also suggests insufficient mass for gravity to reverse continuing cosmic expansion. The best cosmological evidence thus far suggests the cosmos is finite rather than infinite in age."1
http://lifeorigin.org/rul_disc.htm
The Origin-of-Life Foundation should not be confused with "creation science"or "intelligent design" groups. It has no religious affiliations of any kind, nor are we connected in any way with any New Age, Gaia, or "Science and Spirit" groups. The Origin-of-Life Foundation, Inc. is a science and education foundation encouraging the pursuit of natural-process explanations and mechanisms within nature.
So this quote is from a non biased source - not pro religious, nor pro atheist.
Definition of Metaphysical:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=define%3A+metaphysical&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a
Metaphysical: Literally, beyond the physical realm, beyond that which we can realize or discover with our five senses. Also, a branch of philosophy which studies the “beingness” or inherent nature of reality.
www.himalayasaltcrystal.com/glossary.htm
Something which we can't discover with out 5 senses is not science. And is therefore something metaphysical.
Monday, 4 February 2008
If Jesus (as) is the Son of God and simultaneously God...
If Jesus (as) is the Son of God and simultaneously God, why would he say, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" Mark 15"34, Matthew 27:46? Not that I believe Jesus (as) said that, but the point is that in the Bible he is referring to another being as "his God" and how can God forsake (renounce or turn away from entirely) himself.
If Jesus (as) is God, why would he say, "Abba, Father! All things are possible for you; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what You will." Luke 22:42, Mark 14:36, Matthew 26:39? Jesus' (as) will was clearly different from that of the One he was praying to in the Garden of Gethsemane, yet he was willing to submit his personal will to that of "the Father". We know that the One God can't have two contrasting wills at the same time.
If Jesus (as) is God, how could he be tempted by "the kingdoms of the world and their glory" if only he "fall down and worship" the devil Matthew 4:8-9? How can God be tempted with the ownership of His creation that He already owns? May Allah forgive me for saying, but how is it possible for God to worship the devil?
http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-poetry/41449-o-christ-worshippers-qasidah-refutes-christianity-ibn-ul-qayyim.html
If Jesus (as) is God, why would he say, "Abba, Father! All things are possible for you; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what You will." Luke 22:42, Mark 14:36, Matthew 26:39? Jesus' (as) will was clearly different from that of the One he was praying to in the Garden of Gethsemane, yet he was willing to submit his personal will to that of "the Father". We know that the One God can't have two contrasting wills at the same time.
If Jesus (as) is God, how could he be tempted by "the kingdoms of the world and their glory" if only he "fall down and worship" the devil Matthew 4:8-9? How can God be tempted with the ownership of His creation that He already owns? May Allah forgive me for saying, but how is it possible for God to worship the devil?
http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-poetry/41449-o-christ-worshippers-qasidah-refutes-christianity-ibn-ul-qayyim.html
Thursday, 31 January 2008
atheists say humans are animals..
atheists say that humans are animals, they have desires, they go for what they want - the only advantage they have is that they are more advanced physically aswell as mentally.
we respond: yes, that's totally true. we are created from a similar makeup to animals, we have desires, and we are similar in many ways - however - the difference is that Allah honors us by giving us guidance for that advanced mind and freedom of choice that He has given to us. Unlike the many animals who are limited to their place of location. We have freedom in many ways, and this should lead us to be thankful to God, and He is willing to give us more.
If we use God's blessings, favours and still reject His guidance that He has sent for us (for our betterment) - then yes, we will remain as animals, wandering blindly without a straight path to follow.
we respond: yes, that's totally true. we are created from a similar makeup to animals, we have desires, and we are similar in many ways - however - the difference is that Allah honors us by giving us guidance for that advanced mind and freedom of choice that He has given to us. Unlike the many animals who are limited to their place of location. We have freedom in many ways, and this should lead us to be thankful to God, and He is willing to give us more.
If we use God's blessings, favours and still reject His guidance that He has sent for us (for our betterment) - then yes, we will remain as animals, wandering blindly without a straight path to follow.
why are humans so much like other animals if they didn't evolve off them?
why are humans so much like other animals if they didn't evolve off them?
humans are created from earth, according to the evolution theory - animals also came and were produced from this earth. we say God allowed it to occur, and it happened by His will & control. He created humans the way He wanted (this is explained in the Qur'an), and since alot of explanation isn't given about how animals were formed - the issue of them evolving over time doesn't contradict Islamic teachings.
why are they and we so similar physically? because they and we were created/produced from similar materials - the earth.
why are their and our behaviours so similar? animals were on the planet before humans, scientific research shows this. humans lived on the planet and they also interacted with the animals during their lifetimes, they learnt survival techniques off these animals, they learnt hunting and many other world techniques by watching what animals do and progressing on that.
They learnt higher morals, rules and even worldly advances through the guidance which Allah sent to the Messengers' to unite the people on where they differed. These Messengers were sent to the people to warn them of the consequences of their actions and that they are responsible for them in the sight of God, especially since they have the choice of doing right and wrong, and have the concept of understanding consequences for their actions. We will return to Him who will inform us of all that we used to do, and none will be dealt with unjustly on that Day.
humans are created from earth, according to the evolution theory - animals also came and were produced from this earth. we say God allowed it to occur, and it happened by His will & control. He created humans the way He wanted (this is explained in the Qur'an), and since alot of explanation isn't given about how animals were formed - the issue of them evolving over time doesn't contradict Islamic teachings.
why are they and we so similar physically? because they and we were created/produced from similar materials - the earth.
why are their and our behaviours so similar? animals were on the planet before humans, scientific research shows this. humans lived on the planet and they also interacted with the animals during their lifetimes, they learnt survival techniques off these animals, they learnt hunting and many other world techniques by watching what animals do and progressing on that.
They learnt higher morals, rules and even worldly advances through the guidance which Allah sent to the Messengers' to unite the people on where they differed. These Messengers were sent to the people to warn them of the consequences of their actions and that they are responsible for them in the sight of God, especially since they have the choice of doing right and wrong, and have the concept of understanding consequences for their actions. We will return to Him who will inform us of all that we used to do, and none will be dealt with unjustly on that Day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)