Does Believing in Science Conflict With Islamic Beliefs?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is studying and believing in science considered a shirk? Does believing that lightning is caused by electrical charges while also believing that everything comes from Allah affect my ‘Aqida?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Studying and believing in science is not considered a shirk (associating a partner with Allah). Science is a tool and means for discovering facts, not a repository of absolute truths. As new information comes to light, scientific content may change. Therefore, it should not be relied upon as a definitive measure of truth. One of the first lessons we learn in even the most basic science courses is that no theory is accepted as absolute truth.
Allah is the Origin of Everything
Allah is described as Al-Awwal (The First) and Al-Akhir (The Last), which means He is the origin of everything but was not Himself created. The Quran supports this:
“He is the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near, and He has full knowledge of everything.” [Quran, 57:3]
The world functions through various means and causes (asbab), but these are merely apparent causes and not independent sources of power. The true source of power behind every cause and effect is the will of Allah. This understanding aligns with the concept of Tawakkul (trust in Allah), where a believer uses available means while recognizing that ultimate success comes from Allah alone.
Please go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, they will provide you with guidance and direction.
Related
- Hadiths at odds with science
- The Islamic Conception of Causality and Scientific Progress
- Am I Sinful to Think That Something Has Happened for …
- Quran Verses and Scientific Findings
- Why Islam is True -40 Short Presentations (Video)
- Why Islam is True Archives (Podcasts)
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum, and progress through each course step by step.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
