TAWADU 1
In Arabic Tawadu means modesty and humility. Humility is the quality or state of being humble. The virtue of tawadu is the opposite of arrogance, pride and haughtiness. Humbleness means not assuming, not pretentious, insignificant, and lowly. We must put all our pride away. We must always thank Allah when we pray. All of us are equal to one another, and no one's better than anyone. What distinguishes us from others is the faith we have which Allah sees, deep inside our hearts. One should try hard to simply be humble and never act too proud. It's always best to be modest and keep our feet on the ground. Because pride will eat us up inside if we're arrogant and loud.
One can sincerely confess, "Everybody else is good but I am bad; everybody else is wheat but I am chaff", and then those of the highest stature in the heavens are kissing him on the head. Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever is humble, God exalts him, and whoever is haughty, God humiliates him." This means that being really great is inversely proportional to behaving as being small. This could be discerned from the lives of Prophets, Sahaba (companions of the Prophet (pbuh), Saints, great scholars, great men and women, Noble laureates.
Humility in the Companions
A Companion sees Caliph ‘Umar (RA- may God be pleased with him), carry water in a pitcher on his shoulder and asks him: ‘What are you about, O Caliph of God’s Messenger?’ Hadrat ‘Umar (RA), who is one of the foremost in nearness to God, answers: ‘some envoys have come from other countries. I have felt some conceit (excessively high opinion of oneself, one's appearance or ability: vanity) in my heart and wanted to suppress (subdue) it.’ ‘Umar (RA) used to carry flour on his back. Once he accused himself while giving sermon from the pulpit and he did not respond to those who criticized him. Like ‘Umar, Abu Hurayra (RA) carried wood for some time while he was the deputy governor of Madina. When he was the chief judge in Madina, Zayd ibn Thabit kissed the hand of Ibn ‘Abbas, and Ibn ‘Abbas, known as the Interpreter of the Qur’an and the Scholar of the Umma, helped Zayd get on his horse. Imam Hasan (RA), the Grandson of the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, sat together with some children who were eating bread crumbs and ate with them. Once Abu Dharr (RA) offended Bilal Habashi (RA) and in order that Bilal might forgive him, put his head on the ground and said: ‘If the blessed feet of Bilal do not tread on this sinful head, it will not rise from the ground.’ All these events and many similar others are instances of humility.
Both God Almighty and His Messenger emphasized humility so much that one who knows of it feels no doubt that servanthood consists in humility. The Qur’anic expression, "the servants of the All-Merciful are they who walk on the earth in modesty, and if the impudent (rude people) offend them, they continue their way saying ‘Peace!’ (25:63). The Qur'an praises humility, and the Divine statements; Allah loves a people who are "humble toward believers" (5:54) and merciful among themselves. Allah (SWT) says, "You find them bowing down and falling prostrate (48:29)". These are expressions of praise for their ingrained humility reflected in their conduct.
Concerning humility, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declares: " God has ordered me that you must be humble and that no one must boast to another. Shall I inform you of one whom Hellfire will not touch? Hellfire will not touch one who is near to God and amiable (agreeable) with people, and mild and easy to get on with. God exalts one who is humble. That one sees himself as small but he is truly great in the sight of people. O God! Make me see myself as small. "
Nabi Kareem (pbuh) lived as the most humble of people.
He stopped at the places where children were, greeted them and played with them.
If someone held him by the hand and wanted to lead him somewhere, he never objected.
He helped his wives with housework.
When people were working, he worked together with them.
He mended his shoes and clothes, milked sheep and fed animals.
He sat at the table with his servant.
He always welcomed the poor warmly.
He looked after widows and orphans.
He visited the ill, followed funerals and answered the call of the slaves in the community.
The beloved servants of God, from Rasoolullah (SAS), to Caliph ‘Umar (RA) and the Umayyad Caliph ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-’Aziz and from him to numerous saints, purified and perfected scholars, and those honored with nearness to God, have held that the sign of greatness in the great men and women is humility and modesty, while the signs of smallness in the small is arrogance and vanity, and they aimed thereby to guide people to the way of becoming perfect men. For those who have realized their nothingness before God Almighty are always balanced in both their religious lives and their relations with people. They have no problems with either the revealed truths of religion or in matters related to human reason. If Qur’anic revelations appear to them as contradictory to human reason or established rational or scientific facts; instead of objecting to them, they try to learn the truth of the matter. Those who have achieved humility are completely convinced of the superiority of the revealed truths. They are certain that it is impossible to be prosperous in the Aakhirah (other world) by following the ways that oppose the Qur’an and the Sunnah. They find the greatest source of power is to become an Abdullah (in servanthood to God). In reality, one who worships God never lowers himself to adore anybody else. Sa'id Nursi Bediuzzaman 1 said: " Do not boast of yourself in a way to see yourself as greater than others. Those who are truly humble do not attribute to themselves the fruits of their work and efforts, nor do they regard as a cause of superiority over others. They give credit to Allah (SWT) for their successes."
In short, just as humility is the portal (entrance) to good conduct or being characterized with the qualities of God (such as generosity, merciful, helpful, forgiving, etc.), it is also the first and foremost means of being near to both the created and the Creator. The time when a believer is nearest to God is when he is prostrate (Sajada) before Him.
Humility of Abu Bakr
Hadrat Abu Bakr (RA) was very humble. When he would see a bird, he would sigh that he were like such a bird. He would often say that he would prefer to be a hair on the body of a Muslim. When he went to perform the 'Hajj', and some people walked in his train (caravan), he asked them not to follow him, but to go their own way. Before becoming the Caliph he used to milk the goats in the neighborhood. After becoming the Caliph when Abu Bakr passed the street, one of the women remarked
"he has become the Caliph and he would no longer milk the goats." Abu Bakr heard these remarks and said that the caliphate made no difference to him, and that he would continue to milk their goats. If any one praised him, he would say, "O Allah, You know me more than myself, and I know myself more than these people who praise me. Make me better than what they think of me, and forgive those sins of mine of which they have no knowledge, and do not hold me responsible for what they say."
Ali’s humility 2
Hadrat Imam Ali (RA) was humble, detested showiness (pretension) and conceit (haughtiness, pride, superiority, vanity, and self-importance). Even as Caliph he used to sweep the floor of his own house, chop wood for fuel, carry water on his shoulders, mend his own shoes, wash his own clothes and milk his goat. Ali's (RA) wife Fatimah (R.Aa) did similar domestic jobs with her own hands, grinding wheat in the hand-mill, baking bread, lighting the oven, washing the dishes and tending to her children.
One day with when he was returning home with a bag of dates from the bazaar, he received many offers from people anxious to carry the bag for him. Hadrat Imam Ali (RA) refused them all, saying, "Whosoever is responsible for looking after his children, has the bigger responsibility of carrying the burden himself." Ali (RA), was often seen walking barefooted and on one occasion when he happened to be riding a horse he was distressed to find people following him on foot. When he asked them what they wanted, he was told that they felt elated by walking in his retinue (entourage, followers). To this Ali (RA) replied, "Go back to your business. By walking behind a rider, you will breed feelings of inferiority in yourselves and infect me with arrogance (conceit)."
On another occasion when Ali (RA) was discussing the essential qualities of a ruler in a sermon, a member of the congregation rose and praised Ali (RA) for his eloquence. Ali (RA) said that his subjects ought not to praise him, for he wanted no flattery, being all too conscious of his own unworthiness. Concluding his sermon he said, "To a person who has been influenced by the superb Majesty of God, everything else appears petty (little, trivial, insignificant) and frivolous (playful). He looks upon all other things as shallow and trivial. The worst ruler is one who is given to pride and arrogance and hears flattering words from others. All praise is due to God. You should not praise me because I herewith declare before God and all of you that are here, that I have many responsibilities, which still lie undischarged. In the face of this how can any one applaud me and consider me praiseworthy? You should not accord me that treatment which is only befitting to tyrants. Neither become afraid of me nor ever hesitate to tell the truth. Do not show any consideration to me if you feel that I am wanting in justice, and never conceal the truth from me. I cannot trust any flatterer (one who praises too much, toady) because he might mislead his tempting talk and me might beguile (entice) me into vainglory (vacuum, vagabond). I pray to God to save me from an erroneous path. We men are all alike and there is no other Master than God."
Sayings of Imam Ali (RA) 3
"Humility is your best friend in Life. If you are humble, your humility shall help you in your difficult time. Anyone who falls into the grip of an unkind person, and then talks to him with humility, his humble talk shall give relief to him. By humility he shall always be respected. Humility is a light in your life. Your life shall be enlightened with humility. People who come across you and find you humble, shall be delighted to meet you. All people will mark your good behaviour and humility, and they will be satisfied with your humble nature. Humility therefore, is the beauty of life. If you are humble, ALL people shall respect you and offer you a better seat and position. If you prefer to take a lower seat, you will be liked by all. Be humble and you will be very much respected by people who love those who are humble. Remember, everyone desires to take the side of the scale that stays downwards (the scale that is heavy). Man is upgraded by his humble nature. You always respect and salute people with your hand and that hand is called ‘THE RIGHTHAND'. The right hand is liked by people. You also eat meals with your right hand. You will be greatly benefited if you will not keep arrogance in your mind. Your life shall be happy, and you can live a long and happy life. If you have peace and happiness in your heart anyone who will come across you will be delighted and happy.
O Momins do not be harsh to anyone in your life and always be humble. Be soft as silk, since silk lasts long. Keep your heart humble and delicate.
O Momins, you have seen how green and tender the grass is. Keep your heart soft, tender, and delicate like the grass. Do not be hard and tough like a big tree in the jungle. When there is a storm, a big and hard tree collapses soon but the tender and delicate grass stays safe and sound. Even the wind and storm cannot harm the tender and delicate grass.
O Momins, be soft hearted; keep your heart tender and soft like butter. You know that pure butter is excellent. When food is cooked with pure butter, it tastes delicious.
Similarly, a delicate heart and mind gives happiness to all. It gives peace and contentment to our body, mind and heart. A narrow-minded person is hard and tough to others. Thus he has lots of enemies.
O Momins, if you will talk politely to others, you will be able to capture the hearts of people. A king can tie the hands and legs of people who live in his country, but he
cannot tie the hearts of the people. Anyone who knows how to speak politely and sweetly will make all people his friends, and is liked by one and all. Thus he gains immense benefits in life. The Almighty ALLAH blesses anyone who speaks politely and humbly. Talk politely with all people and you will please all. Remember there is Almighty ALLAH in the hearts of all. Therefore, if you will please their hearts, the Almighty Allah will shower His Choicest Blessings upon you. Be kind and polite to all and you will experience, that all will become your good friends. In your daily life you always come across your fellow brothers and sisters, so always be humble, polite and soft to them. A merchant who knows how to talk sweetly finds that his trade increases, his business expands and he can do good business. This world is like a bazaar. Speak politely to capture the hearts of people. In the hearts of all people Our Lord, is seated and if you have the desire to meet our Lord you have to be humble, soft and polite with all your fellow brothers and sisters.
O Momins, treat others as the elders. Think yourself as being small. Anyone who understood this high and great principle of LIFE has known the Truth and has expressed the beauty of RELIGION.
THE MODESTY OF GOD’S MESSENGER 4
In social life each man has a window called status through which he looks out to see others and be seen. If the window is built higher than his real stature, he tries, through
vanity and stretches himself up to be seen taller than he really is. If the window is set lower than his real stature, he must bow in humility in order to look out, to see and be seen. Humility is the measure of a man’s greatness; just as vanity or conceit is the measure of low character.
God’s Messenger had a stature as high as to touch the ‘roof of heavens’, so he had no need to be seen. He lowers himself to stay in the world for a while so that people might find the way to God. Since he is the greatest of mankind, he is the greatest in modesty - the greater one is, the more modest he/she is.
Rasoolullah (SAS) never regarded himself as greater than anybody else. No one could distinguish him among his Companions except for his radiant face and attractive personality. He lived as the poorest of them, dressed like them, sat among them and ate with them, as he did with slaves and servants. Once, a woman saw him eating and remarked: ‘He is eating as if he were a slave.’ Rasoolullah (SAS) responded to her, saying: Could there be a better slave than me? I am a slave of God. He was once serving his friends, when a Bedouin came in and shouted: ‘Who is the master of this people?’ The answer of Rasoolullah (SAS) was such, that, besides introducing himself, it also expressed a substantial principle of Islamic leadership and public administration: The master of the people is the one who serves them. In the words of Imam ‘Ali (RA), ‘among people, he was one of them’. When he reached Quba accompanied by Abu Bakr (RA) during Hijra, some people of Madina, who had not seen him before, tried to kiss the hands of Abu Bakr, because outwardly, there was no sign to distinguish the Prophet from Abu Bakr.
In the construction of the Mosque in Madina after the Hijra, he carried two sun-dried bricks while everybody else carried one. In the digging of the ditch around Madina to defend the city in the Battle of the Ditch, the Companions bound a stone around their bellies because of hunger, but God’s Messenger himself bound two, because he was hungrier than anybody else. Once, a man saw him and, due to his awe-inspiring appearance, began to tremble out of fear. Rasoolullah (SAS) calmed him, saying: ‘Brother, don’t be afraid! I am a man, like you, whose mother used to eat dry bread.’ Again, a woman suffering from insanity pulled him by the hand and said: ‘Come with me and do my housework.’ God’s Messenger went with the woman and did the housework. As reported by ‘A’isha (RAa), mother of believers, God’s Messenger patched his clothes, repaired his shoes and helped his wives with the housework.
Although his modesty elevated him to ‘the highest of the high’, he regarded himself as an ordinary servant of God. Once he said: No one can enter Paradise by his deeds. When asked whether he could not either, he answered: I cannot either, but for the Mercy of God. His Companions attempted to do nothing without consulting him or getting his permission or approval. Once, Hadrat ‘Umar came to him and asked his permission to go for (Umra) minor pilgrimage. Rasoolullah (SAS) gave him permission and made this request: Brother, include me in your Du'as (supplications). ‘Umar rejoiced so much at that one day he was to say later: ‘If the worlds had been granted to me that day, I would not have felt the same happiness.’
In addition to the other virtues of the Prophet (SAS), his humility was one of the greatest qualities. As he attained a higher rank each and every day, he increased in humility and servanthood to God. His servanthood is prior to his Messengership, as we mention in the declaration of faith: I bear witness that there is no god but God; I also bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. He preferred being a Prophet-slave to being a Prophet-king (Prophets David (AS) and Solomon (AS)).
God praises his servanthood and mentions him as a servant in several verses of the Qur’an:
When the servant of God stood up in prayer to Him, they (the jinn) were well nigh upon him in swarms (to watch his prayer). (Al-Jinn, 72:19)
"And if you are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down on Our servant, then bring a Surah of the like thereof, and call your witnesses beside God if you are truthful. (Al-Baqara, 2:23)
After the death of Khadija and Abu Talib, Rasoolullah (SAS) became convinced that he could no longer stay in Makkah with any hope of victory or security. Before things became too critical, he went to Ta’if in search of a new base for his faith, but he received there the worst kind of welcome. At a time when he felt himself without support and protection, God manifested His Mercy perfectly and honored him with the Ascension (Meraj), raising him to His Presence. While narrating this incident in the Qur’an, God mentions him, again, as His servant to show that God’s Messenger deserves Ascension through his servanthood:
"Glory be to him, Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the Furthest Mosque, the precincts of which We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (Al-Isra’, 17:1)
Humility is the most important aspect of the servanthood of God’s Messenger, who declared: "Whoever is humble, God exalts him, and whoever is haughty, God abases him."
Hadrat Imam ‘Ali (RA) describes the Prophet (pbuh), " God’s Messenger was the most generous of people in giving out and the mildest and the foremost of them in patience and perseverance. He was the most truthful of people in speech, the most amiable (agreeable) and congenial (friendly, pleasant) in companionship and the noblest of them in family. Whoever sees him first is stricken by awe of him but whoever knows him closely is attracted to him deeply, and whoever attempts to describe him says: ‘I have, either before him or after him, never seen the like of him, upon him be peace and blessings’.
REFERENCES:
1. Fethullah Gulen, Tawadu. On line at www.Islamic-Paths.Org
2. Yousef N. Lalljee. Ali the Magnificent. Published by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Elmhurst, NY 11377-0115, 1981
3. Ibid
4. Modesty of God's Messenger. On line at http://www.thewaytotruth.org/prophetmuhammad/modesty.html
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Sunday, November 9, 2008
NOTES ON THE EDUCATION OF MUSLIM CHILDREN
Foundation of Education
Education is the birth right of every Muslim and Muslimah. Investment in education is the best investment one can make, because it eventually leads to intellectual property. Intellectual property is the intangible property, which no one can steal or destroy. This is the property on which no Government can levy a tax. Hence, the foundation for education should start from childhood. It becomes imperative that the education of children be given the utmost importance as the prime duty to every parent, society, Government and nation.
Islamic Traditions
To the Muslims a child is a trust from Allah (SWT) in the hands of the parents. The heart of a child can be compared to a fine and clean slate without any writing on it. Hence the child could be developed into any type of human being depending on what type of environment he or she is exposed to. If a child is educated in the traditions of goodness including the Noble Qur'an and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAS), he or she will surely follow the truth when grown up and will attain health, happiness, and success both in this world and the hereafter. The reaching of great heights by the child gives the greatest pleasure both to the parents and the teachers. Even the community and the nation share in the child's achievements. On the other hand, lack of proper education destroys the bright future of the child. The blame and responsibility for this unpleasant and sad deed has to be shared both by the parents and the teachers, as well as the community and the nation. Therefore parenting is not any easy task. In some societies people literally spit on the faces of the parents whose children have gone astray. Right from the beginning parents should impart good conduct to their children and discourage them from bad company. Children should be taught to exercise control in self-adornment, extremes of pleasure and comfort.
The care of the child starts from the time of birth. Bottle-feeding should be kept away unless the mother has problems in breast-feeding. The virtues of breast-feeding to the child and the mother have been elaborated elsewhere by the author. The mother's milk not only nourishes the body and immunizes it but also builds up the mind and strengthens the emotional bonds of love and affection.
Teaching Manners
When the child reaches an age enabling him or her to distinguish things, greater care should be taken to teach good manners and respect for others. This is the time to teach table manners particularly Islamic traditions - recitation of Bismillah ("In the name of Allah"), using the right hand to eat, to eat from the plate the items near to him or her, not getting greedy at other's eating, to chew food thoroughly and slowly, avoiding haste, preventing of smearing one's hands on clothes. Mothers should be careful not to inculcate the habit of overeating. Parents should emphasize eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, reducing salt intake, discourage consumption of chocolates, sweets, candies, coffee, tea, soft drinks and encourage drinking of skim milk, fruit juices, low calorie, cholesterol-free, fat-free ice creams, yogurts.
Children must be complimented for moderate eating and for sharing food and toys with other children, so that they can learn sharing and self-sacrificing, as these qualities will lead to success in their married and professional lives. Children should be taught to develop simplicity and humility in their actions and behavior.
Teaching the 3 Rs
Children should attend schools to learn reading, writing and arithmetic, in addition they should be taught the Qur'an, Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAS), Islamic history and stories of the Muslim Heroes and Heroines, so that the values and virtues in these things may take root in their hearts. Apart from sciences and mathematics children must be allowed to read world history, poetry, literature, art, fiction, etc.
Child Discipline
Children should be praised for their good actions and behavior and rewarded but seldom monetarily. This will make the children pleased and encouraged to repeat their good deeds. Whenever children commit mistakes or undesirable acts for the first time, they should be forgiven and their acts or misdeeds should be corrected in a loving and affectionate way without any harshness. Children should not be scolded frequently, particularly in front of their playmates or other adults. Scolding makes them insensitive and they continue the bad acts and may acquire undesirable habits. However the parents should communicate with their children and the father should not only talk to them but also discipline them without any physical harm. The mother should show her love and affection and at the same time remind them of their father's warnings and tell them to keep away from evil things.
During the day time children should be allowed to study and also to play otherwise their intellect will be dulled, and their physical bodies will not be in good shape. At night they must go to bed early. "Early to bed and early to rise make one healthy, wealthy, and wise." Children should not be allowed to do anything in secret, as it may encourage them to bad things and hide them from parents, teachers and friends. Openness, frankness and honesty are great virtues of leadership. At the same time, the children must be taught not to boast to their friends about parents' possessions, their living conditions, and family matters. Children must be taught to respect others and to show gentleness and humility.
Teaching by Action
If parents are wealthy, their children should be exposed to the acts of Zakah, Sadaqah, fitrah charities towards the poor, kith, and kin, and other deserving poor people. If the parents are poor, their children should be taught to live within their means, to strive and work hard for a better life, but never to steal, rob, or cheat others for a living.
Children must be taught to respect parents and elders and to make room for them. Children should not swear in order to speak the truth. Their habit of taking oaths should be avoided. They should be taught good manners of sitting and speaking. They should be encouraged to ask questions, but should not become chatterboxes. They should distinguish the bad habits from good habits. They should avoid the company of those who have bad habits. They should keep away from children who smoke, drink alcohol, abuse drugs, violate morality, and ethics.
Education is the birth right of every Muslim and Muslimah. Investment in education is the best investment one can make, because it eventually leads to intellectual property. Intellectual property is the intangible property, which no one can steal or destroy. This is the property on which no Government can levy a tax. Hence, the foundation for education should start from childhood. It becomes imperative that the education of children be given the utmost importance as the prime duty to every parent, society, Government and nation.
Islamic Traditions
To the Muslims a child is a trust from Allah (SWT) in the hands of the parents. The heart of a child can be compared to a fine and clean slate without any writing on it. Hence the child could be developed into any type of human being depending on what type of environment he or she is exposed to. If a child is educated in the traditions of goodness including the Noble Qur'an and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAS), he or she will surely follow the truth when grown up and will attain health, happiness, and success both in this world and the hereafter. The reaching of great heights by the child gives the greatest pleasure both to the parents and the teachers. Even the community and the nation share in the child's achievements. On the other hand, lack of proper education destroys the bright future of the child. The blame and responsibility for this unpleasant and sad deed has to be shared both by the parents and the teachers, as well as the community and the nation. Therefore parenting is not any easy task. In some societies people literally spit on the faces of the parents whose children have gone astray. Right from the beginning parents should impart good conduct to their children and discourage them from bad company. Children should be taught to exercise control in self-adornment, extremes of pleasure and comfort.
The care of the child starts from the time of birth. Bottle-feeding should be kept away unless the mother has problems in breast-feeding. The virtues of breast-feeding to the child and the mother have been elaborated elsewhere by the author. The mother's milk not only nourishes the body and immunizes it but also builds up the mind and strengthens the emotional bonds of love and affection.
Teaching Manners
When the child reaches an age enabling him or her to distinguish things, greater care should be taken to teach good manners and respect for others. This is the time to teach table manners particularly Islamic traditions - recitation of Bismillah ("In the name of Allah"), using the right hand to eat, to eat from the plate the items near to him or her, not getting greedy at other's eating, to chew food thoroughly and slowly, avoiding haste, preventing of smearing one's hands on clothes. Mothers should be careful not to inculcate the habit of overeating. Parents should emphasize eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, reducing salt intake, discourage consumption of chocolates, sweets, candies, coffee, tea, soft drinks and encourage drinking of skim milk, fruit juices, low calorie, cholesterol-free, fat-free ice creams, yogurts.
Children must be complimented for moderate eating and for sharing food and toys with other children, so that they can learn sharing and self-sacrificing, as these qualities will lead to success in their married and professional lives. Children should be taught to develop simplicity and humility in their actions and behavior.
Teaching the 3 Rs
Children should attend schools to learn reading, writing and arithmetic, in addition they should be taught the Qur'an, Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAS), Islamic history and stories of the Muslim Heroes and Heroines, so that the values and virtues in these things may take root in their hearts. Apart from sciences and mathematics children must be allowed to read world history, poetry, literature, art, fiction, etc.
Child Discipline
Children should be praised for their good actions and behavior and rewarded but seldom monetarily. This will make the children pleased and encouraged to repeat their good deeds. Whenever children commit mistakes or undesirable acts for the first time, they should be forgiven and their acts or misdeeds should be corrected in a loving and affectionate way without any harshness. Children should not be scolded frequently, particularly in front of their playmates or other adults. Scolding makes them insensitive and they continue the bad acts and may acquire undesirable habits. However the parents should communicate with their children and the father should not only talk to them but also discipline them without any physical harm. The mother should show her love and affection and at the same time remind them of their father's warnings and tell them to keep away from evil things.
During the day time children should be allowed to study and also to play otherwise their intellect will be dulled, and their physical bodies will not be in good shape. At night they must go to bed early. "Early to bed and early to rise make one healthy, wealthy, and wise." Children should not be allowed to do anything in secret, as it may encourage them to bad things and hide them from parents, teachers and friends. Openness, frankness and honesty are great virtues of leadership. At the same time, the children must be taught not to boast to their friends about parents' possessions, their living conditions, and family matters. Children must be taught to respect others and to show gentleness and humility.
Teaching by Action
If parents are wealthy, their children should be exposed to the acts of Zakah, Sadaqah, fitrah charities towards the poor, kith, and kin, and other deserving poor people. If the parents are poor, their children should be taught to live within their means, to strive and work hard for a better life, but never to steal, rob, or cheat others for a living.
Children must be taught to respect parents and elders and to make room for them. Children should not swear in order to speak the truth. Their habit of taking oaths should be avoided. They should be taught good manners of sitting and speaking. They should be encouraged to ask questions, but should not become chatterboxes. They should distinguish the bad habits from good habits. They should avoid the company of those who have bad habits. They should keep away from children who smoke, drink alcohol, abuse drugs, violate morality, and ethics.
Benefits OF BREAST FEEDING
The Muslims read the following verse in the Qur'an with regard to breast-feeding the infants:
And mothers suckle their children full two years; it is for one who wants to complete the (period of) suckling. And on him, to whom the child is born, falls the provision of food and clothing for them (the mothers) with fairness. Nobody is obligated beyond his capacity. No mother shall be made to suffer on account of her child, nor a man to whom the child is born, on account of his child. And on the heir it falls likewise. Now, if they want to wean, with mutual consent, and consultation, there is no sin on them. And if you want to get your children suckled (by a wet-nurse), there is no sin on you when you pay off what you are to give, as recognized. And fear Allah and be sure that Allah is watchful of what you do. …..The Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara, 2: Verse 233)
There is a dramatic decline in breast-feeding in the United States and European countries, which are all Industrialized countries. It is disheartening to note the abandonment of breast-feeding in developing countries, such as India and others in Asia, Africa, and South America. This is particularly true in tire urban and periurban areas. In both Europe and United States, the shift from breast milk to artificial means of infant feeding was both recent (since 1930*s) and rapid. Bottle-feeding has many disadvantages for the child, mother, society, and the nation. The liberated women think bottle feeding is natural and normal, and that breast-feeding is old-fashioned, animal-like, primitive, and obsolete. They treat breast-feeding as a sign of backwardness, low social status, ignorance and poverty. On the contrary, none of these is true. They are being exploited by self-interested, profit making commercial enterprises, which manufacture bottles, nipples, baby foods, milk powder, formulas, pacifiers, etc.
Breast-feeding is a very natural and normal way designed by God.
BENEFITS TO THE CHILD
Breast fed babies not only grow healthy with mental and physical development, but their chances of survival is substantially higher compared to the bottle fed babies. In a study conducted in the Khanna district of the rural Punjab, it was found that 19 of the 20 infants (95%) who were artificially fed from birth, died before reaching age one. But only 12 percent of the breast-fed infants died before reaching age one.
Human milk is the best food for the human infants. An analysis of human milk shows it consists of more than 100 separate constituents of which few of them are available to the bottle fed infant. Human milk is easily assimilated by the infant with quick emptying of the stomach with almost 100% protein utilization. Lactose (primary sugar) helps in the absorption of calcium, increases protein efficiency, and creates an acid medium in the child's intestines. The growth of putrefactive bacteria is inhibited by the presence of pure culture of Lactobacillus bifidus in the baby's intestines. This prevents diarrhea too! A mother can breast feed her baby even under unhygienic conditions without fear of Infection due to the presence of lysozomes. Fewer Infections, absence of food allergy, and many immunological benefits are derived from breast milk. One study showed that the bottle-fed children had a higher incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory, middle-ear diseases (chronic ear infection-), anemia, allergic and autoimmune diseases compared to the traditionally breast fed youngsters.
As the infant grows, his increasing need for milk is met by stronger sucking which in turn stimulates more milk production. Sucking in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth causes the breasts to secrete colostrums. Colostrum is the name given to the first milk secreted by the breast; it is much richer and creamier than the milk that soon follows. This first milk has been reported as being valuable to the infant's health, for cells present in colostrum have been known to ingest and destroy bacteria. It has also been reported that no formula can duplicate the gradual changes that occur in the colostrum and milk following childbirth. Colostrum contains natural antibodies against measles, polio, mumps, and a host of other diseases. Colostrum acts on bacteria (E. Coil) that are notorious for causing infant diarrhea the first month of life and may cause infantile meningitis, and offers the baby protection against respiratory infections, such as flu and pneumonia. Breast milk protects a child from obesity, staph and other infections. Cow's milk causes allergy in some children. It may manifest itself by mild wheezing (asthma), eczema or persistent colds. Breast fed babies have less diaper rash and require less care.
God has designed baby's facial structures, such as flat nose, sucking pads in the cheeks, in such a way, as is best fit for breast-feeding. The ridged edge of the gums helps the baby to grasp and to hold on to the nipple while sucking. In Western countries, a dentist will point out the frequent problems of bottle fed babies, such as lip and finger sucking, tongue-thrusting, tooth decay, bite deformities, incorrect swallowing and mouth breathing. The tongue and jaw muscles of a breast fed baby show better muscular development, as he has to suck harder with his lips, tongue, and Jaw muscles.
The breast is nature's pacifier for the baby. It calms the Infant. The baby finds security and warmth at his mother's breast.
BENEFITS TO THE MOTHER
The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute in United States, report that cancer of the breast is more apt to develop in those breasts that do not give milk (among Nuns, unmarried women, married women with no children, mothers who bottle-fed) and scientific studies confirm the fact that long-term breast-feeding lowers the breast cancer risk.
If the infant is allowed to suck immediately after birth, the sucking causes a strong uterine contraction, which helps to expel the placenta, and also prevents post-partum (after birth) hemorrhage. With continued nursing, the uterus involutes rapidly without shots and pills. Many times a third-degree prolapse of the uterus after the birth of a child virtually disappears without surgical correction in cases of breast-feeding mothers. Breast-feeding may help restore the sagging sinews and muscles to original condition.
It has been well established that breast-feeding has a contraceptive effect by delaying the return of ovulation. The underlying mechanism is believed to operate through an ovulation effect of prolactin and other hormones secreted in response to the infant's suckling. The high levels of prolactin in the mother's body stimulate the ovaries to maintain a high progesterone level. As a result of this, the return of menstruation 1s delayed anywhere from eight to eighteen months. This is good for the mother as her body's iron is conserved. A lengthy absence from menstrual periods following childbirth 1s called lactation amenorrhea. Not having periods during pregnancy is termed pregnancy amenorrhea. Many mothers have relied successfully on breast-feeding during amenorrhea as a method of natural child spacing, and some mothers have experienced some infertile cycles after the return of menses. However, some nursing mothers have conceived without a return of menses. Present research seems to indicate that the risk of pregnancy during lactation amenorrhea (prior to the first menses after childbirth) is about 6 percent. Thus, lactation amenorrhea is a health asset to the mother in her childbearing years. Breast-feeding eliminates the need for drugs and prevents breast cancer.
Nursing provides brief rests during the day and gives relaxation for a mother who tends to be tense and nervous or gives a break for a busy mother. Bottle feeding mothers don't have prolactin, a "mothering" (Mamta in Hindi/Urdu) hormone, whereas prolactin in a nursing mother produces the mood and a feeling of a good mother. The personal satisfaction that a woman can experience only through breast feeding, the total giving of herself to her baby, and a deep feeling of pride in her motherly accomplishments cannot be found in bottle feeding mothers. A nursing mother learns that true fulfillment comes in the giving and not the taking.
Breast-feeding saves time of the mother. She need not spend the time in the kitchen preparing bottles, nipples, and formula, or spend the time in cleaning up afterwards. Nighttime feedings are no bother when mothers generally nurse in bed and fall asleep while doing so. This also doesn't disturb the sleep of other members of the family. Breast feeding not only helps satisfy the baby's nutritional and emotional needs, but satisfies the emotional needs of the mother — not only in that it is restful for her, but she derives satisfaction in doing what is best for her baby and from having a contented and quiet baby as a result. Baby and mother thrive on each other. More and more emphasis is being placed on the importance of skin-to-skin contact between parent and child. Physical contact generates warm feelings of being loved and appreciated. The baby feels secure in the mother's arms or bosom. With breast-feeding, the child is guaranteed frequent contact with his mother. The child needs to receive much skin stimulation from his mother (nursing a baby, rubbing a child's back. or rocking a child to sloop) In order to survive physically and emotionally. Breast-feeding is a very satisfying and enjoyable experience for the nursing mother. It gives a mother a feeling of satisfaction, security, and trust in herself, which she needs in the future care of her child. Ashley Montague in his book, Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin, says, "tactile failure in infancy results only too often in estrangement, uninvolvement, lack of identity, detachment, emotional shallowness and Indifference -- all marks of the schizoid or schizophrenic personality."
For a traveling mother, nothing can match the conveniences of breast-feeding without the problems of baby stops warming the bottle, or running short of formula.
BENEFITS TO THE FAMILY, SOCIETY AND NATION
Breast-feeding saves money for the family. Money not spent on bottles, nipples, brushes, sterilizer, formula, juice, foods, food and bottle warmers, and the gas, electricity or fuel wood required in the preparation, is money saved for the family. In the years to come, less money will be spent on doctor's fees, hospital fees, and probably fewer drugs and fewer dental bills. Except the tender loving rare, breast-feeding costs nothing. In case of bottle fed babies, the artificial foods and juices stain baby's and mother's clothes and require frequent washing and dry-cleaning.
When all infants are breast fed, then the society will have mentally and physically healthy and active children. When these children grow the nation will be proud of its great leaders and admirable citizens. Such a nation will be strong in character and a model nation to emulate.
Breast-feeding never pollutes a country's air or water, nor does it detract from the environment. With bottle-feeding, our environment will be polluted with broken or unbroken bottles, bottle liners, nipples, pacifiers, baby jars, cereal boxes, sterilizers, formula, and powder milk cans, bottle brushes, so on and so forth. With natural breast-feeding, there will be a decrease in the usage of sanitary napkins because mothers would be averaging one year or more without menstruating after childbirth.
It was mentioned earlier that prolonged lactation protects against pregnancy mainly by delaying the "return of ovulation. The problem of population growth is a very serious and urgent, problem of developing countries. If unchecked or uncontrolled, it will be detrimental to the country. The abandonment of breast-feeding among the urban people in the developing countries will have a significant demographic impact resulting in increased birth rates because the practice of birth control is not universal. It is recognized that although lactation is not highly reliable as a contraceptive for individual women, it can have a large effect at the societal level, especially where the practice of birth control is not widespread. The developing countries should give more attention to the role of breast-feeding in decreasing the birth rate as a natural child spacer. A slogan like "Breast-fed is Best-fed" should be popularized.
CONCLUSIONS:
In the foregoing it was shown that breast-feeding humanizes a child whereas bottle-feeding tends to mechanize him. The advantages of breast-feeding are promotion of infant survival; breast milk is nutritionally ideal at least for the first six months, provides some immunity from disease and is clean. Breast feeding benefits include mental and physical development of the infant and economic advantages for the parents.
Natural mothering is not going to cure all of the problems of the world, but it does have some far-reaching effects. At the family level, it contributes to the physical and emotional health of both mother and baby. At the larger community level, it results in less pollution in a number of ways, and, at the level of both the individual family and the nation, it provides a natural form of birth regulation. With all these benefits for natural mothering, it would seem more than appropriate that it would be encouraged at every level.
And mothers suckle their children full two years; it is for one who wants to complete the (period of) suckling. And on him, to whom the child is born, falls the provision of food and clothing for them (the mothers) with fairness. Nobody is obligated beyond his capacity. No mother shall be made to suffer on account of her child, nor a man to whom the child is born, on account of his child. And on the heir it falls likewise. Now, if they want to wean, with mutual consent, and consultation, there is no sin on them. And if you want to get your children suckled (by a wet-nurse), there is no sin on you when you pay off what you are to give, as recognized. And fear Allah and be sure that Allah is watchful of what you do. …..The Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara, 2: Verse 233)
There is a dramatic decline in breast-feeding in the United States and European countries, which are all Industrialized countries. It is disheartening to note the abandonment of breast-feeding in developing countries, such as India and others in Asia, Africa, and South America. This is particularly true in tire urban and periurban areas. In both Europe and United States, the shift from breast milk to artificial means of infant feeding was both recent (since 1930*s) and rapid. Bottle-feeding has many disadvantages for the child, mother, society, and the nation. The liberated women think bottle feeding is natural and normal, and that breast-feeding is old-fashioned, animal-like, primitive, and obsolete. They treat breast-feeding as a sign of backwardness, low social status, ignorance and poverty. On the contrary, none of these is true. They are being exploited by self-interested, profit making commercial enterprises, which manufacture bottles, nipples, baby foods, milk powder, formulas, pacifiers, etc.
Breast-feeding is a very natural and normal way designed by God.
BENEFITS TO THE CHILD
Breast fed babies not only grow healthy with mental and physical development, but their chances of survival is substantially higher compared to the bottle fed babies. In a study conducted in the Khanna district of the rural Punjab, it was found that 19 of the 20 infants (95%) who were artificially fed from birth, died before reaching age one. But only 12 percent of the breast-fed infants died before reaching age one.
Human milk is the best food for the human infants. An analysis of human milk shows it consists of more than 100 separate constituents of which few of them are available to the bottle fed infant. Human milk is easily assimilated by the infant with quick emptying of the stomach with almost 100% protein utilization. Lactose (primary sugar) helps in the absorption of calcium, increases protein efficiency, and creates an acid medium in the child's intestines. The growth of putrefactive bacteria is inhibited by the presence of pure culture of Lactobacillus bifidus in the baby's intestines. This prevents diarrhea too! A mother can breast feed her baby even under unhygienic conditions without fear of Infection due to the presence of lysozomes. Fewer Infections, absence of food allergy, and many immunological benefits are derived from breast milk. One study showed that the bottle-fed children had a higher incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory, middle-ear diseases (chronic ear infection-), anemia, allergic and autoimmune diseases compared to the traditionally breast fed youngsters.
As the infant grows, his increasing need for milk is met by stronger sucking which in turn stimulates more milk production. Sucking in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth causes the breasts to secrete colostrums. Colostrum is the name given to the first milk secreted by the breast; it is much richer and creamier than the milk that soon follows. This first milk has been reported as being valuable to the infant's health, for cells present in colostrum have been known to ingest and destroy bacteria. It has also been reported that no formula can duplicate the gradual changes that occur in the colostrum and milk following childbirth. Colostrum contains natural antibodies against measles, polio, mumps, and a host of other diseases. Colostrum acts on bacteria (E. Coil) that are notorious for causing infant diarrhea the first month of life and may cause infantile meningitis, and offers the baby protection against respiratory infections, such as flu and pneumonia. Breast milk protects a child from obesity, staph and other infections. Cow's milk causes allergy in some children. It may manifest itself by mild wheezing (asthma), eczema or persistent colds. Breast fed babies have less diaper rash and require less care.
God has designed baby's facial structures, such as flat nose, sucking pads in the cheeks, in such a way, as is best fit for breast-feeding. The ridged edge of the gums helps the baby to grasp and to hold on to the nipple while sucking. In Western countries, a dentist will point out the frequent problems of bottle fed babies, such as lip and finger sucking, tongue-thrusting, tooth decay, bite deformities, incorrect swallowing and mouth breathing. The tongue and jaw muscles of a breast fed baby show better muscular development, as he has to suck harder with his lips, tongue, and Jaw muscles.
The breast is nature's pacifier for the baby. It calms the Infant. The baby finds security and warmth at his mother's breast.
BENEFITS TO THE MOTHER
The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute in United States, report that cancer of the breast is more apt to develop in those breasts that do not give milk (among Nuns, unmarried women, married women with no children, mothers who bottle-fed) and scientific studies confirm the fact that long-term breast-feeding lowers the breast cancer risk.
If the infant is allowed to suck immediately after birth, the sucking causes a strong uterine contraction, which helps to expel the placenta, and also prevents post-partum (after birth) hemorrhage. With continued nursing, the uterus involutes rapidly without shots and pills. Many times a third-degree prolapse of the uterus after the birth of a child virtually disappears without surgical correction in cases of breast-feeding mothers. Breast-feeding may help restore the sagging sinews and muscles to original condition.
It has been well established that breast-feeding has a contraceptive effect by delaying the return of ovulation. The underlying mechanism is believed to operate through an ovulation effect of prolactin and other hormones secreted in response to the infant's suckling. The high levels of prolactin in the mother's body stimulate the ovaries to maintain a high progesterone level. As a result of this, the return of menstruation 1s delayed anywhere from eight to eighteen months. This is good for the mother as her body's iron is conserved. A lengthy absence from menstrual periods following childbirth 1s called lactation amenorrhea. Not having periods during pregnancy is termed pregnancy amenorrhea. Many mothers have relied successfully on breast-feeding during amenorrhea as a method of natural child spacing, and some mothers have experienced some infertile cycles after the return of menses. However, some nursing mothers have conceived without a return of menses. Present research seems to indicate that the risk of pregnancy during lactation amenorrhea (prior to the first menses after childbirth) is about 6 percent. Thus, lactation amenorrhea is a health asset to the mother in her childbearing years. Breast-feeding eliminates the need for drugs and prevents breast cancer.
Nursing provides brief rests during the day and gives relaxation for a mother who tends to be tense and nervous or gives a break for a busy mother. Bottle feeding mothers don't have prolactin, a "mothering" (Mamta in Hindi/Urdu) hormone, whereas prolactin in a nursing mother produces the mood and a feeling of a good mother. The personal satisfaction that a woman can experience only through breast feeding, the total giving of herself to her baby, and a deep feeling of pride in her motherly accomplishments cannot be found in bottle feeding mothers. A nursing mother learns that true fulfillment comes in the giving and not the taking.
Breast-feeding saves time of the mother. She need not spend the time in the kitchen preparing bottles, nipples, and formula, or spend the time in cleaning up afterwards. Nighttime feedings are no bother when mothers generally nurse in bed and fall asleep while doing so. This also doesn't disturb the sleep of other members of the family. Breast feeding not only helps satisfy the baby's nutritional and emotional needs, but satisfies the emotional needs of the mother — not only in that it is restful for her, but she derives satisfaction in doing what is best for her baby and from having a contented and quiet baby as a result. Baby and mother thrive on each other. More and more emphasis is being placed on the importance of skin-to-skin contact between parent and child. Physical contact generates warm feelings of being loved and appreciated. The baby feels secure in the mother's arms or bosom. With breast-feeding, the child is guaranteed frequent contact with his mother. The child needs to receive much skin stimulation from his mother (nursing a baby, rubbing a child's back. or rocking a child to sloop) In order to survive physically and emotionally. Breast-feeding is a very satisfying and enjoyable experience for the nursing mother. It gives a mother a feeling of satisfaction, security, and trust in herself, which she needs in the future care of her child. Ashley Montague in his book, Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin, says, "tactile failure in infancy results only too often in estrangement, uninvolvement, lack of identity, detachment, emotional shallowness and Indifference -- all marks of the schizoid or schizophrenic personality."
For a traveling mother, nothing can match the conveniences of breast-feeding without the problems of baby stops warming the bottle, or running short of formula.
BENEFITS TO THE FAMILY, SOCIETY AND NATION
Breast-feeding saves money for the family. Money not spent on bottles, nipples, brushes, sterilizer, formula, juice, foods, food and bottle warmers, and the gas, electricity or fuel wood required in the preparation, is money saved for the family. In the years to come, less money will be spent on doctor's fees, hospital fees, and probably fewer drugs and fewer dental bills. Except the tender loving rare, breast-feeding costs nothing. In case of bottle fed babies, the artificial foods and juices stain baby's and mother's clothes and require frequent washing and dry-cleaning.
When all infants are breast fed, then the society will have mentally and physically healthy and active children. When these children grow the nation will be proud of its great leaders and admirable citizens. Such a nation will be strong in character and a model nation to emulate.
Breast-feeding never pollutes a country's air or water, nor does it detract from the environment. With bottle-feeding, our environment will be polluted with broken or unbroken bottles, bottle liners, nipples, pacifiers, baby jars, cereal boxes, sterilizers, formula, and powder milk cans, bottle brushes, so on and so forth. With natural breast-feeding, there will be a decrease in the usage of sanitary napkins because mothers would be averaging one year or more without menstruating after childbirth.
It was mentioned earlier that prolonged lactation protects against pregnancy mainly by delaying the "return of ovulation. The problem of population growth is a very serious and urgent, problem of developing countries. If unchecked or uncontrolled, it will be detrimental to the country. The abandonment of breast-feeding among the urban people in the developing countries will have a significant demographic impact resulting in increased birth rates because the practice of birth control is not universal. It is recognized that although lactation is not highly reliable as a contraceptive for individual women, it can have a large effect at the societal level, especially where the practice of birth control is not widespread. The developing countries should give more attention to the role of breast-feeding in decreasing the birth rate as a natural child spacer. A slogan like "Breast-fed is Best-fed" should be popularized.
CONCLUSIONS:
In the foregoing it was shown that breast-feeding humanizes a child whereas bottle-feeding tends to mechanize him. The advantages of breast-feeding are promotion of infant survival; breast milk is nutritionally ideal at least for the first six months, provides some immunity from disease and is clean. Breast feeding benefits include mental and physical development of the infant and economic advantages for the parents.
Natural mothering is not going to cure all of the problems of the world, but it does have some far-reaching effects. At the family level, it contributes to the physical and emotional health of both mother and baby. At the larger community level, it results in less pollution in a number of ways, and, at the level of both the individual family and the nation, it provides a natural form of birth regulation. With all these benefits for natural mothering, it would seem more than appropriate that it would be encouraged at every level.
ISLAMIC SCIENCE: PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE
INTRODUCTION
The rise of the Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on Islam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAS), which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in 610 CE reads:
Read: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot Read: And thy Lord is the Most Generous
Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not…. Surah AL ALAQ, 96: 1-5
And they shall say had we but listened or used reason
We would not be among the inmates of the burning fire.
Surah AL MULK, 61: 10
Are those who have knowledge
And those who have no knowledge alike?
Only the men of understanding are mindful.
Surah AL ZUMAR, 39: 9
And the Qur'an exhorts the Muslims to do scientific research:
And whoso bringeth the truth and believeth therein such are the dutiful.
Surah Al ZUMAR, 39: 33
Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:
MY LORD! ENRICH ME WITH KNOWLEDGE... Surah TA HA, 20: 114
The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense observation are made obligatory on every Muslim, man and woman.
The following traditions of the Prophet (SAS-Sallallaaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:
(1) Seek knowledge "even though it be In China."
(2) "The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female."(2)
(2) "The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr.
(3) "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."
(4) "God has revealed to me 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.' Increase in knowledge is even superior to increase in worship."
(5) "The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge."
(6) "Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."
(7) Some one asked the Prophet (SAS): "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge."
(8) "Seek for knowledge and wisdom, for whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser."
(9) "Thinking deep for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship."
(10) "Worship, without knowledge, has no goodness in it and knowledge without understanding has no goodness in it. And the recitation of the Qur'an, which is not thoughtful has no goodness in it."
(11) "To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises."
(12) "Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies."
PAST
The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced and civilized nation in the world. This is because Islam stressed the Importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, developed in Muslims the respect for authority and discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah drove many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine. The Muslims recognized excellence and, hungering intellectually, were avid for the wisdom of the world of Galen, Hippocrates, and Rufus of Ephesus, Oribasius, Dioscorides and Paul of Aegina. By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasm for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity. For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best-known facets of Islamic civilization, and in which the Muslims most excelled (2). The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research (3). Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science ever written came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 CE) the first university in the world. They hit the source ball of knowledge over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell (4) "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forebearers of the Europeans. "
In 700 CE a movement of Muslim scientists and scholars, known as Mutazillites, who believed that both the mysteries of nature and the religious belief could be explained and expressed in terms of human reason, provoked the emergence of a counter-movement called the Asharites who emerged in 900 CE. They contested the over-zealous use of reason and condemned bidah or innovation in religious belief. In the end the Asharites won but gave rise to taqlid - the tyrannical attitude to passive acceptance. When taqlid was accepted as the dominant paradigm, Islamic science and technology truly became a matter of history and the practice of Islamic science and technology disappeared.
PRESENT
The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAS) was "Iqra" (read). Ironically 70 to 80 per cent of the Muslim Ummah who constitute over one billion Muslims (the largest followers of a religion in the world) cannot read. For several hundred years, Islamic countries were colonial countries ruled by foreigners. The Muslim masses were without education and without natural resources and lacked inspiring and guiding leaders. Without these they could not struggle and could not compete and keep pace with the rest of the world, which has been developing fast. Awakening from its slumber, the Ummah is today confronted with formidable problems on all fronts. It's economic, social and political problems, which are overpowering by any standard are "iceberg tops" of its deeper-lying malaise on the intellectual and moral level (5). All or most of the Muslim countries are blindly following the western science and technology without any modification or change. This will again result in injury to the Islamic personality and culture at all levels and also it will destroy the physical environment. Muslim scientists and technologists who are in pursuit of building a new Islamic civilization must understand and solve the Ummah's problems. They must understand them correctly and analyze them critically. They must assess with precision how their solutions will affect the life of the Ummah. There is no cooperation and unity among the Islamic nations. There is always in fighting and inter-national fighting. Differences between ideologies, nationalism, economic status, etc., should be overcome.
There are international organizations such as the United Nations Organization and its several branches (FAO, UNESCO, IAEA, IITP, etc.), World Health Organization, and others. But their help in solving the problems of the Muslim Ummah is miniscule. Therefore the Muslims should solve their own problems. Muslim countries should tap the talents of Muslim scientists working in the Americas and Europe on matters concerning research, manpower utilization, material resources, motivating young scientists, sharing of intellectual wealth, etc.
FUTURE
There is nothing in the teachings of Islam that contends against learning, against science, and against technology. The pursuit of knowledge and scientific research is the birthright of every Muslim woman and every Muslim man.
The rediscovery of Islamic science and technology in the 21st century is an intellectually formidable task requiring a sustained effort over several decades. The first step to be taken for scientific rebirth is ijtihad, to exert the utmost effort, to struggle; to do one's best to know something. Ijtihad, after the Qur'an and Prophetic traditions, is the third source of Islamic law.
Muslim countries should unitedly aim at applying science and technology in the building of a new Islamic civilization. This will prevent the imbalance, disharmony and disintegration in almost every field of human endeavor such as social, economic, cultural, political or any other. This goal can be achieved by simultaneously implementing the following:
1. The Islamization of Muslim scientists and technologists who are trained by western science and technology.
The training of young Muslims in Islamic science and technology.
Currently the problem in the Muslim countries is that the Ulema do not have any knowledge of modern science and technology and the Muslim ' scientists and technologists do not have mastery of Islamic sources of knowledge. As we know the Ulema exert the greatest influence on the Muslim masses. It appears that it is easier and practical to train Muslim scientists and technologists trained in western education in Islamic sources of knowledge instead of training our Ulema in science and technology.
To train our younger generation into Islamic science and technology there is a need to develop a new curricula incorporating Islamic values in science and technology and also writing of textbooks in science and technology at all levels of education: primary, secondary, and higher education.
Muslim countries have established organizations to meet their religious, political, economic and social needs such as the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference), Arab League, Muslim World Bank, Muslim World League, World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), etc. But to my knowledge, no organization or institution has been established to meet the scientific and technological needs. Therefore there is an urgent need to establish the following:
Islamic Academy of Sciences.
Think-Tank institutions to solve scientific and technological problems of the Muslim countries
Islamic Foundations to award grants.
Recognition of Muslim scientists.
Establishment of Alternatives to Nobel Prizes, such as King Faizal Awards.
Prizes for work done or accomplishments of Muslim scientists and technologists.
Islamic Atomic Energy Agency where Muslim scientists and engineers from Muslim countries can be trained in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Exchange of Muslim scholars in the sciences and engineering.
Holding of Annual Meetings at the national and international level.
Fortunately, Allah (SWT) has given a bounty to many Islamic countries, an income over 100 billion dollars per year. Hence, Islamic countries have the opportunity and resources to make Islamic sciences and technology NUMBER ONE in the world, once again. Let us ignite the spark of our great achievements to be materialized in the near future. Let the Muslim scientists and engineers in the western world contribute to the health, welfare and prosperity of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the Islamic countries by contributing our brilliance. Insha'Allah, the First World Conference on Science, Technology and the Islamic Civilization will offer the opportunity to tap the cream of Islamic intelligentsia.
REFERENCES
1. Syed, I.B.: "Islamic Medicine-1,000 Years Ahead of its Times". Journal of Islamic Medical Association (USA), 13(1): 6-13, 1981.
2. Nasr, S.H.: "Science and Civilization in Islam." New American Library, Inc., New York, 1968, pp. 184-229.
3. Salam, A.: IAEA Bulletin, 22(2), 81-83, and 1980
4. Campbell, D.: "Arabian Medicine", Vol. I, Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. Ltd., London, 1926.
5. Faruqi, I.R.: " Islamization of Knowledge: General Principles and Workplan." International Institute of Islamic Thought, Washington, D.C., pp. 43-48, 1982.
The rise of the Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on Islam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAS), which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in 610 CE reads:
Read: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot Read: And thy Lord is the Most Generous
Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not…. Surah AL ALAQ, 96: 1-5
And they shall say had we but listened or used reason
We would not be among the inmates of the burning fire.
Surah AL MULK, 61: 10
Are those who have knowledge
And those who have no knowledge alike?
Only the men of understanding are mindful.
Surah AL ZUMAR, 39: 9
And the Qur'an exhorts the Muslims to do scientific research:
And whoso bringeth the truth and believeth therein such are the dutiful.
Surah Al ZUMAR, 39: 33
Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:
MY LORD! ENRICH ME WITH KNOWLEDGE... Surah TA HA, 20: 114
The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense observation are made obligatory on every Muslim, man and woman.
The following traditions of the Prophet (SAS-Sallallaaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:
(1) Seek knowledge "even though it be In China."
(2) "The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female."(2)
(2) "The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr.
(3) "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."
(4) "God has revealed to me 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.' Increase in knowledge is even superior to increase in worship."
(5) "The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge."
(6) "Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."
(7) Some one asked the Prophet (SAS): "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge."
(8) "Seek for knowledge and wisdom, for whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser."
(9) "Thinking deep for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship."
(10) "Worship, without knowledge, has no goodness in it and knowledge without understanding has no goodness in it. And the recitation of the Qur'an, which is not thoughtful has no goodness in it."
(11) "To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises."
(12) "Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies."
PAST
The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced and civilized nation in the world. This is because Islam stressed the Importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, developed in Muslims the respect for authority and discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah drove many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine. The Muslims recognized excellence and, hungering intellectually, were avid for the wisdom of the world of Galen, Hippocrates, and Rufus of Ephesus, Oribasius, Dioscorides and Paul of Aegina. By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasm for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity. For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best-known facets of Islamic civilization, and in which the Muslims most excelled (2). The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research (3). Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science ever written came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 CE) the first university in the world. They hit the source ball of knowledge over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell (4) "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forebearers of the Europeans. "
In 700 CE a movement of Muslim scientists and scholars, known as Mutazillites, who believed that both the mysteries of nature and the religious belief could be explained and expressed in terms of human reason, provoked the emergence of a counter-movement called the Asharites who emerged in 900 CE. They contested the over-zealous use of reason and condemned bidah or innovation in religious belief. In the end the Asharites won but gave rise to taqlid - the tyrannical attitude to passive acceptance. When taqlid was accepted as the dominant paradigm, Islamic science and technology truly became a matter of history and the practice of Islamic science and technology disappeared.
PRESENT
The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAS) was "Iqra" (read). Ironically 70 to 80 per cent of the Muslim Ummah who constitute over one billion Muslims (the largest followers of a religion in the world) cannot read. For several hundred years, Islamic countries were colonial countries ruled by foreigners. The Muslim masses were without education and without natural resources and lacked inspiring and guiding leaders. Without these they could not struggle and could not compete and keep pace with the rest of the world, which has been developing fast. Awakening from its slumber, the Ummah is today confronted with formidable problems on all fronts. It's economic, social and political problems, which are overpowering by any standard are "iceberg tops" of its deeper-lying malaise on the intellectual and moral level (5). All or most of the Muslim countries are blindly following the western science and technology without any modification or change. This will again result in injury to the Islamic personality and culture at all levels and also it will destroy the physical environment. Muslim scientists and technologists who are in pursuit of building a new Islamic civilization must understand and solve the Ummah's problems. They must understand them correctly and analyze them critically. They must assess with precision how their solutions will affect the life of the Ummah. There is no cooperation and unity among the Islamic nations. There is always in fighting and inter-national fighting. Differences between ideologies, nationalism, economic status, etc., should be overcome.
There are international organizations such as the United Nations Organization and its several branches (FAO, UNESCO, IAEA, IITP, etc.), World Health Organization, and others. But their help in solving the problems of the Muslim Ummah is miniscule. Therefore the Muslims should solve their own problems. Muslim countries should tap the talents of Muslim scientists working in the Americas and Europe on matters concerning research, manpower utilization, material resources, motivating young scientists, sharing of intellectual wealth, etc.
FUTURE
There is nothing in the teachings of Islam that contends against learning, against science, and against technology. The pursuit of knowledge and scientific research is the birthright of every Muslim woman and every Muslim man.
The rediscovery of Islamic science and technology in the 21st century is an intellectually formidable task requiring a sustained effort over several decades. The first step to be taken for scientific rebirth is ijtihad, to exert the utmost effort, to struggle; to do one's best to know something. Ijtihad, after the Qur'an and Prophetic traditions, is the third source of Islamic law.
Muslim countries should unitedly aim at applying science and technology in the building of a new Islamic civilization. This will prevent the imbalance, disharmony and disintegration in almost every field of human endeavor such as social, economic, cultural, political or any other. This goal can be achieved by simultaneously implementing the following:
1. The Islamization of Muslim scientists and technologists who are trained by western science and technology.
The training of young Muslims in Islamic science and technology.
Currently the problem in the Muslim countries is that the Ulema do not have any knowledge of modern science and technology and the Muslim ' scientists and technologists do not have mastery of Islamic sources of knowledge. As we know the Ulema exert the greatest influence on the Muslim masses. It appears that it is easier and practical to train Muslim scientists and technologists trained in western education in Islamic sources of knowledge instead of training our Ulema in science and technology.
To train our younger generation into Islamic science and technology there is a need to develop a new curricula incorporating Islamic values in science and technology and also writing of textbooks in science and technology at all levels of education: primary, secondary, and higher education.
Muslim countries have established organizations to meet their religious, political, economic and social needs such as the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference), Arab League, Muslim World Bank, Muslim World League, World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), etc. But to my knowledge, no organization or institution has been established to meet the scientific and technological needs. Therefore there is an urgent need to establish the following:
Islamic Academy of Sciences.
Think-Tank institutions to solve scientific and technological problems of the Muslim countries
Islamic Foundations to award grants.
Recognition of Muslim scientists.
Establishment of Alternatives to Nobel Prizes, such as King Faizal Awards.
Prizes for work done or accomplishments of Muslim scientists and technologists.
Islamic Atomic Energy Agency where Muslim scientists and engineers from Muslim countries can be trained in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Exchange of Muslim scholars in the sciences and engineering.
Holding of Annual Meetings at the national and international level.
Fortunately, Allah (SWT) has given a bounty to many Islamic countries, an income over 100 billion dollars per year. Hence, Islamic countries have the opportunity and resources to make Islamic sciences and technology NUMBER ONE in the world, once again. Let us ignite the spark of our great achievements to be materialized in the near future. Let the Muslim scientists and engineers in the western world contribute to the health, welfare and prosperity of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the Islamic countries by contributing our brilliance. Insha'Allah, the First World Conference on Science, Technology and the Islamic Civilization will offer the opportunity to tap the cream of Islamic intelligentsia.
REFERENCES
1. Syed, I.B.: "Islamic Medicine-1,000 Years Ahead of its Times". Journal of Islamic Medical Association (USA), 13(1): 6-13, 1981.
2. Nasr, S.H.: "Science and Civilization in Islam." New American Library, Inc., New York, 1968, pp. 184-229.
3. Salam, A.: IAEA Bulletin, 22(2), 81-83, and 1980
4. Campbell, D.: "Arabian Medicine", Vol. I, Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. Ltd., London, 1926.
5. Faruqi, I.R.: " Islamization of Knowledge: General Principles and Workplan." International Institute of Islamic Thought, Washington, D.C., pp. 43-48, 1982.
Islam Does Not Inhibit Science
A well-known scientist wrote in the National Center For Science Education Report (NCSE): “The progress in learning achieved by Arab astronomers and mathematicians ground to a halt when necessary ability to seek where the data led conflicted with the strictures of Islam that anything important was already available in the Qur’an.” I believe that it is the lack of familiarity with Islamic culture that preserves this mistaken impression in the Western world. It is not Islam, but some Muslims’ interpretations of Islam, that is responsible for the supposed conflict. In many ways, this confrontation of science and religion in Muslim countries is not very different from Christian countries of the west. Although in both religions there are those who seem to think that no reconciliation or constructive dialogue is possible, neither religion prevents or inhibits science per se. The evidence for Islamic culture shows that it does not inhibit or prevent the science and its growth. It is a historical fact that Islamic culture has produced many first-rate scientists who were also devout in their religious observances.
The Qur’an instructs Muslims to engage in science with expectation that “signs in the earth and heavens and in your own self” will be comprehensible to them.
"There are signs in the earth for those who are firm in their faith, and within yourselves. Can you perceive? Qur’an 51:20-21)."1
"Say Muhammad: 'Travel in the earth and see how God originates creation; so will God produce a later creation: For God has power over all things (Qur’an 29:20)."2
These verses from the Qur’an guided early Muslims to investigate Nature and the creation of human and other life. Moreover, according to the tradition of the Prophet (pbuh) (Hadith):
“When a judge gives a decision, having tried his best to decide correctly and is right, there are two rewards for him; and if he gave a judgment after having tried his best (to arrive at the correct decision) but erred, there is one reward for him.)”3
Therefore, Muslim scientists are allowed to “take chances, make mistakes, and get messy” in the investigation of nature as long as the intention and efforts are to arrive at the correct meaning and the fair judgment in any matter.
On specific issues, the Qur’an is consistent with the current scientific hypotheses and models. For example, the Qur’an anticipates the contemporary Big Bang Theory:
"Do not these unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were an integrated mass, then We split them and made every living thing from water (Qur’an 21:30)."4
It also refers to the expanding universe:
"And it is We who built the universe With [Our creative power]; and, verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it (Qur’an 51:47)."5
Creation/Evolution:
The Qur’an states that man as a species was created through a gradual process. It states:
"Seeing that He (Allah) created you in successive stages” (Qur’an 71:14)6
Centuries before Darwin, when the West was in the Dark Ages, the Muslims believed that the appearance of humans was not an instantaneous event but a gradual process in which humans were derived from earlier forms. Ibn Khaldun, a Muslim scholar, wrote 500 years before Darwin that man belongs to the animal kingdom.:
"...[M]an belongs to the genus of animals and that God distinguished from them by ability to think, which He (Allah) gave man and through which man is able to arrange his actions in an orderly manner."7
He further states:
"One should look at the world of creation. It started out from the minerals and progressed, in an ingenious, gradual manner to plants and animals...The animal world then widens, its species become numerous, and, in a gradual process of creation, it finally leads to man, who is able to think and reflect. The higher stage of man is reached from the world of monkeys, in which both sagacity and perception are found, but which has not reached the stage of actual reflection and thinking. At this point we come to the first stage of man after the world of monkeys. This is as far as our physical observation extends."8
The last sentence of the above quote shows that Muslims reached these conclusions by observations.
Creation/Evolution of Adam and Eve
Ibn Arabi, who lived about 800 years before Darwin is one of the most respected exegetes of the Qur’an. His views on the origin of life and man can be summarized in his own words from the "Uqlatu'l-Mustawfiz:
"On they rolled to perfection: Thus the meaner world was born. Mineral passed to vegetable life, out of which animal life was born."
"Then creation continued on earth, minerals, then vegetation, then animals, and then man. God made the last of every one of these kinds. The last of the minerals and the first of the vegetations is the truffle. The last of the vegetation and the first of the animals is the date palm. The last of the animals and the first of mankind is the monkey."
"Since the perfect man is in the perfect form, he deserves the vicegerent ship and deputyship of God in the Universe. Here we shall explain the evolution of this vicegerent, his position and form as they are. We do not mean Man only as animal, but on the other hand, as Man and vicegerent . . . This is the intended Perfect Man. The others are animal men. The relation of the animal man to the Perfect Man is that of the ape to the animal man."
"As for the animal man, he is not a man essentially. His case is like that of animals. But he is distinguished from another through differentiae peculiar to every one of the animals."
"The goal of all this was man coming in perfect form. When the field was thus prepared, Man came in the nicest form."
"When God desired the perfection of human evolution, He collected and bestowed on Man all realities of the Universe and illuminated him with all His names."
"When this comprehensive name became capable of two aspects by itself, it became fit for vicegerent ship and organization and gradation of the Universe. If Man does not reach the stage of perfection, he is an animal whose appearance resembles the external appearance of man. Here we are concerned with Perfect Man. The first of human species whom God made was the Perfect Man. He was Adam (may peace be on him). Thus God demonstrated the stages of perfection for the species. He who attains to it is the man who attains perfection, and he who goes down from that stage is one who possesses the human quality in proportion to where he is.9
Ibn Arabi wrote in Futuhat al-Makkiyyah Vol.3: 607: “I recollected the saying of Holy Prophet to the effect that God has created hundred and thousands of Adams and between each Adam there is a period of seventeen hundred years.”10
Active Nature
The secular as well as religious West has the notion that nature's actions within itself violate the Jewish, Christian and Muslim tenets. I will not comment on the Judeo-Christian perspective on nature's actions. The Muslims in their classical period (500-1200 AD) had no problem with nature changing anything on the earth. Those Muslims who lived before the dawn of science in the West believed that active nature was an office of the God with delegated duties and tasks. For example, Al-Biruni (800 years before Darwin) wrote:
"...When Nature, whose task it is to preserve the species as they are, finds some superfluous substance, which she forms into some shape instead of throwing it away; like wise, animals with imperfect limbs, when Nature does not find the substance by which to complete the form of the animal in conformity with the structure of the species to which it belongs"11
In this matter of active nature, Ibn Khaldun wrote:
"...Soil becomes plants and plants become animals. This can come about only with the help of living spirit and active nature which has the ability to generate substances and change essences."12
Age of the Universe
The West also assumes that Muslims believe in the Judeo-Christian 6,000-year-old earth. For example, Stephen W. Hawking states in his History of Time: "...according to a number of early cosmologies and the Jewish/Christian/Muslim tradition, the Universe started at a finite time and not very distant time in the past."13 In contrast, Al-Biruni (800 years before Darwin) rejected the young earth doctrine. He wrote:
...Again, those with a book of divine revelation, like the Jews, the Christians, and others like the Sabians and Magians, have all agreed about dating events by the Era of the Creation of Mankind, but they differ greatly in their estimation of the duration of era. They have not referred to the Era of the Creation of the World, except in the opening two verses of the Torah, which have the following content but not the exact wording: 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and the spirit of God was moving upon the surface of the waters' (Genesis I: 1, 2). They considered that to be the first day of the week in which the world was created, but that was a period of time which cannot be measured by a day and night, for the cause of these periods is the sun with its rising and setting, and both the sun and the moon were created on the fourth day of the week. How is it possible to imagine that these days are like the days of our reckoning! The Qur'an says: 'A day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning' (Koran 22: 47). In another verse God says: 'In a day the measure of whereof is as fifty thousand years' (Koran 70: 4). Thus it is obvious that we cannot estimate that period with our method of reckoning, and that it is unverifiable since the beginning of creation."14
Moreover, Al-Biruni states that God initially scattered the celestial bodies and the time between creation and present could be billions of years. He states: “For it is quite possible that these (celestial) bodies were scattered…when the Creator designed and created them. If you then ask the mathematician as to the length of time, after which they would meet each other in a certain point, or before which they had met each other in that identical point, no blame attaches to him, it he speaks of billions of year.”15
Muslims and the “Deluge”
The Universal Flood of Judeo-Christian faith is not a Muslim doctrine. Muslims, on the other hand, believe it was a localized flood. For example, al Biruni (800 years before Darwin) wrote:
"Persians, and great mass of the Magians, deny the Deluge altogether;...In denying the Deluge, the Indians, Chinese, and various nations of the east, concur with them. Some, however, of the Persians admit the fact of the Deluge, but they describe it in a different way from what is described in the books of Prophets. They say partial Deluge occurred in Syria...but did not extend over the whole of then civilized world, and only few nations were drowned in it."16
Al-Biruni also said that the water level marks on the pyramids suggest that the flood did not reach enough to cover the whole pyramids.
In summary, Islam compels no major conflict between the results of science and the Qur’an. From the time of the Prophet (pbuh), early Muslim scholars believed: (a) nature is an office of God with delegated duties and tasks, and it can make changes within nature itself; (b) the earth is not very young; and, (c) in the evolution of life from minerals to plants, plants to animals and finally the Homo Sapiens emerged from the world of monkeys.
Islam and Advancement of Science.
If the assertion that the Qur’an inhibited science is correct, science should have been dead soon after the advent of Islam and the Qur’an. On the contrary, we see science flourished during the first centuries of Islam. Instead of drowning themselves in ignorance with advent of the Qur’an and Islam, Muslims became masters of Science for centuries. The defining event that provided the foundation for this mastery was Islam and the revelation of the Qur’an. Therefore, I would argue that the Qur’an promoted science. Moreover, Islam was not at the uplifting service for Muslims alone. Islam helped to create the Golden Age of Jews who lived under Muslim rule. Jewish Max I. Dimont states:
“The improbable but true tale of a camel driver’s establishment of a world empire in the name of Allah, wherein the Jews rose to their Golden Age of creativity, only to be plunged into a Dark Age with the eclipse of the Crescent and the ascent of the Cross.”17
In contrast to the sentiment echoed by Scott in her review, George Sarton, Will Durant, and Bronowski among others found that the Qur’an promoted science and learning in Islamic societies.
George Sarton, Professor of History at Harvard, wrote:
"The Creation of a new civilization, of international and encyclopedic magnitude within less than two centuries something that we can describe but not explain."18
I do not see any difficulty to explain “the creation of a new civilization.” We use the following method in biology to explain evolution. If we cannot see many explanations for a phenomenon, then we take the event before the occurrence of the phenomenon to explain it. The only event that happened before the rise of the "new civilization" of Muslims was Islam and the revelation of the Qur’an and creation of Muslim community under guidance of Prophet Muhammad.. Therefore, the Qur’an and early Islam promoted science.
Furthermore, Will Durant wrote:
"...Muhammad, unlike most religious reformers, admired and urged the pursuit of knowledge: 'He who leaves his home in search of knowledge walks in the path of God...and ink of a scholar is holier than the blood of a martyr';"19
Similarly, J. Bronowski wrote:
"Muhammad had been firm that Islam was not to be a religion of miracles; it became in intellectual content a pattern of contemplation and analysis."20
So it is clear that Historians, scholars, and the text of the Qur’an itself concur that there is nothing intrinsically inimical to science in its pages. On the contrary, much of the Qur’anic scholarship and scripture seems to support the endeavor that we recognize today under the rubric of science.
REFERENCES
1. Ali, Ahmed. Al-Qur'an. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. (1977)
2 Ali, Yusuf. The Holy Qur'an, Translation and Commentary. Indianapolis: American Trust Publication, 1977.
3 Al-Bukhari, Adherence to Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. Hadith No.6805.
4 Ali, Ahmed. Al-Qur'an.
5 Asad, Muhammad. The Message of the Qur'an. Gibraltar: Dar Al-Andalus, 1980.
6 Ibid.
7 Khaldun, Ibn. The Muqaddimah. Trans. by Franz Rosenthal. Princeton:
Princeton University Press, 1967.
8 Ibid.
9 Hussani, S.A.Q. The Pantheistic Monism of Ibn Arabi. Lahore, Pakistan:
SH. Muhammad Ashraf, 1979.
10 The Holy Qur’an (Transilation by Allama Nooruddin). Hockessin, DE: Noor Foundation International Inc, Glossary page 3-B.
11 Biruni, al. (1000 A.D) The Athar-Ul-Bakiya (The Chronology of Ancient Nations). Translated by Dr.C.Edward Sachu.London: W.H.Allen, 1879.
12 Ibn Khaldun. Muqaddimah.
13 Hawking, Stephen W. A Brief History of Time. New York: Bantam Books, p.7.
14 Biruni, Al. (1000 A.D.) Kitab Tahdid al-Amakin Listashiah Masafat al- Masakin (The Determination of the Coordinates of Positions for Correction of Distances between Cities). Translated by Jamil Ali. Beirut: The American University of Beirut, 1967. p. 14-16
15 Al-Biruni, Abu Raihan.1000AD. Athar-ul-Bakiya (The Chronology of Ancient Nations), trans. Edward C. Sachu . p. 30
16 Al-Biruni. Fi Tahqiq Ma Li'l-Hind (Alberuni's India), Vol.I, pp. 378-379.
17 Dimont,Max I. Jews, God, And History. Penguin Books USA,1962.
18 Sarton, George. The History of Science and the New Humanism. George Braziller, Inc. New York. (1956)
19 Durant, Will. The Story of Civilization. New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1950. Vol.4.
20 Brownoski.J. The Ascend of Man. London, U.K: The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1981
The Qur’an instructs Muslims to engage in science with expectation that “signs in the earth and heavens and in your own self” will be comprehensible to them.
"There are signs in the earth for those who are firm in their faith, and within yourselves. Can you perceive? Qur’an 51:20-21)."1
"Say Muhammad: 'Travel in the earth and see how God originates creation; so will God produce a later creation: For God has power over all things (Qur’an 29:20)."2
These verses from the Qur’an guided early Muslims to investigate Nature and the creation of human and other life. Moreover, according to the tradition of the Prophet (pbuh) (Hadith):
“When a judge gives a decision, having tried his best to decide correctly and is right, there are two rewards for him; and if he gave a judgment after having tried his best (to arrive at the correct decision) but erred, there is one reward for him.)”3
Therefore, Muslim scientists are allowed to “take chances, make mistakes, and get messy” in the investigation of nature as long as the intention and efforts are to arrive at the correct meaning and the fair judgment in any matter.
On specific issues, the Qur’an is consistent with the current scientific hypotheses and models. For example, the Qur’an anticipates the contemporary Big Bang Theory:
"Do not these unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were an integrated mass, then We split them and made every living thing from water (Qur’an 21:30)."4
It also refers to the expanding universe:
"And it is We who built the universe With [Our creative power]; and, verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it (Qur’an 51:47)."5
Creation/Evolution:
The Qur’an states that man as a species was created through a gradual process. It states:
"Seeing that He (Allah) created you in successive stages” (Qur’an 71:14)6
Centuries before Darwin, when the West was in the Dark Ages, the Muslims believed that the appearance of humans was not an instantaneous event but a gradual process in which humans were derived from earlier forms. Ibn Khaldun, a Muslim scholar, wrote 500 years before Darwin that man belongs to the animal kingdom.:
"...[M]an belongs to the genus of animals and that God distinguished from them by ability to think, which He (Allah) gave man and through which man is able to arrange his actions in an orderly manner."7
He further states:
"One should look at the world of creation. It started out from the minerals and progressed, in an ingenious, gradual manner to plants and animals...The animal world then widens, its species become numerous, and, in a gradual process of creation, it finally leads to man, who is able to think and reflect. The higher stage of man is reached from the world of monkeys, in which both sagacity and perception are found, but which has not reached the stage of actual reflection and thinking. At this point we come to the first stage of man after the world of monkeys. This is as far as our physical observation extends."8
The last sentence of the above quote shows that Muslims reached these conclusions by observations.
Creation/Evolution of Adam and Eve
Ibn Arabi, who lived about 800 years before Darwin is one of the most respected exegetes of the Qur’an. His views on the origin of life and man can be summarized in his own words from the "Uqlatu'l-Mustawfiz:
"On they rolled to perfection: Thus the meaner world was born. Mineral passed to vegetable life, out of which animal life was born."
"Then creation continued on earth, minerals, then vegetation, then animals, and then man. God made the last of every one of these kinds. The last of the minerals and the first of the vegetations is the truffle. The last of the vegetation and the first of the animals is the date palm. The last of the animals and the first of mankind is the monkey."
"Since the perfect man is in the perfect form, he deserves the vicegerent ship and deputyship of God in the Universe. Here we shall explain the evolution of this vicegerent, his position and form as they are. We do not mean Man only as animal, but on the other hand, as Man and vicegerent . . . This is the intended Perfect Man. The others are animal men. The relation of the animal man to the Perfect Man is that of the ape to the animal man."
"As for the animal man, he is not a man essentially. His case is like that of animals. But he is distinguished from another through differentiae peculiar to every one of the animals."
"The goal of all this was man coming in perfect form. When the field was thus prepared, Man came in the nicest form."
"When God desired the perfection of human evolution, He collected and bestowed on Man all realities of the Universe and illuminated him with all His names."
"When this comprehensive name became capable of two aspects by itself, it became fit for vicegerent ship and organization and gradation of the Universe. If Man does not reach the stage of perfection, he is an animal whose appearance resembles the external appearance of man. Here we are concerned with Perfect Man. The first of human species whom God made was the Perfect Man. He was Adam (may peace be on him). Thus God demonstrated the stages of perfection for the species. He who attains to it is the man who attains perfection, and he who goes down from that stage is one who possesses the human quality in proportion to where he is.9
Ibn Arabi wrote in Futuhat al-Makkiyyah Vol.3: 607: “I recollected the saying of Holy Prophet to the effect that God has created hundred and thousands of Adams and between each Adam there is a period of seventeen hundred years.”10
Active Nature
The secular as well as religious West has the notion that nature's actions within itself violate the Jewish, Christian and Muslim tenets. I will not comment on the Judeo-Christian perspective on nature's actions. The Muslims in their classical period (500-1200 AD) had no problem with nature changing anything on the earth. Those Muslims who lived before the dawn of science in the West believed that active nature was an office of the God with delegated duties and tasks. For example, Al-Biruni (800 years before Darwin) wrote:
"...When Nature, whose task it is to preserve the species as they are, finds some superfluous substance, which she forms into some shape instead of throwing it away; like wise, animals with imperfect limbs, when Nature does not find the substance by which to complete the form of the animal in conformity with the structure of the species to which it belongs"11
In this matter of active nature, Ibn Khaldun wrote:
"...Soil becomes plants and plants become animals. This can come about only with the help of living spirit and active nature which has the ability to generate substances and change essences."12
Age of the Universe
The West also assumes that Muslims believe in the Judeo-Christian 6,000-year-old earth. For example, Stephen W. Hawking states in his History of Time: "...according to a number of early cosmologies and the Jewish/Christian/Muslim tradition, the Universe started at a finite time and not very distant time in the past."13 In contrast, Al-Biruni (800 years before Darwin) rejected the young earth doctrine. He wrote:
...Again, those with a book of divine revelation, like the Jews, the Christians, and others like the Sabians and Magians, have all agreed about dating events by the Era of the Creation of Mankind, but they differ greatly in their estimation of the duration of era. They have not referred to the Era of the Creation of the World, except in the opening two verses of the Torah, which have the following content but not the exact wording: 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and the spirit of God was moving upon the surface of the waters' (Genesis I: 1, 2). They considered that to be the first day of the week in which the world was created, but that was a period of time which cannot be measured by a day and night, for the cause of these periods is the sun with its rising and setting, and both the sun and the moon were created on the fourth day of the week. How is it possible to imagine that these days are like the days of our reckoning! The Qur'an says: 'A day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning' (Koran 22: 47). In another verse God says: 'In a day the measure of whereof is as fifty thousand years' (Koran 70: 4). Thus it is obvious that we cannot estimate that period with our method of reckoning, and that it is unverifiable since the beginning of creation."14
Moreover, Al-Biruni states that God initially scattered the celestial bodies and the time between creation and present could be billions of years. He states: “For it is quite possible that these (celestial) bodies were scattered…when the Creator designed and created them. If you then ask the mathematician as to the length of time, after which they would meet each other in a certain point, or before which they had met each other in that identical point, no blame attaches to him, it he speaks of billions of year.”15
Muslims and the “Deluge”
The Universal Flood of Judeo-Christian faith is not a Muslim doctrine. Muslims, on the other hand, believe it was a localized flood. For example, al Biruni (800 years before Darwin) wrote:
"Persians, and great mass of the Magians, deny the Deluge altogether;...In denying the Deluge, the Indians, Chinese, and various nations of the east, concur with them. Some, however, of the Persians admit the fact of the Deluge, but they describe it in a different way from what is described in the books of Prophets. They say partial Deluge occurred in Syria...but did not extend over the whole of then civilized world, and only few nations were drowned in it."16
Al-Biruni also said that the water level marks on the pyramids suggest that the flood did not reach enough to cover the whole pyramids.
In summary, Islam compels no major conflict between the results of science and the Qur’an. From the time of the Prophet (pbuh), early Muslim scholars believed: (a) nature is an office of God with delegated duties and tasks, and it can make changes within nature itself; (b) the earth is not very young; and, (c) in the evolution of life from minerals to plants, plants to animals and finally the Homo Sapiens emerged from the world of monkeys.
Islam and Advancement of Science.
If the assertion that the Qur’an inhibited science is correct, science should have been dead soon after the advent of Islam and the Qur’an. On the contrary, we see science flourished during the first centuries of Islam. Instead of drowning themselves in ignorance with advent of the Qur’an and Islam, Muslims became masters of Science for centuries. The defining event that provided the foundation for this mastery was Islam and the revelation of the Qur’an. Therefore, I would argue that the Qur’an promoted science. Moreover, Islam was not at the uplifting service for Muslims alone. Islam helped to create the Golden Age of Jews who lived under Muslim rule. Jewish Max I. Dimont states:
“The improbable but true tale of a camel driver’s establishment of a world empire in the name of Allah, wherein the Jews rose to their Golden Age of creativity, only to be plunged into a Dark Age with the eclipse of the Crescent and the ascent of the Cross.”17
In contrast to the sentiment echoed by Scott in her review, George Sarton, Will Durant, and Bronowski among others found that the Qur’an promoted science and learning in Islamic societies.
George Sarton, Professor of History at Harvard, wrote:
"The Creation of a new civilization, of international and encyclopedic magnitude within less than two centuries something that we can describe but not explain."18
I do not see any difficulty to explain “the creation of a new civilization.” We use the following method in biology to explain evolution. If we cannot see many explanations for a phenomenon, then we take the event before the occurrence of the phenomenon to explain it. The only event that happened before the rise of the "new civilization" of Muslims was Islam and the revelation of the Qur’an and creation of Muslim community under guidance of Prophet Muhammad.. Therefore, the Qur’an and early Islam promoted science.
Furthermore, Will Durant wrote:
"...Muhammad, unlike most religious reformers, admired and urged the pursuit of knowledge: 'He who leaves his home in search of knowledge walks in the path of God...and ink of a scholar is holier than the blood of a martyr';"19
Similarly, J. Bronowski wrote:
"Muhammad had been firm that Islam was not to be a religion of miracles; it became in intellectual content a pattern of contemplation and analysis."20
So it is clear that Historians, scholars, and the text of the Qur’an itself concur that there is nothing intrinsically inimical to science in its pages. On the contrary, much of the Qur’anic scholarship and scripture seems to support the endeavor that we recognize today under the rubric of science.
REFERENCES
1. Ali, Ahmed. Al-Qur'an. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. (1977)
2 Ali, Yusuf. The Holy Qur'an, Translation and Commentary. Indianapolis: American Trust Publication, 1977.
3 Al-Bukhari, Adherence to Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. Hadith No.6805.
4 Ali, Ahmed. Al-Qur'an.
5 Asad, Muhammad. The Message of the Qur'an. Gibraltar: Dar Al-Andalus, 1980.
6 Ibid.
7 Khaldun, Ibn. The Muqaddimah. Trans. by Franz Rosenthal. Princeton:
Princeton University Press, 1967.
8 Ibid.
9 Hussani, S.A.Q. The Pantheistic Monism of Ibn Arabi. Lahore, Pakistan:
SH. Muhammad Ashraf, 1979.
10 The Holy Qur’an (Transilation by Allama Nooruddin). Hockessin, DE: Noor Foundation International Inc, Glossary page 3-B.
11 Biruni, al. (1000 A.D) The Athar-Ul-Bakiya (The Chronology of Ancient Nations). Translated by Dr.C.Edward Sachu.London: W.H.Allen, 1879.
12 Ibn Khaldun. Muqaddimah.
13 Hawking, Stephen W. A Brief History of Time. New York: Bantam Books, p.7.
14 Biruni, Al. (1000 A.D.) Kitab Tahdid al-Amakin Listashiah Masafat al- Masakin (The Determination of the Coordinates of Positions for Correction of Distances between Cities). Translated by Jamil Ali. Beirut: The American University of Beirut, 1967. p. 14-16
15 Al-Biruni, Abu Raihan.1000AD. Athar-ul-Bakiya (The Chronology of Ancient Nations), trans. Edward C. Sachu . p. 30
16 Al-Biruni. Fi Tahqiq Ma Li'l-Hind (Alberuni's India), Vol.I, pp. 378-379.
17 Dimont,Max I. Jews, God, And History. Penguin Books USA,1962.
18 Sarton, George. The History of Science and the New Humanism. George Braziller, Inc. New York. (1956)
19 Durant, Will. The Story of Civilization. New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1950. Vol.4.
20 Brownoski.J. The Ascend of Man. London, U.K: The British Broadcasting Corporation, 1981
God & Human Suffering
According to the Holy Quran, our present life, with all its joys and sufferings, is merely transitory and illusionary. The passage of human life continues after crossing the valley of death. Our present life is but temporary and fleeting, and the life after life is permanent and perpetual. Death may be the ultimate human suffering in this world, but it is certainly not the end of life. Death is just like a door through which we have to pass to enter into a new dimension of life. In Islam, the next life is a reality beyond any doubt. Both the dimensions of human life -- the life in this world and life yet to come -- are welded together, one merging into the other like a splendid waterfall turning into a mighty river. The only difference is this that the second phase of human life is reflective of how we conduct ourselves in the first phase of life. The joys as well as the sufferings shall continue in the life Hereafter.
Therefore, according to Islamic perspective, many who might have lived a life full of sufferings in this transitory world may enjoy the most blissful and everlasting life in the next world in what is known as the Heaven; and many who might have enjoyed sinful pleasures of this material world, may go through a grievous torment in life yet to come in what is known as the Hell. It all depends how we carry out ourselves under given circumstances in this life.
Islam acknowledges that life is full of suffering, starting as early as the very process of human conception in a mother's womb and during the process of childbirth.
In the Holy Quran, we read:
"And We [i.e. GOD] have enjoined on man to be good to his parents -- his mother bears him in suffering after suffering of weakness," (31:15)
Again, we read: "Certainly there was a long period of time when man was almost insubstantial. We created him from a sticking sperm-drop that We caused him to pass through a trial of precarious stages; then, turned him into a being capable of hearing and seeing. Verily, We have shown him the way, (giving him full freedom of choice) whether he be grateful or ungrateful," (76:2-4)
Again we read in the Holy Quran:
"And We have enjoined on every human being to be good to his parents. His mother bears him with pain, and brings him forth with severe pangs (of childbirth)," (46:16)
Not only both the mother and the new born baby have to go through a tremendous painful suffering in the process of childbirth, the Holy Quran also acknowledges the existence of human suffering in various forms throughout human experience.
First, there are natural disasters and the climatic tragedies like earthquakes, floods, lightening, storms and famines. We can also include in such calamities the outbreak of contagious, epidemic and endemic diseases, plagues and pestilence. And, moreover, there are innumerable illnesses and bodily sufferings.
These calamities and diseases do occur in consequence of a wider circle of natural laws that are necessary to exist in the vast universe, in which human life is an important but still a very small portion.
The laws of nature, that sometimes cause these sufferings, are put in place by God the Creator actually to support and evolve life on the earth in its totality. If these natural laws are taken out of the universal design of God, the Creator, the very existence of every living thing will be jeopardized. Therefore, the disasters that are caused by natural laws are no reflection of the Creator's cruelty over humans. According to the Holy Quran, the study of natural phenomenon makes us understand that, despite the devastation suffered by some humans, God's Mercy (rahmah) is the most overwhelming attribute in Nature that creates, maintains and evolves all forms of life including human life.
Secondly, there are the man-made infliction that cause other humans to suffer physical pain and mental anguish and sometimes even death, such as -- false accusation, wrongful imprisonment, kidnapping, rape, theft, physical and emotional abuse, economical exploitation, slavery, wrongful occupation of other's property and land, war and holocaust. The list of these sinful acts and social and international crimes is very long indeed. We may also add to the list the environmental destruction and pollution caused by us humans.
These and similar other inflictions caused by some are due to the abuse of what we call the freedom of man's will. And we certainly cannot say that freedom of will is an evil in itself. Without free will, man would lose the very essence of his existence. Therefore, causing suffering, pain and death to others through the misuse and abuse of one's free will, humans remain responsible to God, and not God to humans.
To eliminate suffering caused by humans, God has commanded us not to inflict any harm on others, and those who do so, must face the consequences. Therefore, to establish, a JUST society is one of the most important obligations taught by Islam. Those who may escape the corporal punishment in this world, for them God's punishment shall be waiting in the life to come.
Thirdly, there are acts of "self-inflicted suffering": These could be accidental or intentional. The Holy Quran prohibits inflicting self-injuries, specifically committing of suicide. The sufferings that we may inflict upon ourselves are mostly caused by our mental condition that we have the choice to control with or without the help of others. These miseries are usually caused by our anger, jealousy, depression, or getting into addiction -- such as drug-abuse, alcoholism, and gambling. For all these kind of self-inflicted sufferings, man himself remains responsible and accountable to God, and not the vice-versa. God is ever ready to forgive our trespasses against our own souls.
The Holy Quran is very clear on this point that even the smallest of an action -- good or bad -- committed in this life by any human being will not go waste! "Then whosoever has done so much as an atom's weight of good will see its good result, and whoso has done an atom's weight of evil will also see its evil result." (Chapter 99, Al-Zilzal, verses 7-9)
Again, the Holy Quran says:
"Every soul shall taste of death. And you shall be paid in full your rewards only on the day of Resurrection. So whosoever is removed away from the Fire (of Hell) and is made to enter Heaven, (that person) had indeed attained his goal. And life of this world is nothing but an illusionary enjoyment. You shall surely be tried in your possessions and in your persons." (Chapter 3, Al-i-Imran, v. 186-187)
Therefore, according to the teachings of the Holy Quran, it does not matter how much a person suffers in this world, as long as he or she is engaged, according to his or her capacity, in repelling the evil and doing the good works. The joys and comforts of the life yet to come are far greater, unparalleled and everlasting as compared with human sufferings of this life! The human sufferings of the present life are termed as "a trial" -- a test, an evaluation and a validation to measure the success and strength of each human soul, its capacity to do good deeds.
So, according to the Holy Quran, all the tragedy, affliction, anguish, grief and fear that we may have to go through in this life are actually tests and trials from God. If we succeed in the test by remaining prayerful and patient, showing complete perseverance and trust in God during the period of suffering, and we continue doing good deeds, and we avoid evil thoughts and actions, then the end result is that God grants us boundless joy, happiness and His everlasting pleasure.
The Holy Quran says:
"Do you think that you will enter Heaven, while you have not yet suffered similar afflictions which befell those who have passed away before you? Distress and affliction befell them, and they were made to suffer violent shaking, so that the Messenger and those who believed along with him cried out: "When will come the help of God?" Then they were told, 'Behold! Surely the help of God is always nearby.'" (Chapter 2, Al-Baqara, verse 215)
Thus, by understanding the continuous nature of life in its totality, the human suffering does not remain an issue to be settled by challenging the existence or goodness of our Lord God - the Creator. Once we are able to conceive and believe that every soul has to enter another dimension of life by passing through the door of death, only then we can fully appreciate the existence of God Who reaches the depth of our souls to enhance its strength through our endurance of sufferings, and thus makes us the winners in the long run.
The Holy Quran further elaborates this point by narrating to us how all the men and women of God, the prophets, the messengers and the righteous persons - both male and female -- have gone through all sorts of human sufferings, but none of them ever lost their hope, their trust in God's help, and they endured all the pain, anguish and fear with utmost patience, sincerity and perseverance, and at the end they all were winners.
For example, Adam and Eve had to encounter the devil -- the whispering tempter -- who made them suffer to forget a clear commandment of God! As a consequence, they lost Paradise and entered into a life of labor and pain. But still they retained dominion over all other creatures on the earth and received forgiveness of God. Abraham was put to the terrible trial to offer his first-born child in sacrifice, but he ended up being the father of nations -- his progeny becoming countless like the stars in heavens. Job's (Ayub's) sufferings are proverbial, but he retains his confidence in Divine Goodness, and his suffering becomes a medium of refining his righteousness. Moses had to run for his life under the threats of Pharaoh and led his people for 40 long years and suffered many pains and disappointments by the hands of his enemies and his own people, but he never lost his faith in the Almighty God. And we all know the story of Jesus and his mother Mary. Virgin Mary ha! d to suffer the grievous insult of becoming pregnant prior to getting married. And Jesus the beloved of God suffered physical torture and was put on the cross with the intent to be killed on the wood -- to die an accursed death! But God did not forsake him, and God did honor his mother, and now billions revere them both as innocent and sinless.
It is also a matter recorded in history that the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be on him) was the most successful man both in the realms of religions as well as in social and worldly affairs. He has been acknowledged as the most influential man in history. His main task was, on the one hand, to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, to establish firm faith in the existence of ONE GOD - and to establish perpetual worship of the Most-Loving and Most Merciful God; and, on the other hand, his mission was to establish a just and benevolent social order. And he achieved an unparalleled success in both the domains despite tremendous personal pain and anguish that he was made to suffer through his life on this earth.
After receiving an answer to his heart-rendering prayers concerning the moral depreciation, social injustice, lawlessness and mutual fights in the fragmented nation of his fellow countrymen in Arabia, when he started his mission as the Prophet of God to remove all the social, moral and spiritual ills around him, he suffered the most bitter persecution and oppression at the hands of his own people - those people that he wanted to help and guide. He was laughed at, scorned and derided, abused and tormented. Trash was thrown onto his way, and filth was laid on his head. The vagabonds beat him up most severely; throwing stones and rocks, making him bleed almost to death. Some of his followers were brutally murdered. Some of his dear ones were split apart alive by tying their legs to two strong camels and made them run into opposite directions. Some of the women who believed in him, were butchered shamelessly by his enemies.
Even when he and his followers were forced to leave their hometown Mecca and they settled in Medina - a town more than 200 miles away from Mecca, the enemy did not allow them to live in peace, and initiated armed attacks and made them suffer the horrors of war. The brutal enemy mutilated the dead bodies of his dear ones. They cut their noses and ears, and in one instance even took out the liver and chewed it raw. He himself received severe injuries on his face in one of such battles.
Not only that, he suffered many personal domestic tragedies in his life. He lost some his children while they were young, and some died in his lifetime as grown ups. He had four sons, but all of them passed away in their infancy. But despite all the enormous human suffering throughout his life, Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be on him) always had a warm smile on face. Throughout his life, he remained cheerful and a tremendous source of peace of mind and comfort for all who got in touch with him. He succeeded in establishing a firm faith in the existence of God in the hearts of thousands upon thousand, and he successfully replaced injustice with equity, cruelty and oppression with forgiveness and mercy.
By studying his personal sufferings juxtaposed on his most successful life, and through his practical demonstration of compassion, peace, comfort, service to others, love for all and hatred for none, we find the most shining example in the person of the Most Noble Prophet Muhammad of reconciling the existence of a Compassionate and Loving God and human suffering. (May peace and blessings of God be on him.) It was not merely an intellectual reconciliation, it was a factual and most impressive reconciliation between God and human suffering.
Therefore, for us Muslims and all others, the important thing should be is to learn how to handle human sufferings retaining full faith in a loving God!
The Holy Quran teaches us "The truly righteous -- are those who endure with fortitude misfortune, hardship and peril. That is, who are patient in poverty and affliction, and in time of war."(2:178)
Again, in the Holy Quran we read:
"O you who believe! Seek (God's) help with perfect patience and prayer; for surely God is with the patiently persevering (Sabireen). And do not count as dead those who are killed in the cause of God. Rather they are living; only you perceive not (their life). And We will certainly reward you after trying you with something of fear and hunger and some loss of substance and of lives, and fruits (of your toil). Give glad tidings to the patiently persevering; who, when a calamity befalls them, say, 'Surely to God we belong and to Him shall we return.' It is they on whom descend the blessings and mercy (rahmah) from their Lord God; and it is they who are rightly guided."
(Chapter 2, verses 154-157)
At the end, I would like to say: All praise belongs to God, the Lord of all the universes, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful, the Master of the day of Judgment.
Therefore, according to Islamic perspective, many who might have lived a life full of sufferings in this transitory world may enjoy the most blissful and everlasting life in the next world in what is known as the Heaven; and many who might have enjoyed sinful pleasures of this material world, may go through a grievous torment in life yet to come in what is known as the Hell. It all depends how we carry out ourselves under given circumstances in this life.
Islam acknowledges that life is full of suffering, starting as early as the very process of human conception in a mother's womb and during the process of childbirth.
In the Holy Quran, we read:
"And We [i.e. GOD] have enjoined on man to be good to his parents -- his mother bears him in suffering after suffering of weakness," (31:15)
Again, we read: "Certainly there was a long period of time when man was almost insubstantial. We created him from a sticking sperm-drop that We caused him to pass through a trial of precarious stages; then, turned him into a being capable of hearing and seeing. Verily, We have shown him the way, (giving him full freedom of choice) whether he be grateful or ungrateful," (76:2-4)
Again we read in the Holy Quran:
"And We have enjoined on every human being to be good to his parents. His mother bears him with pain, and brings him forth with severe pangs (of childbirth)," (46:16)
Not only both the mother and the new born baby have to go through a tremendous painful suffering in the process of childbirth, the Holy Quran also acknowledges the existence of human suffering in various forms throughout human experience.
First, there are natural disasters and the climatic tragedies like earthquakes, floods, lightening, storms and famines. We can also include in such calamities the outbreak of contagious, epidemic and endemic diseases, plagues and pestilence. And, moreover, there are innumerable illnesses and bodily sufferings.
These calamities and diseases do occur in consequence of a wider circle of natural laws that are necessary to exist in the vast universe, in which human life is an important but still a very small portion.
The laws of nature, that sometimes cause these sufferings, are put in place by God the Creator actually to support and evolve life on the earth in its totality. If these natural laws are taken out of the universal design of God, the Creator, the very existence of every living thing will be jeopardized. Therefore, the disasters that are caused by natural laws are no reflection of the Creator's cruelty over humans. According to the Holy Quran, the study of natural phenomenon makes us understand that, despite the devastation suffered by some humans, God's Mercy (rahmah) is the most overwhelming attribute in Nature that creates, maintains and evolves all forms of life including human life.
Secondly, there are the man-made infliction that cause other humans to suffer physical pain and mental anguish and sometimes even death, such as -- false accusation, wrongful imprisonment, kidnapping, rape, theft, physical and emotional abuse, economical exploitation, slavery, wrongful occupation of other's property and land, war and holocaust. The list of these sinful acts and social and international crimes is very long indeed. We may also add to the list the environmental destruction and pollution caused by us humans.
These and similar other inflictions caused by some are due to the abuse of what we call the freedom of man's will. And we certainly cannot say that freedom of will is an evil in itself. Without free will, man would lose the very essence of his existence. Therefore, causing suffering, pain and death to others through the misuse and abuse of one's free will, humans remain responsible to God, and not God to humans.
To eliminate suffering caused by humans, God has commanded us not to inflict any harm on others, and those who do so, must face the consequences. Therefore, to establish, a JUST society is one of the most important obligations taught by Islam. Those who may escape the corporal punishment in this world, for them God's punishment shall be waiting in the life to come.
Thirdly, there are acts of "self-inflicted suffering": These could be accidental or intentional. The Holy Quran prohibits inflicting self-injuries, specifically committing of suicide. The sufferings that we may inflict upon ourselves are mostly caused by our mental condition that we have the choice to control with or without the help of others. These miseries are usually caused by our anger, jealousy, depression, or getting into addiction -- such as drug-abuse, alcoholism, and gambling. For all these kind of self-inflicted sufferings, man himself remains responsible and accountable to God, and not the vice-versa. God is ever ready to forgive our trespasses against our own souls.
The Holy Quran is very clear on this point that even the smallest of an action -- good or bad -- committed in this life by any human being will not go waste! "Then whosoever has done so much as an atom's weight of good will see its good result, and whoso has done an atom's weight of evil will also see its evil result." (Chapter 99, Al-Zilzal, verses 7-9)
Again, the Holy Quran says:
"Every soul shall taste of death. And you shall be paid in full your rewards only on the day of Resurrection. So whosoever is removed away from the Fire (of Hell) and is made to enter Heaven, (that person) had indeed attained his goal. And life of this world is nothing but an illusionary enjoyment. You shall surely be tried in your possessions and in your persons." (Chapter 3, Al-i-Imran, v. 186-187)
Therefore, according to the teachings of the Holy Quran, it does not matter how much a person suffers in this world, as long as he or she is engaged, according to his or her capacity, in repelling the evil and doing the good works. The joys and comforts of the life yet to come are far greater, unparalleled and everlasting as compared with human sufferings of this life! The human sufferings of the present life are termed as "a trial" -- a test, an evaluation and a validation to measure the success and strength of each human soul, its capacity to do good deeds.
So, according to the Holy Quran, all the tragedy, affliction, anguish, grief and fear that we may have to go through in this life are actually tests and trials from God. If we succeed in the test by remaining prayerful and patient, showing complete perseverance and trust in God during the period of suffering, and we continue doing good deeds, and we avoid evil thoughts and actions, then the end result is that God grants us boundless joy, happiness and His everlasting pleasure.
The Holy Quran says:
"Do you think that you will enter Heaven, while you have not yet suffered similar afflictions which befell those who have passed away before you? Distress and affliction befell them, and they were made to suffer violent shaking, so that the Messenger and those who believed along with him cried out: "When will come the help of God?" Then they were told, 'Behold! Surely the help of God is always nearby.'" (Chapter 2, Al-Baqara, verse 215)
Thus, by understanding the continuous nature of life in its totality, the human suffering does not remain an issue to be settled by challenging the existence or goodness of our Lord God - the Creator. Once we are able to conceive and believe that every soul has to enter another dimension of life by passing through the door of death, only then we can fully appreciate the existence of God Who reaches the depth of our souls to enhance its strength through our endurance of sufferings, and thus makes us the winners in the long run.
The Holy Quran further elaborates this point by narrating to us how all the men and women of God, the prophets, the messengers and the righteous persons - both male and female -- have gone through all sorts of human sufferings, but none of them ever lost their hope, their trust in God's help, and they endured all the pain, anguish and fear with utmost patience, sincerity and perseverance, and at the end they all were winners.
For example, Adam and Eve had to encounter the devil -- the whispering tempter -- who made them suffer to forget a clear commandment of God! As a consequence, they lost Paradise and entered into a life of labor and pain. But still they retained dominion over all other creatures on the earth and received forgiveness of God. Abraham was put to the terrible trial to offer his first-born child in sacrifice, but he ended up being the father of nations -- his progeny becoming countless like the stars in heavens. Job's (Ayub's) sufferings are proverbial, but he retains his confidence in Divine Goodness, and his suffering becomes a medium of refining his righteousness. Moses had to run for his life under the threats of Pharaoh and led his people for 40 long years and suffered many pains and disappointments by the hands of his enemies and his own people, but he never lost his faith in the Almighty God. And we all know the story of Jesus and his mother Mary. Virgin Mary ha! d to suffer the grievous insult of becoming pregnant prior to getting married. And Jesus the beloved of God suffered physical torture and was put on the cross with the intent to be killed on the wood -- to die an accursed death! But God did not forsake him, and God did honor his mother, and now billions revere them both as innocent and sinless.
It is also a matter recorded in history that the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be on him) was the most successful man both in the realms of religions as well as in social and worldly affairs. He has been acknowledged as the most influential man in history. His main task was, on the one hand, to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, to establish firm faith in the existence of ONE GOD - and to establish perpetual worship of the Most-Loving and Most Merciful God; and, on the other hand, his mission was to establish a just and benevolent social order. And he achieved an unparalleled success in both the domains despite tremendous personal pain and anguish that he was made to suffer through his life on this earth.
After receiving an answer to his heart-rendering prayers concerning the moral depreciation, social injustice, lawlessness and mutual fights in the fragmented nation of his fellow countrymen in Arabia, when he started his mission as the Prophet of God to remove all the social, moral and spiritual ills around him, he suffered the most bitter persecution and oppression at the hands of his own people - those people that he wanted to help and guide. He was laughed at, scorned and derided, abused and tormented. Trash was thrown onto his way, and filth was laid on his head. The vagabonds beat him up most severely; throwing stones and rocks, making him bleed almost to death. Some of his followers were brutally murdered. Some of his dear ones were split apart alive by tying their legs to two strong camels and made them run into opposite directions. Some of the women who believed in him, were butchered shamelessly by his enemies.
Even when he and his followers were forced to leave their hometown Mecca and they settled in Medina - a town more than 200 miles away from Mecca, the enemy did not allow them to live in peace, and initiated armed attacks and made them suffer the horrors of war. The brutal enemy mutilated the dead bodies of his dear ones. They cut their noses and ears, and in one instance even took out the liver and chewed it raw. He himself received severe injuries on his face in one of such battles.
Not only that, he suffered many personal domestic tragedies in his life. He lost some his children while they were young, and some died in his lifetime as grown ups. He had four sons, but all of them passed away in their infancy. But despite all the enormous human suffering throughout his life, Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be on him) always had a warm smile on face. Throughout his life, he remained cheerful and a tremendous source of peace of mind and comfort for all who got in touch with him. He succeeded in establishing a firm faith in the existence of God in the hearts of thousands upon thousand, and he successfully replaced injustice with equity, cruelty and oppression with forgiveness and mercy.
By studying his personal sufferings juxtaposed on his most successful life, and through his practical demonstration of compassion, peace, comfort, service to others, love for all and hatred for none, we find the most shining example in the person of the Most Noble Prophet Muhammad of reconciling the existence of a Compassionate and Loving God and human suffering. (May peace and blessings of God be on him.) It was not merely an intellectual reconciliation, it was a factual and most impressive reconciliation between God and human suffering.
Therefore, for us Muslims and all others, the important thing should be is to learn how to handle human sufferings retaining full faith in a loving God!
The Holy Quran teaches us "The truly righteous -- are those who endure with fortitude misfortune, hardship and peril. That is, who are patient in poverty and affliction, and in time of war."(2:178)
Again, in the Holy Quran we read:
"O you who believe! Seek (God's) help with perfect patience and prayer; for surely God is with the patiently persevering (Sabireen). And do not count as dead those who are killed in the cause of God. Rather they are living; only you perceive not (their life). And We will certainly reward you after trying you with something of fear and hunger and some loss of substance and of lives, and fruits (of your toil). Give glad tidings to the patiently persevering; who, when a calamity befalls them, say, 'Surely to God we belong and to Him shall we return.' It is they on whom descend the blessings and mercy (rahmah) from their Lord God; and it is they who are rightly guided."
(Chapter 2, verses 154-157)
At the end, I would like to say: All praise belongs to God, the Lord of all the universes, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful, the Master of the day of Judgment.
SIX DAYS OF CREATION
With regard to the creation of the universe (heavens and the earth) Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:
Your Guardian Lord
Is God, Who created
The heavens and the earth (universe)
In six Days, ..............
Surah, A'RAF, 7:54 or 32: 4
Literal translation gives the impression that the universe was created in six Days. The Arabic word "Yaum" is translated as Day. Actually a 'day' of the people living on earth is the time interval between each sunrise. During this time the earth makes one complete rotation around its axis, while moving in an orbit around the sun (which is a star). In this verse Allah (SWT) is referring to the conditions, which existed before the sun or earth, were created. Hence the 'six days' should not be interpreted in terms of earth days. For Allah "yaum" is equal to billions of years or as short as one hundredth of a second or one atto-micro second (10-18 X 10-6 = 10-24 second). The relativity of time is mentioned in the Qur'an Hakeem (The Book of Wisdom) in several verses. It is pertinent here to quote Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the most popular translator of the Noble Qur'an in the English language with commentaries. In note 1031 he says, " The creation in six Days is of course metaphorical. The " Days of God" refer not so much to time as to the growth in us of a spiritual sense, a sense of sin and a sense of God's Mercy. In Surah, 22: 47, we are told that a Day in the sight of God is like a thousand years of our reckoning and in Surah, 70: 4; the comparison is with 50,000 years of our (earth) years. In the history of our material earth, we may reckon six great epochs of evolution."
Hence the concept of time is relative. The meaning of "Yaum" includes day, period of time, interval of time, age, era, epochs of evolution or Time Frame.
The following article describes the creation of the universe in six periods of time or "Time Frames". This description is based on a theory of the early universe, which is popularly known by astronomers as the "standard model." It is more or less same thing as the "Big Bang" theory except that it contains the detailed recipe for the contents of the universe.
At the end of the article a Glossary of technical words is provided so that the readers may refer to it in order to understand the meaning of the word.
At the beginning, time was zero and space was zero and the temperature was infinite. Einstein showed through his famous equation (E = mc2) that mass can be converted into energy and energy can be converted into mass. Heat is energy, and from energy particles of mass could be produced. Above a threshold temperature of one billion degrees Kelvin (0° Celsius is equal to 2730 Kelvin), the universe would have contained a large number of particles called pi mesons. Their mass is about one-seventh that of a nucleon (proton or neutron). Nucleon is a particle that exists in the nucleus of an atom. A proton is a positively charged nucleon, whereas a neutron is slightly heavier than the proton but is electrically neutral. Unlike other particles, pi mesons interact very strongly with each other and with the nucleons. The interaction of pi mesons with the nucleons or nuclear particles is responsible for the nuclear or attractive force that exists in the nucleus of an atom.
The behavior of matter at super-high temperature is very difficult to predict. Hence the interpretation of the creation of the universe starts about one-hundredth of a second after the beginning (Big Bang) and the temperature was one hundred billion degrees Kelvin (0° Celsius is equal to 2730 Kelvin).
FIRST DAY:
At this time the temperature of the universe is one hundred billion degrees Kelvin (1011 °K). It is filled with particles and radiation, which cannot be differentiated. The particles, which are continually being created out of pure energy, are colliding with each other very rapidly. Although the universe is expanding rapidly, the universe appears to be in a state of thermal equilibrium. The contents of the universe are subject to the laws of statistical mechanics. The temperature is extremely hot (1011 °K) and the conserved quantities of particle physics such as charge, lepton number, baryon number-are extremely small or zero.
The particles that are present abundantly are the electron (the negatively charged particle that flows through wires in electric currents and makes up the outer parts of all atoms and molecules in the present universe) and positron (antiparticle of electron which is a positively charged particle with precisely the same mass as electron). In the present universe positrons are found only in high-energy laboratories, in some kinds of radioactivity, and in violent astronomical phenomena like cosmic rays and supernovas, but in the early universe the number of positrons was almost exactly equal to the number of electrons, the massless particles- the photons, neutrinos and antineutrinos (antiparticle of neutrino). Neutrinos are ghostly particles with no mass or electric charge. At this time the universe is extremely dense and even the neutrinos, which can travel through the earth or through lead bricks without being scattered, are in a state of thermal equilibrium with electrons, positrons, and photons by colliding with them rapidly and with each other. They are behaving just like so many different kinds of radiation. The energy density is calculated to be 21 X 1044 electron Volts per liter. This is equivalent to a mass density of 3.8 billion kilogram per liter or to express in simple term's equivalent to 3.8 billion times the density of water under normal earth conditions. Nobody has any concept of what this huge density means. Suppose Mount Everest was made of matter this dense, its gravitational attraction would destroy the earth. At this time the universe is filled with light.
The universe on the 'first day' is rapidly expanding and cooling. There are a small number of nuclear particles (nucleons) at this time. About one nucleon (proton or neutron) for every one billion (109) photons or electrons or neutrinos. The neutron is slightly heavier than the proton. The few neutrons or protons are colliding with the abundant electrons, positrons, and so on. As a result of these collisions a proton is converted into a neutron and vice versa. The reaction can be written as:
Proton + antineutrino = neutron + positron (vice versa)
Neutron + neutrino = proton + electron (vice versa)
There are almost exactly the same number of neutrinos and antineutrinos, the same number of electrons and positrons, so that the transition from neutron to proton is as fast as the transition from proton to neutron. Because of equilibrium the number of neutrons is equal to the number of protons on the 'first day.' These nucleons are not yet bound into nuclei and any complex nuclei formed are destroyed as soon as they are formed.
One is tempted to ask the question how large was the universe on the 'first day.' Unfortunately no one has the answer and this question has no meaning. If one shows that the universe is infinite now, then one can argue that the universe was Infinite then (at the time of 'first day), and will always be Infinite. On the other hand it is possible that the universe now has a finite circumference, which is estimated to be about 125 billion light years. This estimate is based on the present value of the Hubble Constant. By taking the ratios of the temperature then (1011 °K) to the present temperature (3° K), the circumference of the universe on the 'first day' is calculated to be about four light years (A light-year is the distance traveled by light in one year at the rate of 300 million kilometers per second). The details of the story of cosmic evolution (birth and formation of the universe) in the beginning do not depend on whether the circumference of the universe was infinite or had only a few light years.
SECOND DAY
Since the 'first day' only eleven hundredths of a second (0.11 sec.) have elapsed. The temperature of the universe has come down (cooled) to 30 billion degrees Kelvin (3X1010 °K). Qualitatively nothing has changed- the contents of the universe are the same such as protons, neutrons, electrons, positrons, neutrinos, antineutrinos and photons, -all in thermal equilibrium. The energy density has dropped to about 30 million times the energy density contained in the rest mass of water. The expansion time of the universe has now lengthened to about two-tenths of a second (0.2 second). The few nucleons (neutrons or protons) are not bound into nuclei, but with the cooling of temperature it is now significantly easier for the heavier neutrons to transform into lighter protons than vice versa. The ratio of neutrons to protons or nuclear particle balance has shifted to one-third neutrons and two-thirds protons.
THRID DAY
Since the 'first day' a little over one-second (1.09 seconds) have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now ten billion degrees Kelvin (1010 °K). The decreasing density and temperature have caused the neutrinos and antineutrinos to behave like free particles and they are no longer in thermal equilibrium with the electrons, positrons or photons. This is called the "decoupling" of the neutrinos and they expand freely. They do not play any active role in the formation of the universe, except that their energy will continue to provide part of the source of the gravitational field of the universe.
The energy density is now reduced to a mass density of 380,000 times that of ordinary water. The temperature of the universe is twice the threshold temperature of electrons and positrons. The electrons and positrons interact with each other to annihilate more rapidly than they can be created out of radiation (energy). The temperature of the universe is still too hot for neutrons and protons to be bound into atomic nuclei for any appreciable length of time. The cooling temperature has now allowed the neutron-proton balance to shift to one-quarter neutrons and three-quarter protons.
FOURTH DAY
Since the 'first day' about 14 seconds have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now 3 billion (3 X 109 °K) degrees Kelvin. The electrons and positrons are beginning rapidly to disappear as major components of the universe. The neutrinos are about 8 percent cooler than the electrons, positrons, and photons. Here afterwards the temperature of the universe means the temperature of the photons.
The temperature is cool enough for the formation of stable nuclei such as helium (4He), however this does not occur immediately. Now, ordinary helium (He4) is a tightly bound nucleus. On the other hand the isotope (an atom having the same number of protons but different number of neutrons) of hydrogen, tritium (3H), and an Isotope of Helium- helium-3 (3He) are much less tightly 2 bound, and heavy hydrogen or deuterium (2H) is especially loosely bound. (It requires about one-tenth as much energy to pull a deuterium nucleus (which contains one proton and one neutron) apart as to pull a single nucleon out of helium nucleus containing two protons and two neutrons). On the 'fourth day' with a temperature of three billion degrees Kelvin, nuclei of deuterium (heavy hydrogen) are blasted apart as soon as they form and there is no chance for the formation of heavier nuclei. Neutrons continue to be transformed into protons, but at a much slower rate than before. The neutron-proton balance is about one-fifth neutrons to four-fifth protons.
FIFTH DAY
Since the 'first day' three minutes and two seconds have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now one billion degrees Kelvin (109 °K), just about 70 times hotter than the temperature at the center of the sun. The main components of the universe are now photons, neutrinos, and antineutrinos as the electrons and positrons have mostly disappeared. When electron-positron pair annihilate energy is released which increases the temperature of the photons by 35 percent more than that of the neutrinos.
The temperature of the universe is cool enough so that the nuclei of normal helium (Helium-4), helium-3, and tritium hold together. One should remember that when a neutron is free (not bound in the nucleus) it decays after 920 seconds or about 15 minutes and becomes a proton. The collision between neutrons and protons with electrons, neutrinos, and their antiparticles have now come to a stop, but the decay of the free neutron is beginning to be important. The neutron-proton balance is now one-seventh neutrons and six-sevenths protons. This period is called "era of nucleosynthesis", as neutrons are rapidly assembled into helium nuclei, and the neutron-proton ratio is frozen at the value it has at that time.
SIXTH DAY
Since the 'first day' more than half-an-hour or 34 minutes and 40 seconds have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now 300 million degrees Kelvin or 21 times hotter than the temperature at the center of the sun. Except for the small excess of electrons required to balance the charge of the protons, the electrons and positrons are now completely annihilated. The energy density of the universe is now equivalent to a mass density one-tenth that of ordinary water; of this one-third is in the form of neutrinos and antineutrinos and two-third is in the form of photons. Nuclear processes have ceased, so that the nucleons are mostly either bound into helium nuclei or are free protons (nuclei of hydrogen atoms). There is one electron for each free or bound proton. Since the universe is too hot, stable atoms cannot hold together.
For about one million years, the universe goes on expanding and cooling without anything happening. At that time the temperature would have cooled to the point where electrons and nuclei can form stable atoms. Due to lack of free electrons in the contents of the universe, the universe becomes transparent to radiation. This era is known as the "Decoupling Era" - decoupling of matter and radiation. The electron and-protons combine to form hydrogen and helium gases. The resulting gas would begin under the influence of gravitation to form clumps, which would ultimately condense to form galaxies and stars of the present universe. After another 10 billion years later intelligent beings will emerge to postulate the story of the origin of the universe.
GLOSSARY:
ANTIPARTICLE: A particle with the same mass and spin as another particle, but with equal and opposite electric charge, baryon number, lepton number, and so on. To every particle there is a corresponding antiparticle, except that certain purely neutral particles like the photon and pi-zero meson are their own antiparticles. The antineutrino is the antiparticle of the neutrino; the antiproton is the antiparticle of the proton; and so on. Antimatter consists of the antiprotons, antineutrons, and antielectrons or positrons.
BARYON NUMBER: It is the total number of baryons (neutrons, protons, hyperons) present in a system, minus the total number of antibaryons.
CHARACTERSITIC EXPANSION TIME: Reciprocal of the Hubble constant. Roughly, 100 times the time in which the universe would expand by one percent.
DENSITY: The amount of any quantity per unit volume. The mass density is the mass per unit volume. The energy density is the energy per unit volume; particle density is the number of particles per unit volume.
ELECTRON: The lightest massive elementary particle. All chemical properties of atoms and molecules are determined by electrical interactions of electrons with each other and with the atomic nuclei.
ELECTRON VOLT: A unit of energy, convenient in atomic physics, equal to the energy acquired by one electron in passing through a voltage difference of one volt.
GALAXY: A large gravitationally bound cluster of stars, containing up to 1012 solar masses. A galaxy contains 200 to 300 billion stars.
HUBBLE CONSTANT: It is the ratio of velocity of recession of moderately distant galaxies to their distance, and is denoted H or Ho.
LEPTON: A class of particles, which do not participate in the strong interactions, these are the electron, muon, and neutrino.
LIGHT YEAR: The distance that a light ray travels in one year, equal to 9.4605 X 1012 km
MESONS: A class of strongly interacting particles: pi, K, rho mesons with zero baryon number
PHOTON: The particle associated with a light wave.
PROTON: The positively charge particle found along with neutrons in atomic nuclei.
RECOMBINATION: The formation of helium and hydrogen atoms at a temperature around 3000o K
REST ENERGY: The energy of a particle at rest, which would be released if all the mass of the particle could be annihilated. Given by Einstein's formula E = mc2.
STRONG INTERACTIONS: Responsible for the nuclear forces, which hold protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.
THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM: A state in which the rates at which particles enter any given range of velocities, spins, and so on, exactly balances the rates at which they leave. Any physical system will reach thermal equilibrium after a long time if left undisturbed.
THRESHOLD TEMPERATURE: It is the temperature above, which a particle can be freely created out of thermal radiation. It is the rest energy divided by Boltzmann's constant.
Your Guardian Lord
Is God, Who created
The heavens and the earth (universe)
In six Days, ..............
Surah, A'RAF, 7:54 or 32: 4
Literal translation gives the impression that the universe was created in six Days. The Arabic word "Yaum" is translated as Day. Actually a 'day' of the people living on earth is the time interval between each sunrise. During this time the earth makes one complete rotation around its axis, while moving in an orbit around the sun (which is a star). In this verse Allah (SWT) is referring to the conditions, which existed before the sun or earth, were created. Hence the 'six days' should not be interpreted in terms of earth days. For Allah "yaum" is equal to billions of years or as short as one hundredth of a second or one atto-micro second (10-18 X 10-6 = 10-24 second). The relativity of time is mentioned in the Qur'an Hakeem (The Book of Wisdom) in several verses. It is pertinent here to quote Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the most popular translator of the Noble Qur'an in the English language with commentaries. In note 1031 he says, " The creation in six Days is of course metaphorical. The " Days of God" refer not so much to time as to the growth in us of a spiritual sense, a sense of sin and a sense of God's Mercy. In Surah, 22: 47, we are told that a Day in the sight of God is like a thousand years of our reckoning and in Surah, 70: 4; the comparison is with 50,000 years of our (earth) years. In the history of our material earth, we may reckon six great epochs of evolution."
Hence the concept of time is relative. The meaning of "Yaum" includes day, period of time, interval of time, age, era, epochs of evolution or Time Frame.
The following article describes the creation of the universe in six periods of time or "Time Frames". This description is based on a theory of the early universe, which is popularly known by astronomers as the "standard model." It is more or less same thing as the "Big Bang" theory except that it contains the detailed recipe for the contents of the universe.
At the end of the article a Glossary of technical words is provided so that the readers may refer to it in order to understand the meaning of the word.
At the beginning, time was zero and space was zero and the temperature was infinite. Einstein showed through his famous equation (E = mc2) that mass can be converted into energy and energy can be converted into mass. Heat is energy, and from energy particles of mass could be produced. Above a threshold temperature of one billion degrees Kelvin (0° Celsius is equal to 2730 Kelvin), the universe would have contained a large number of particles called pi mesons. Their mass is about one-seventh that of a nucleon (proton or neutron). Nucleon is a particle that exists in the nucleus of an atom. A proton is a positively charged nucleon, whereas a neutron is slightly heavier than the proton but is electrically neutral. Unlike other particles, pi mesons interact very strongly with each other and with the nucleons. The interaction of pi mesons with the nucleons or nuclear particles is responsible for the nuclear or attractive force that exists in the nucleus of an atom.
The behavior of matter at super-high temperature is very difficult to predict. Hence the interpretation of the creation of the universe starts about one-hundredth of a second after the beginning (Big Bang) and the temperature was one hundred billion degrees Kelvin (0° Celsius is equal to 2730 Kelvin).
FIRST DAY:
At this time the temperature of the universe is one hundred billion degrees Kelvin (1011 °K). It is filled with particles and radiation, which cannot be differentiated. The particles, which are continually being created out of pure energy, are colliding with each other very rapidly. Although the universe is expanding rapidly, the universe appears to be in a state of thermal equilibrium. The contents of the universe are subject to the laws of statistical mechanics. The temperature is extremely hot (1011 °K) and the conserved quantities of particle physics such as charge, lepton number, baryon number-are extremely small or zero.
The particles that are present abundantly are the electron (the negatively charged particle that flows through wires in electric currents and makes up the outer parts of all atoms and molecules in the present universe) and positron (antiparticle of electron which is a positively charged particle with precisely the same mass as electron). In the present universe positrons are found only in high-energy laboratories, in some kinds of radioactivity, and in violent astronomical phenomena like cosmic rays and supernovas, but in the early universe the number of positrons was almost exactly equal to the number of electrons, the massless particles- the photons, neutrinos and antineutrinos (antiparticle of neutrino). Neutrinos are ghostly particles with no mass or electric charge. At this time the universe is extremely dense and even the neutrinos, which can travel through the earth or through lead bricks without being scattered, are in a state of thermal equilibrium with electrons, positrons, and photons by colliding with them rapidly and with each other. They are behaving just like so many different kinds of radiation. The energy density is calculated to be 21 X 1044 electron Volts per liter. This is equivalent to a mass density of 3.8 billion kilogram per liter or to express in simple term's equivalent to 3.8 billion times the density of water under normal earth conditions. Nobody has any concept of what this huge density means. Suppose Mount Everest was made of matter this dense, its gravitational attraction would destroy the earth. At this time the universe is filled with light.
The universe on the 'first day' is rapidly expanding and cooling. There are a small number of nuclear particles (nucleons) at this time. About one nucleon (proton or neutron) for every one billion (109) photons or electrons or neutrinos. The neutron is slightly heavier than the proton. The few neutrons or protons are colliding with the abundant electrons, positrons, and so on. As a result of these collisions a proton is converted into a neutron and vice versa. The reaction can be written as:
Proton + antineutrino = neutron + positron (vice versa)
Neutron + neutrino = proton + electron (vice versa)
There are almost exactly the same number of neutrinos and antineutrinos, the same number of electrons and positrons, so that the transition from neutron to proton is as fast as the transition from proton to neutron. Because of equilibrium the number of neutrons is equal to the number of protons on the 'first day.' These nucleons are not yet bound into nuclei and any complex nuclei formed are destroyed as soon as they are formed.
One is tempted to ask the question how large was the universe on the 'first day.' Unfortunately no one has the answer and this question has no meaning. If one shows that the universe is infinite now, then one can argue that the universe was Infinite then (at the time of 'first day), and will always be Infinite. On the other hand it is possible that the universe now has a finite circumference, which is estimated to be about 125 billion light years. This estimate is based on the present value of the Hubble Constant. By taking the ratios of the temperature then (1011 °K) to the present temperature (3° K), the circumference of the universe on the 'first day' is calculated to be about four light years (A light-year is the distance traveled by light in one year at the rate of 300 million kilometers per second). The details of the story of cosmic evolution (birth and formation of the universe) in the beginning do not depend on whether the circumference of the universe was infinite or had only a few light years.
SECOND DAY
Since the 'first day' only eleven hundredths of a second (0.11 sec.) have elapsed. The temperature of the universe has come down (cooled) to 30 billion degrees Kelvin (3X1010 °K). Qualitatively nothing has changed- the contents of the universe are the same such as protons, neutrons, electrons, positrons, neutrinos, antineutrinos and photons, -all in thermal equilibrium. The energy density has dropped to about 30 million times the energy density contained in the rest mass of water. The expansion time of the universe has now lengthened to about two-tenths of a second (0.2 second). The few nucleons (neutrons or protons) are not bound into nuclei, but with the cooling of temperature it is now significantly easier for the heavier neutrons to transform into lighter protons than vice versa. The ratio of neutrons to protons or nuclear particle balance has shifted to one-third neutrons and two-thirds protons.
THRID DAY
Since the 'first day' a little over one-second (1.09 seconds) have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now ten billion degrees Kelvin (1010 °K). The decreasing density and temperature have caused the neutrinos and antineutrinos to behave like free particles and they are no longer in thermal equilibrium with the electrons, positrons or photons. This is called the "decoupling" of the neutrinos and they expand freely. They do not play any active role in the formation of the universe, except that their energy will continue to provide part of the source of the gravitational field of the universe.
The energy density is now reduced to a mass density of 380,000 times that of ordinary water. The temperature of the universe is twice the threshold temperature of electrons and positrons. The electrons and positrons interact with each other to annihilate more rapidly than they can be created out of radiation (energy). The temperature of the universe is still too hot for neutrons and protons to be bound into atomic nuclei for any appreciable length of time. The cooling temperature has now allowed the neutron-proton balance to shift to one-quarter neutrons and three-quarter protons.
FOURTH DAY
Since the 'first day' about 14 seconds have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now 3 billion (3 X 109 °K) degrees Kelvin. The electrons and positrons are beginning rapidly to disappear as major components of the universe. The neutrinos are about 8 percent cooler than the electrons, positrons, and photons. Here afterwards the temperature of the universe means the temperature of the photons.
The temperature is cool enough for the formation of stable nuclei such as helium (4He), however this does not occur immediately. Now, ordinary helium (He4) is a tightly bound nucleus. On the other hand the isotope (an atom having the same number of protons but different number of neutrons) of hydrogen, tritium (3H), and an Isotope of Helium- helium-3 (3He) are much less tightly 2 bound, and heavy hydrogen or deuterium (2H) is especially loosely bound. (It requires about one-tenth as much energy to pull a deuterium nucleus (which contains one proton and one neutron) apart as to pull a single nucleon out of helium nucleus containing two protons and two neutrons). On the 'fourth day' with a temperature of three billion degrees Kelvin, nuclei of deuterium (heavy hydrogen) are blasted apart as soon as they form and there is no chance for the formation of heavier nuclei. Neutrons continue to be transformed into protons, but at a much slower rate than before. The neutron-proton balance is about one-fifth neutrons to four-fifth protons.
FIFTH DAY
Since the 'first day' three minutes and two seconds have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now one billion degrees Kelvin (109 °K), just about 70 times hotter than the temperature at the center of the sun. The main components of the universe are now photons, neutrinos, and antineutrinos as the electrons and positrons have mostly disappeared. When electron-positron pair annihilate energy is released which increases the temperature of the photons by 35 percent more than that of the neutrinos.
The temperature of the universe is cool enough so that the nuclei of normal helium (Helium-4), helium-3, and tritium hold together. One should remember that when a neutron is free (not bound in the nucleus) it decays after 920 seconds or about 15 minutes and becomes a proton. The collision between neutrons and protons with electrons, neutrinos, and their antiparticles have now come to a stop, but the decay of the free neutron is beginning to be important. The neutron-proton balance is now one-seventh neutrons and six-sevenths protons. This period is called "era of nucleosynthesis", as neutrons are rapidly assembled into helium nuclei, and the neutron-proton ratio is frozen at the value it has at that time.
SIXTH DAY
Since the 'first day' more than half-an-hour or 34 minutes and 40 seconds have elapsed. The temperature of the universe is now 300 million degrees Kelvin or 21 times hotter than the temperature at the center of the sun. Except for the small excess of electrons required to balance the charge of the protons, the electrons and positrons are now completely annihilated. The energy density of the universe is now equivalent to a mass density one-tenth that of ordinary water; of this one-third is in the form of neutrinos and antineutrinos and two-third is in the form of photons. Nuclear processes have ceased, so that the nucleons are mostly either bound into helium nuclei or are free protons (nuclei of hydrogen atoms). There is one electron for each free or bound proton. Since the universe is too hot, stable atoms cannot hold together.
For about one million years, the universe goes on expanding and cooling without anything happening. At that time the temperature would have cooled to the point where electrons and nuclei can form stable atoms. Due to lack of free electrons in the contents of the universe, the universe becomes transparent to radiation. This era is known as the "Decoupling Era" - decoupling of matter and radiation. The electron and-protons combine to form hydrogen and helium gases. The resulting gas would begin under the influence of gravitation to form clumps, which would ultimately condense to form galaxies and stars of the present universe. After another 10 billion years later intelligent beings will emerge to postulate the story of the origin of the universe.
GLOSSARY:
ANTIPARTICLE: A particle with the same mass and spin as another particle, but with equal and opposite electric charge, baryon number, lepton number, and so on. To every particle there is a corresponding antiparticle, except that certain purely neutral particles like the photon and pi-zero meson are their own antiparticles. The antineutrino is the antiparticle of the neutrino; the antiproton is the antiparticle of the proton; and so on. Antimatter consists of the antiprotons, antineutrons, and antielectrons or positrons.
BARYON NUMBER: It is the total number of baryons (neutrons, protons, hyperons) present in a system, minus the total number of antibaryons.
CHARACTERSITIC EXPANSION TIME: Reciprocal of the Hubble constant. Roughly, 100 times the time in which the universe would expand by one percent.
DENSITY: The amount of any quantity per unit volume. The mass density is the mass per unit volume. The energy density is the energy per unit volume; particle density is the number of particles per unit volume.
ELECTRON: The lightest massive elementary particle. All chemical properties of atoms and molecules are determined by electrical interactions of electrons with each other and with the atomic nuclei.
ELECTRON VOLT: A unit of energy, convenient in atomic physics, equal to the energy acquired by one electron in passing through a voltage difference of one volt.
GALAXY: A large gravitationally bound cluster of stars, containing up to 1012 solar masses. A galaxy contains 200 to 300 billion stars.
HUBBLE CONSTANT: It is the ratio of velocity of recession of moderately distant galaxies to their distance, and is denoted H or Ho.
LEPTON: A class of particles, which do not participate in the strong interactions, these are the electron, muon, and neutrino.
LIGHT YEAR: The distance that a light ray travels in one year, equal to 9.4605 X 1012 km
MESONS: A class of strongly interacting particles: pi, K, rho mesons with zero baryon number
PHOTON: The particle associated with a light wave.
PROTON: The positively charge particle found along with neutrons in atomic nuclei.
RECOMBINATION: The formation of helium and hydrogen atoms at a temperature around 3000o K
REST ENERGY: The energy of a particle at rest, which would be released if all the mass of the particle could be annihilated. Given by Einstein's formula E = mc2.
STRONG INTERACTIONS: Responsible for the nuclear forces, which hold protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.
THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM: A state in which the rates at which particles enter any given range of velocities, spins, and so on, exactly balances the rates at which they leave. Any physical system will reach thermal equilibrium after a long time if left undisturbed.
THRESHOLD TEMPERATURE: It is the temperature above, which a particle can be freely created out of thermal radiation. It is the rest energy divided by Boltzmann's constant.
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