DOES SCIENCE LEAD TO GOD ? Muhammad Sulaiman 0 DOES SCIENCE LEAD TO GOD? Although the evidence supporting the existence of God is piling up, still some in mass media are continuously troubling minds and raising doubts about God’s existence. In this booklet, we provide evidence for God’s existence, the importance of faith and how to find the true Path of God. We explain how our souls need nourishment through faith, and why life could be miserable without faith, no matter how many physical enjoyments we may have. We discuss how faith means to reform our lives according to God’s Will and to submit to Him. Submission to God’s Will is known as “Islam” and those who submit their will to God are called “Muslims”. Islam is not a new religion brought by the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him, PBUH) in the seventh century, but rather the true religion of God which started with Adam and was preached by the subsequent prophets of God, like Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). The following verse demonstrates how Jesus (PBUH) affirmed the importance of submission to God’s Will: “Not all of those who call me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Therefore, Islam is the religion which you need to follow in order to achieve happiness in this life and the life to come. “And they will say, ‘Praise be to God, who has guided us to this. Had God not guided us, we would never be guided. The messengers of our Lord did come with the truth.’ And it will be proclaimed to them, ‘This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do’.” (Qur’an, 7:43) 1 2 DOES SCIENCE LEED TO GOD? MUHAMMAD SOLAIMAN The International Commission of Scientific Signs in the Qur’an and Sunnah, Taif Branch, Saudi Arabia 3 May God accept and reward all those who contributed in writing, revising, amending, translating and printing this book. Copyrights are reserved for the author except for those who want to distribute it for free. 4 ‫ﺑﺴﻢ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻴﻢ‬ IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL CLEARING THE CLOUDS OF DOUBT Contents 1, Introduction. 7 2. Evidence for the Supreme Creator 2,1 The Universe 2.2. The Uniform Laws of Nature 2.3. Fine-Tuning of the Universe to Support Life 2.4. Importance of the Moon for Life on Earth 3. Improbability of a Spontaneous Emergence of Life 3.1. The Left-handed Amino Acids 3.2 Protein Synthesis Machinery 3.3. Cell Membrane 3.4. The DNA Code 3.5 The Minimum Genetic Material of a Living Cell 4. Is it Possible for Life to Come From Space? 9 9 10 11 16 18 18 18 20 21 22 23 5. Darwinism 5.1. Some Challenges to Darwinism 5.2. Moral Implications of Evolution 5.3. Reference to Evolution in the Qur’an 5.4. Did Darwin Believe in God? 55 Would Darwin Change His Mind? 6. Is There More Than One God? 7. The Necessity of Faith 7.1. Humans Instinctively Believe in God 7.2. Restless and Tranquil Souls 7.3. Faith Gives Us Strength 7.4. Faith Gives Meaning to Our Lives 8. The Straight Path of God 8.1. Necessity of Religion 8.2. Finding the Straight Path of God 9. Islam is the Straight Path 9.1. What Does Islam mean? 9.2. The Oneness of God 9.3. What is Unique About Islam? 9.4. Sins and Original Sin 9.5. Islam Creates Better Societies 9.6. The Slander of Terrorism 10. The Prophet Muhammad 11. The Living Miracle Of The Qur’an 12. Concluding Remarks 13. References 24 25 29 30 30 35 36 38 38 39 41 42 44 44 44 47 47 47 47 49 49 50 57 60 63 65 5 1. INTRODUCTION A Bedouin in a desert was once asked about God. His answer was: “The track indicates the walking of a person and camel dung indicates a camel has passed by. Wouldn't the celestial constellations of the sky, Earth’s plains between mountains, and seas with their waves reveal the presence of God?” This was a direct, simple, straightforward answer from a simple, uneducated man who lived several centuries ago. What would his answer be today? Would he change his mind under the influence of some secular educational systems and some secular mass media coverage which are usually biased in favour of atheism? (7) Both secular education and some secular media slyly propagate the idea that the universe and life simply came into existence coincidentally through Mother Nature. They both pave the road to atheism and serve to shape the situation against religion. Therefore, atheism is nowadays more compelling to a large number of people. Nonetheless, is what has been propagated the truth? In this booklet, we will discover that the answer is “No”, because, in contrast to what they actually have propagated, scientists are piling up huge facts supporting theism (8). In other words, the more we know about the universe, Earth and life, the more we realise that all these extremely complex natural intricacies and perfectly accurate mechanisms have no chance to exist by chance. They all point to God, the Supreme Creator. We will learn that there is no contradiction between faith and science. On the contrary, the more we are knowledgeable, the more we have faith in God. We will also discover that even Darwin who put forth the evolution theory, believed in God, though he did not believe that Christianity is a revealed religion of God. “In the creation of the heavens and Earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for people of understanding.” (Qur’an, 3:190) “From among His servants, the learned fear God.” (Qur’an, 35:28) In addition, we will also discuss the need of faith for mankind who acquired his soul from the breath of God in his body. We will discover that our souls will never rest unless we believe in God and reform our lives according to His Will. We will also discuss how we can find the Straight Path of God, which guarantees our joy in this life and the life to come. 6 Figure 1: A simple illiterate Bedouin was able to realise that as the track is a sign of a walking person, so the celestial constellations are signs of God. Why do we fail to see the signs of God, though they are all around us in everything we see or touch? 7 2. EVIDENCE FOR THE SUPREME CREATOR 2.1. The Universe The universe includes all of time and space and its contents. It includes moons, planets, stars, galaxies, the contents of intergalactic space, the smallest subatomic particles and all matter and energy. The observable universe is about 91 billion light-years in size. A lightyear is more than 9 trillion kilometres. The exact size of the whole universe is not known and may be either finite or infinite. However, the observations and development of physical theories have led to inferences about the composition and evolution of the universe (8). The universe is expanding, and its rate of expansion has been accelerating. Cosmic microwave background radiation suggests that the universe had a beginning. The majority of energy in the universe leading to its accelerated expansion is unknown and is called Dark Energy. The majority of mass in the universe appears to exist in an unknown form, called Dark Matter. Dark Matter neither emits nor absorbs light or any other electromagnetic radiation and it constitutes 26.8% of the total mass-energy in the universe. Our Solar System is located in a galaxy composed of billions of stars and it is called the Milky Way. It is assumed that the distribution of the countless galaxies in the universe is uniform and the same in all directions. The stars are moving in an orderly fashion through the galaxies and are surrounded by planets that orbit them in an organised and systematic manner. Around some planets are small moons which move in regular orbits. The smallest discrete building blocks of the universe are the atoms. An atom consists of a positively-charged nucleus which gives it its weight. This atom is orbited by small, negatively-charged electrons. This system is very similar to solar systems in the universe and galaxies and is governed by a similar set of laws of motion (9). Now after this brief clarification about the universe, the question is: Who originated the tiniest atoms and the endless universe? Have they come from nothing? Aren’t they signs of God, the Omnipotent Creator? 8 Figure 2: The observable universe (left) is about 91 billion light-years big. A light year is more than 9 trillion kilometres. The Milky Way Galaxy (right). “In the creation of the Heavens and Earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for people of understanding.” (Qur’an, 4:82) “Or were they created out of nothing? Or are they the creators?” (Qur’an, 52:35) 2.2. The Uniform Laws of Nature Scientists use the concept of law, which is a logical mathematical language to describe the existing properties of nature. This is possible because of the behaviour of nature that permits scientific laws to be discovered and described with mathematical formulae (10). The concept of law has been applied in all fields of science, including classical physics, mathematical physics, optics, fluid dynamics, cosmology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, etc. Everything in the universe, starting from the tiniest electron in an atom to a huge galaxy, follows the laws of nature. The intelligibility of these laws cannot be considered a consequence of natural selection or evolution, as was proposed for biological systems. Who set these laws in order? Is it possible that Mother Nature, randomness, or coincidence has created defined sets of intricate laws, providing that these laws maintain and regulate everything in the universe and keep it in harmony and order? Isn’t the amazing consistency of scientific laws in all fields a witness to the presence of the Super-Intelligent Originator? (11) This leads us to the conclusion that God has planned, designed, proportioned and created everything in the universe, from the tiniest electron in an atom to the huge galaxies in the endless universe. He has kept them in harmony and order through finely-tuned and perfect laws. 9 “Everything We created is precisely measured.” (Qur’an, 54:49) “Everything with Him is in (due) proportion.” (Qur’an, 13:8) “Do you not realise that to God prostrates (submits to His Law) whatever in the heavens and everyone on Earth?” (Qur’an, 22:18) Robin Collins–a professor with three degrees and two doctorates in mathematics, physics and philosophy–said: “The extraordinary fine-tuning of the laws and constants of nature, their beauty, their discoverability, their intelligibility – all these combine to make the God hypothesis the most reasonable choice we have. All other theories fall short.” (12) 2.3. Fine-tuning of the Universe to Support life 2.3.1. The Balance Between Expansion and Gravity During the Big Bang The universe has been finely-tuned or adjusted to make the development of life on Earth possible. This can be observed right from the beginning, during the Big Bang. When the Big Bang occurred billions of years ago, there were just atoms floating about in the dark void of space. The strength of gravity then had to be just exactly right for stars to form. If gravity were changed by even a tiny fraction (one billionth of a gram heavier or lighter), there would have been no stars, galaxies or planets. On the contrary, if gravity had been stronger, the stars and galaxies would have quickly collapsed and cosmic history could have been over by now. On the other hand, the universe must have maintained an extremely precise overall density. A change of one part in 1015 (i.e. 0.0000000000001%) would have resulted in a collapse or a rapid expansion of the universe so that no stars, galaxies or life could have formed (13). 2.3.2. Fine-tuning of Atoms The atom consists of three major particles: protons, neutrons and electrons. The negatively-charged electrons are kept in orbits around the nucleus by the electromagnetic force of the positively-charged nucleus. On the 10 Figure 3: Since its birth 15 billion years ago the universe has been expanding. The strength of gravity had to be just right exactly for stars to be formed. other hand, in the nucleus, there is a strong force which opposes the force of electromagnetic repulsion between protons and keeps them together in the nucleus (13). Without the strong force, there would be no atoms larger than hydrogen, which has only one proton, (i.e. no repulsion between protons exists) and consequently, no matter or complex molecules for life would exist. If the strong nuclear force were weaker, there would be no long-lived stars like the sun, no water and probably no complicated chemistry in the universe (13). If the strong force were stronger, all the hydrogen in the universe would have been burned into helium in the Big Bang, or at least the production of carbon and oxygen in stars would be greatly reduced (14). Carbon is an important element for all forms of known life. The strong nuclear and electromagnetic forces cooperate to create the energy levels which enable the production of carbon from the fusion of three helium atoms. The slightest change in the nuclear force and electromagnetic force would alter the energy levels, and greatly reduce the production of carbon (15). 2.3.3. Fine-tuning of Our Galaxy Our sun is one of more than two hundred billion stars that make up the flat disk Milky Way Galaxy. 11 The sun and our Solar System are located in a stable orbit within our Milky Way Galaxy. This orbit lies far from the centre of our galaxy and therefore, it is safer because it is removed from the more densely occupied areas, where stellar interactions disturb planetary orbits (13). The stars which orbit the centre of the galaxy do not remain there for long and are eventually swept inside a spiral arm. In addition, most of the stars in our galaxy are distant enough from our Solar System, and therefore we get lower amounts of radiation which would have badly affected our Solar System. Also, the solar system is far away from the deadly effects of the explosion of a star that has reached the end of its life, or what is called supernovae explosions. 2.3.4. Fine-tuning of Earth for Life In addition to the location of our solar system—which makes it less-likely to suffer from collisions with other stars, as explained above—the location of Earth is perfectly positioned in relation to the sun to support life. If the distance was greater, Earth would have been too cool for a stable water cycle to form and if the distance was shorter, it would have been too warm for a stable water cycle. The Earth is also not too close to the giant gas planets like Jupiter to suffer from orbit-drifting. In our Solar System, there are hundreds of thousands of asteroids and meteoroids located between Mars and Jupiter, collectively called the Kuiper Belt. The largest object in this asteroid belt is called Ceres, and its diameter is approximately 945 Km. What would happen to Earth if Ceres was to hit it? This disaster does not happen because of the strong gravitational force of Jupiter, which keeps large asteroids and meteoroids from hitting Earth (16). The Earth’s orbit is in what is called a star's “habitable zone”—where it is capable of having liquid water which is essential for life. Water is an excellent solvent, which is capable of dissolving many substances, and hence it helps and facilitates life's essential biochemical processes to take place. Unlike many other liquids, water floats when it is frozen, which would insulate the underlying fluid from freezing further. 12 Figure 4: The electromagnetic force holds electrons and the strong force holds protons in atoms (left). The sun lies far from the dense centre of our galaxy (right). The inclination of the orbit of Earth around the sun is adjusted to allow life. If it were greater, the temperature range on the planet's surface would be too extreme and if it were more eccentric seasonal temperature range would be too extreme for life to exist. Unlike gas planets, Earth is a terrestrial planet with a solid surface (crust). The crust is extremely important in maintaining life on Earth by recycling minerals and nutrients (17) The Earth is characterised by the presence of plate tectonics. These plate tectonics and drifts have led to the formation of separate land masses (continents), with diverse ecosystems which allow for the presence and sustenance of the diverse forms of complex life. Plate tectonics also regulate the levels of carbon dioxide and keep the global temperature stable. They are also involved in the generation of a magnetic field by the convection of Earth’s partially-molten core. The size of Earth is suitable for life to emerge. A smaller planet, like Mars, could not hold the atmosphere needed for life. On the contrary, a larger planet, like Neptune, would trap too much atmosphere, and consequently, the temperature would greatly increase and harmful gases in the atmosphere would be trapped. The large nickel-iron core is responsible for the production of Earth’s large magnetic field. This magnetic field acts as a radiation shield by deflecting the 13 solar winds and protects Earth from radiation bombardment. Solar radiation damages the DNA of organisms and causes mutations. The magnetic field of Earth protects the atmosphere from solar erosion. The other rocky planet in our solar system that has a magnetic field is Mercury. However, because its magnetic field strength is 100 times less than Earth's, it has almost no atmosphere (18) The Earth has the right gravitational force to hold its atmosphere. The atmosphere protects life-forms from harmful solar radiations, protects Earth from asteroids—which burn up when they enter the atmosphere (Figure 6)— and keeps a suitable average temperature to support life. The atmosphere also contains the right proportion and amounts of gases. If the oxygen quantity in the atmosphere was greater, plants and hydrocarbons would burn up too easily, and if it were less, it would be insufficient for supporting a large number of organisms to exist. On the other hand, if the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was higher or lower, the greenhouse phenomenon and an inefficient photosynthesis would respectively happen (19) Methane is one such greenhouse gas. Interestingly, scientists have discovered a kind of bacterium which can metabolise and consume 300 million tonnes of methane each year. Did this organism come by chance or did God create it? One of the layers of the atmosphere is the ozone layer. If the ozone quantity in this layer were greater or lesser, the UV radiation would be respectively too little or too intense for life to exist. The atmospheric pressure is adjusted to control water evaporation. Low atmospheric pressure would lead to the evaporation of water too easily and decrease its condensation, while higher atmospheric pressure would lead to inadequate evaporation of water. 2.4. The Importance of the Moon for Life The Earth's moon is unusually large, and therefore it works as a stabilising anchor for our planet. Our moon prevents our planet from tilting too far from the attraction of the sun or Jupiter. It also protects Earth from many asteroids that cross the path of the planet (20) The moon’s gravitational effect maintains the degree of the tilted rotational axis of Earth, and this keeps stable the season’s cycle as Earth orbits the Sun. If the moon hadn’t existed or had been much smaller, the slope of our poles 14 Figure 5: Earth’s magnetic field protects Earth’s atmosphere from erosion by solar winds. Figure 6: Jupiter protects Earth from most of the short-period comets driven from the Kuiper belt, which is shown as a dotted lighter area. would have been very different, which could have had devastating consequences on the climate and life on our planet. Without the gravitational effect of the moon, Earth would complete its rotation around its axis once every 8 hours instead of 24 hours. With this high rotational speed, there would be less time for the sun to heat up Earth. Therefore, there would be a substantial drop in the temperature on Earth and the temperature variations would be too abrupt in the transition from day to night. Consequently, winds would be more powerful and violent and Earth’s magnetic field would be three times more intense. These together would have a major impact on food production and would not favour the life forms inhabiting Earth. The moon affects the liquid envelope of Earth and causes the rise and fall of tides. The oceans' tidal flow helps to transport heat from the equator to the poles. The moon’s tidal force also causes significant heating and dissipation of 15 energy to take place and influences the biology of some species living in water or near the coasts. “And He committed the sun and the moon to your service, both continuously pursuing their courses, and He committed the night and the day to your service.” (Qur’an, 14:33) From the above-given examples, we may conclude that God planned everything to support life on Earth, and accordingly, He organised and tuned the tiny atoms and the whole vast universe to support life to exist and flourish on Earth. This is not surprising as God holds the keys of everything and when He wills a thing, He just says to it, "Be," and it is (Qur’an, 36:82) “It is He who created everything for you on Earth, then turned to the heavens, and made them seven heavens. And He is aware of all things.” (Qur’an, 2:29) Figure 7: Currently, Earth is tilted 23.4o under the influence of the gravitational force of the moon. 16 3. Improbability of the Spontaneous Emergence of Life Atheists have faith that life evolved spontaneously from chemicals at least once. Although passing a spark through a chosen mixture of gases may form amino acids–which are the building blocks of proteins–this synthesis of amino acids will never lead to the formation of a living cell, as we will find out. 3.1. The Left-handed Amino Acids (21) A functional protein will never be formed in nature outside living cells because amino acids are stereo-chemically two kinds; left-handed and righthanded. Only proteins containing left-handed amino acids are functional in living cells. In laboratory experiments where a spark is used for chemical synthesis of amino acids, there would be a mixture of left and right-handed amino acids. Therefore–for the sake of argument–even if a protein is formed in nature, it would be useless because it would be made of a mixture of both right- and left-handed amino acids. Proteins are made of hundreds of amino acids. If we have a 300 amino acid protein (say, an enzyme, for example) it would not be functional unless all these amino acids are precisely arranged in their correct order. The probability of precisely and correctly arranging these amino acids is 1/20300–or 1 chance in 2.04 x 10390–which is nearly impossible. Mathematicians generally agree that, statistically, any odds beyond 1 in 10 to the 50th (1:1050) have a zero probability of ever happening. On the other hand, there is a need for at least 400 enzymes to coexist and to simultaneously work together in orchestration in a single living cell. It may, therefore, be concluded that the formation of the simplest single-cell organism is impossible and would need an extraordinary miracle to happen, or else have been created by God, the Magnificent Designer and the Creator. 3.2. Protein Synthesis Machinery Living cells contain the hereditary material (DNA) which carry the required information for protein synthesis. The ribosomal nucleic acids (RNAs) check out the information from the DNA and line up the amino acids of proteins in sequence. This task could only be done in a living cell because: 17 Figure 8: While chemically synthesised, amino acids (left) are 50% lefthanded (L-isomer) and 50% right-handed (D-isomer), but only left-handed amino acids are usually used in biologically-active proteins and must be precisely arranged. A functional protein has to be folded into a highly complex, three-dimensional shape (right diagram) by a protein called chaperonin which also only exists in living cells. • The living cell only is capable of synthesising the left-handed amino acids required for proteins to function. • For a new protein to be biologically functional it must fold into a highly complex, three-dimensional shape. Even the slightest change in the folding process can turn a protein into a non-functional form. Only living cells can fold such proteins using specialised proteins called chaperonins (22). • Newly-made proteins must contain an amino acid string that determines the eventual proper place in the cell. Living cells need each protein to be precisely located in the correct place in order to function. Who would provide a spontaneously-formed protein with this directing string? • The cell needs to synthesise proteins only when required. If the cell does not contain the information to correctly turn on and off the production of proteins, its synthesis will continue until the cell is exhausted and dies. Therefore, we may conclude that making a functional protein of left-handed amino acids—folded properly, directed to the right location, and produced only when needed—would not happen unless in a living cell created by God. 3.3. The DNA code For any living cell to exist and to be functional, very detailed instructions must be available and recorded in the form of chromosomal DNA. The DNA 18 is made up of four types of building units which are arranged in chains. These building units are abbreviated as A, T, G, and C. There are four million of these letters (building units) in each bacterial cell, and three billion of these in each human cell. These building units are precisely arranged to spell out the detailed programmes which control everything in the living cell including the instructions required for the synthesis of proteins. The DNA in the tiny bacterial cell–which is one micrometre in length–contains as much information as a 1000-page book! Any change in the sequence of even a single DNA building unit, could lead to a non-functional protein and consequently a handicapped or dead bacterial cell depending on its importance (24). It is logical to accept the idea that a sophisticated computer programme needs an intelligent programmer. Aren’t these DNA programmes of a living cell and their massive amount of information a proof for the existence of an intelligent programmer and manufacturer? In sophisticated creatures like humans, we have additional DNA programmes to orchestrate different types of cells in each organ, and DNA programmes to orchestrate all organs to eventually create a healthy human. In addition, there are also countless DNA programmes in countless unicellular and multicellular organisms in different ecosystems which orchestrate the coexistence of all living creatures on Earth. Who, other than God–the Supreme Creator and Designer–is behind these intelligent countless DNA programmes? “And (He) created everything and determined its measure.” (Qur’an, 25:2) “You will not find any change in God's Sunnah (decreed Law), and you will not alter God's Sunnah.” (Qur’an, 35:43) 19 Figure 10: A lysed bacterial cell (1micromiter in length). The stringy material surrounding it is the released chromosomal DNA. 3.4. The Minimum Genetic Material of a Living Cell Any living bacterium has to be able to copy its DNA, transcribe and translate it into protein, and to coordinate all the steps involved in cell division. It has to be able to synthesise all needed things which are not available in its environment. For this to be carried out, the cell has to have a genome carrying all the genes which harbour all the information required to carrying out all these functions. The smallest known bacterial genome consists of 480 genes and is found in a bacterium called Mycoplasma genitalium (25). After years of intensive research, it was possible to reduce the 480 genes of M. genitalium to 250-gene which are the minimal set of essential genes required for the M. genitalium to live and function. Therefore, this minimal microbial cell is an irreducible system, wherein the removal of any of the 250 genes would cause the bacterial cell to cease functioning and die. In other words, for this bacterial cell to exist as a living entity, it needs all these genes. As previously mentioned, each gene consists of perhaps a thousand building units (nucleotides), which have to be arranged in a correct order for the gene to be functional. How would all these functional genes, cell membranes and other cellular organelles come together simultaneously by chance for a minimal cell to emerge as a living bacterial cell? Therefore, even this minimal cell cannot emerge by chance and it could not be further abstracted to a less-sophisticated form. Doesn’t this bacterial cell require a Super-Intelligent, All-Mighty, and All-Knowing Creator? 20 Figure 11: Mycoplasma genitalium is a type of a sexually transmitted bacterium. It possesses a small genome which carries 480 genes. 3.5. Cell Membrane (23) Each cell is surrounded by a membrane made of two layers of phospholipids. These types of lipids are synthesised by accurately controlled reactions which exist only inside living cells. The membrane serves as a barrier to prevent the contents of the cell from escaping and mixing with the surrounding environment. Through membranes, nutrients pass inward and wastes pass outward. The membrane is also supported by highly selective channels and pumps, formed from protein molecules that allow specific substances to be imported while others can be exported. Some protein molecules in the membrane act as sensors to enable the cell to respond to the changes in the environment. For this membrane to do its function it has to be completely intact with all its components present. Anything missing (i.e. phospholipids, structural proteins, sensors, pumps or enzymes) would render this structure useless. A useless membrane means the death of the cell. How would that membrane emerge spontaneously? Who but God planned this irreducible complex membrane which is essential for a living cell right from its beginning? Figure 9: For a living cell to function, it needs sophisticated machinery consisting of a number of organelles, like the membrane (left) and a larger number of proteins. The membrane is a highly sophisticated structure with highly selective channels and pumps of proteins and enzymes. 21 We may, therefore, conclude that the building materials of a living cell are incredibly complex and are impossible to be formed spontaneously in nature. Even if one component of a living cell were to be formed by chance, it is useless in the absence of thousands of others, and it would spontaneously degrade while waiting for these other components to exist. In addition, for a living cell to exist there must be a massive amount of stored, inherited information in the form of genes. Any change in the sequence of the building units of genes could be lethal to the living cell. If nature has failed over billions of years to spontaneously make a simple working machine like a watch by chance, though all required elements are available in nature, why then would one imagine that nature could create the much more sophisticated living cell? Figure 12: The friction a meteoroid entering Earth’s atmosphere raises its temperature to 1,650 degrees C. This kills any living organism. 22 4. Is it Possible for Life to Have Come from Space? Because, as previously explained, the spontaneous emergence of the first living cell or its components is scientifically impossible, some atheists proposed that life started somewhere else in the space, where conditions could be permissible, and then came to Earth. If so the living cell or part of its components would have to travel a long journey through space during which it would be exposed to the destructive effect of UV and cosmic rays in addition to the extremely cold weather. The exposure of unprotected cellular components like the hereditary material (DNA) to the solar UV light and the cosmic ionising radiation would lead to their damage and destruction. Therefore, the transport of an unprotected DNA in the space during interplanetary flights is extremely unlikely (45). On the other hand, experimental data suggest that the transport of an unprotected resistant life form, like a bacterial spore, through the space environment will cause its destruction in a mere few seconds. If the spores are shielded by embedding them in a clay or meteorite powder, they may survive in the space for up to 6 years. However, in this case, rocks greater than or equal to 1 meter in diameter are required to effectively shield and protect bacterial spores against cosmic radiations (46). However, this is not the whole story because in addition to the problem of the damaging radiations during space travelling, there is another major problem which faces the meteor when it enters the atmosphere of the Earth. A meteor moves through the vacuum of space at very high speeds which reaches tens of thousands of kilometres per hour. When this meteor hits the atmosphere, the air in front of it is compressed quickly and its temperature rises up to as high as 1,650 degrees C. Therefore, the meteor is usually burnt by the air until nothing of it is left. That is why we see meteors glowing in the sky (Figure 12). Obviously, at that extremely high temperature, no resistant life form or any of its organic components would still exist (47). 23 We may, therefore, conclude that the assumption of life to have been developed somewhere in the space before coming to the Earth is practically impossible. 5. DARWINISM Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin (1809 -1882) and others. According to this theory of evolution, living things have descended from a single common ancestor, in much the same way that a tree, springing from a single root, produces separate and increasingly distant branches (26). The evolution theory states that organisms arise and develop through a process of natural selection of inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive and reproduce in different environments. Initially, Darwinism was met with opposition from scientists; however, it eventually has received overwhelming acceptance in the scientific community. Today, Darwinism as a theory is facing several scientific challenges and objections. The more we know about molecular biology, the more we find scientific evidence against the Darwinian theory of evolution. The following points are just some examples of the objections against Darwinism. 5.1. Some Challenges to Darwinism 5.1.1. The Cambrian Period The Cambrian Period is defined as the first geological period of the “time of ancient life”. This period lasted from 541 to 485.4 million years ago. It was marked by a dramatic burst of evolutionary changes in life forms on Earth, known as the "Cambrian Explosion". This evolutionary burst produced the first representatives of all modern animal phyla. Why were the transitions between the major groups characteristically abrupt? Isn’t that an evidence for the Will of the Creator? (27) According to evolution theory, simpler species should have appeared first and gradually become more complex. However, on the contrary, the fossil records demonstrate that members of the animal kingdom have been very 24 different from one another and very complex ever since they first appeared, and they all appeared at the same time during the Cambrian Period. How could evolutionary theory explain this dramatic burst and the appearance of the first representatives of all modern animal phyla? 25 Figure 13: There are at least a quarter of a million of fossils of different species in the life tree. However, there is no steady line of fossils, from the beginning of life until modern species. The intermediate forms or evolutionary ‘gaps’ have not been filled. A B 26 Figure 14: The record of the fossils demonstrates that members of the animal kingdom have been very different from one another (A) and very complex (B) ever since they first appeared on Earth at the same time during the geological era of the Cambrian Period. 5.1.2. Structural Complexity Evolution was a convincing explanation to scientists because they thought that structures were simple. They did not realise that evolution actually requires staggeringly-complicated biochemical processes. Therefore, the sophistication of creatures and their organelles as discovered by biochemistry and molecular biology have provided challenges to Darwinian evolution. Let us take the example of the hair-like cilia and the brain. The Complexity of Cilia Cilia are required for both simple forms of organisms, like paramecium, and sophisticated organisms, like a human. A paramecium needs cilia for motility, while humans need them in the lung, for instance, to sweep mucus towards the throat to get rid of it. According to evolution, both the paramecium and the lung would gradually and step-by-step adapt to their need for cilia and gradually would acquire them. However, this is quite impossible. Each cell lining the respiratory tract of humans has about 200 cilia. But under closer examination, one can see that the cilium is too sophisticated (28) to be gradually formed (Figure 15). Each cilium is surrounded by a membrane. The cilium consists of a bundle of fibres which are called an axoneme. Each axoneme contains a ring of 9 double outer "microtubules" surrounding two central single microtubules. 27 Figure 15: The complex structure of the cilium. Each outer doublet consists of a ring of 13 filaments (subfiber A) fused to an assembly of 10 filaments (subfiber B). The filaments of the microtubules are composed of two proteins called alpha and beta tubulin. The 11 microtubules (the outer nine and the inner two) are held together by three types of connectors: sub-fibres A are joined to the central microtubules by radial spokes; adjacent outer doublets are joined by linkers of a highly elastic protein called nexin, and the central microtubules are joined by a connecting bridge. Finally, every subfiber A bears two arms; an inner arm and an outer arm, both containing a motor protein called dynein. Ciliary motion results from the dynein-induced sliding motion which leads to a bending motion of the entire axoneme. This is chemically-powered by the chemical energy contained in ATP molecules. ATP is hydrolysed by an active ATPase which is associated with the dynein. The lack of any building component or unit of this cilium would result in loss of motility. In other words, the cilium is a sophisticated machinery in which all its components must be intact and functional. Therefore, we may conclude that the cilium is a cellular structure which was carefully designed and tailored by God, the Supreme Creator. 28 It has to exist as a complete and intact entity, right from the beginning. Gradual or step-by-step formation over time, as proposed by the evolution theory, could not create a functioning complex structure like this cilium. Complexity of the Brain Structure and Function The human brain is a complex biological and electrochemical organ which weighs about 1.5 kg. It has ten billion nerve cells, and each sends out nerve fibres to create about a thousand million connections. Would you believe that this brain is a by-product of a long chain of accidental, random, nonrational physical and chemical evolutions? (12) 5.1.3. There is No Evidence That Natural Selection Could Form New Species Researchers have been studying and observing bacteria for over a century and a half. Under favourable conditions, bacterial cells can divide every 20 minutes. Therefore, over a century and a half, scientists have observed millions of generations of bacteria. Nonetheless, after all these generations, scientists have never observed bacterium changing into another bacterial genus or species. Evolutionists would say that bacteria can acquire genes of antibiotic resistance. This is true; however, this is rather an adaptation happening in the same species under the stress of the presence of antibiotics. This adaptation requires a mutation(s) of an already existing gene(s) or acquiring this gene(s) from another organism in its close environment. Therefore, it is rather considered an adaptation or a “microevolution”, as some scientists call it. 5.1.4. Evolutionary Gaps (Transitional Fossils) (29) Despite the accumulation of millions of fossils of different species, the intermediate forms–or ‘evolutionary gaps’–have not been filled. Evolutionists have tried to provide a few examples of fossils, but so far, there is no obvious evidence for transitional species. Interestingly, Darwin himself found the paucity of transitional species to be one of the greatest weaknesses of his theory. He wrote: 29 Darwin did not propose that humans were originally apes, like chimpanzees. He proposed that humans and apes, like chimpanzees, have a common ancestor–or what is called a “transitional stage”. Figure 16: A caricature of Darwin with a monkey body. To date, no fossil has been identified as a probable candidate for the chimpanzee–human last common ancestor. Why do you think? “Why then is not every geological formation and every stratum full of such intermediate links? … This, perhaps, is the most obvious and gravest objection which can be urged against my theory.” 5.1.5. Could Evolution Explain the Mysterious Intelligence of Some Parasites? Sometimes parasites show exceptionally clever behaviour during their complex life cycles. Parasites are supposed to be primitive creatures, in the sense that they do not possess brains to think, plan and design clever life cycles. Let’s take as an example Leucochloridium paradoxum, which is a parasitic worm found in various birds in Europe and North America. The intermediate hosts of this worm are different types of land snails. The snail becomes infected by the parasite after feeding on the faeces of an infected bird. After infection, the tentacles of the eyes of the snail change their appearance so that they become colourful and pulsating and therefore, they look like a certain caterpillar. With this appearance, they attract various birds to eat them. In addition, although snails usually seek darkness for fear of birds, an infected snail exposes itself to birds in open areas to attract them (30). 30 Figure 17: Eyestalks of a healthy snail (left) and an infected snail (right). Now, this parasite changes the morphology of the tentacles of the snail and controls its behaviour to make sure that its life cycle will be completed at the expense of the life of the snail. Who is behind this smart plan of the parasite to complete its lifecycle? Is this cleverness a by-product of chance? Or is it God who designed the life cycle of this parasite? 5.1.6. Evolution Doesn’t Explain Human Reactions Darwinism cannot explain the phenomena of human consciousness, emotion, happiness, grief, love, and the ability to think and plan. It cannot explain how we weigh options and choose between alternatives on the basis of our own experiences (12). 5.2. Moral Implications of Evolution Although Darwinian Theory is a scientific work, it has been used to justify other purposes that Darwin himself never thought of. As humans are classified as animals, according to Darwinian evolution, their sometimes animal-like behaviour is justified. Therefore, it has been argued that evolution theory has degraded values, undermined morals, and fostered atheism. 31 In addition, evolution has been used to justify racism and the belief in superior races, imperialism, communism, socialism, genocide, and war (152). 5.3. Reference to Evolution in the Qur’an “Say, ‘Go about Earth, and observe how He originated the creation’. Then God will bring about the next existence. God has power over all things.” (Qur’an, 29:20) “Praise be to God, Originator of the heavens and the Earth, Maker of the angels (who are) messengers with wings—double, triple, and quadruple. He adds to creation as He wills. God is Able to do all things.” (Qur’an, 35:1) God knows that humans are curious and intelligent enough to discover, on digging into the earth, the history of both simple and sophisticated forms of life on Earth. God, in the above first verse, encourages us to go about the Earth to find out how life originally started. This implies that forms of life in the beginning of creation are different and can be differentiated from those which were created later. Interestingly, it was Darwin who travelled around Earth in his voyage of the Beagle for five years to conclude his theory of evolution. In the second verse, God draws our attention to the fact that He adds to his creation, which implies that the creation after the additions will evolve to something different. He also draws our attention to the most important fact which is that He is capable, as a Creator, to do anything in His creation. In other words, the creation gets changed or evolves by the action and Will of God and not spontaneously, as proposed in Darwinian evolution. 5.4. Did Darwin Believe in God? 5.4.1. Darwin Never Denied God Darwin was brought up with a Unitarian Christian background. He attended an Anglican public school belonging to the Church of England, with the aim to become a clergyman. He went to the University of Cambridge to get his Bachelor’s degree, which included studies of Anglican theology (32). At school age, he used to pray to God earnestly to clear his doubts. Darwin wrote about his success: “When in doubt I prayed earnestly to God to help me, and I well remember that I attributed my success to the prayers and not to my quick running, and marvelled how generally I was aided.” 32 Figure 18: To crystallise the theory of evolution, Darwin went on the five-year voyage of the Beagle (1831–1836). Isn’t that what God commanded us to do in the Glorious Qur’an to see the wonders of His creation in order to believe in Him? “Say, ‘Go about Earth, and observe how He originated the creation’.” (Qur’an, 29:20) Darwin was convinced that God created the universe and in his second edition of his book “On the Origin of Species” published in 1860, he wrote about God’s breathing of life into a primordial form of life: "I may say that the impossibility of conceiving that this grand and wondrous universe, with our conscious selves, arose through chance seems to me the chief argument for the existence of God.” “I should infer from analogy that probably all the organic beings which have ever lived on this Earth have descended from some primordial form, into which life was first breathed by the Creator.” In 1879, he wrote that he had never been an atheist. This means that even 20 years after publishing the first edition of his book, and three years before his death, Darwin was not an atheist denying the existence of God, but, as he rather labelled himself, an agnostic (1888), because he failed to find the truth about God through Christianity. 33 “My judgment often fluctuates … In my most extreme fluctuations I have never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of a God . . . an Agnostic would be the more correct description of my state of mind.” 5.4.2. Darwin’s Objections About Religion (32) Darwin never denied God. He was clearly convinced that God is the creator of the vast universe and the first life. However, he renounced his original religion and labelled himself an agnostic because he had some objections. 5.4.2.1. Objections to the Old Testament Nobody blames Darwin for his objections against the naive humanization of God in the Bible, a God who descended to Earth to see the Tower of Babel or to revenge like a tyrant, in addition to many other unacceptable tales about Him in the Bible (32). On the other hand, Darwin, from his geological observations, realised that the history of species tells us that they appeared on Earth gradually, unlike what the Bible teaches in Genesis in which God created plants and animals suddenly. Therefore, he deduced that “the Old Testament manifests false history of the world.” On the contrary, God indicates in the Qur’an that the earth keeps a record of changes in life. “Say, ‘Go about the Earth, and observe how He originated the creation’.” (Qur’an, 29:20) On the other hand, Darwin would not also accept the presence of scientific errors in the Bible, a book which is supposed to be revealed from God. Examples are the flat Earth (Ezekiel 7:2); classifying bats as birds (Leviticus, 13-19); claiming insects to have four legs (Leviticus 11:21) and describing the conceiving of humans like poured milk and curdling cheese (Job, 10:10-11). 5.4.2.2. Objections to Miracles of Jesus (PBUH) “The miracles contradict the fixed laws of nature.”: Darwin, who was amazed by the creation of the universe and the laws of nature should have realised that God, who creates the laws, can overrule them. It was not only 34 Jesus (PBUH) who was supported by miraculous signs of God, but also other prophets, like Moses (PBUH). 5.4.2.3. Objections to the Gospel’s Contradictions Darwin discovered many “contradictions” and “inaccuracies” in the Gospels. This is true and quite obvious, especially with the accounts of crucifixion.1 However, this is natural because there are four writers of the Gospels and they were not eyewitnesses of Jesus (PBUH). Therefore, their accounts of Jesus’ (PBUH) biography naturally differ. 5.4.2.4. Objections to Jesus’ Divinity Darwin, as a Unitarian, believed in one God and in Christ (PBUH) as a prophetic human. Therefore, his faith contradicted with the propagated divinity of Jesus (PBUH). The notion of Jesus’s divinity is based on Paul’s Epistles in the New Testament. Jesus Christ (PBUH), on his prophetic mission, emphasised the fact that God is one (33). 5.4.2.5. Objections to the Disasters of Nature and Suffering Nobody escapes suffering; it is inevitable in our life as humans. Stresses and suffering afflict both righteous and evil alike. This has raised questions about how a God of love could permit in His world natural disasters like volcanoes, earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, and famines, all of which affect innocent people. Why does He let people suffer from stress, disease, and pain? Is the God of love the cause of these sufferings or is He helpless to stop them? In fact, these questions are not only asked by Darwin, but also by millions of other people. To explain this controversial issue, Christians claim that the God of love is not responsible for hardships. It is Satan who was left by God to bring about destruction by working through nature. If so, why do we blame Darwin for presuming that God created the first form of life and left it to evolve independently without interfering? God does not leave Satan to do whatever he wants. He is the Omnipotent, the Powerful, and He overwhelmingly controls everything. 1 Find more examples in “Restore Your Original Religion”, http://www.islamicinvitation.com/book_details.php?bID=1790 35 Figure 19: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that God expiates some of his sins for that." (A saying of the Prophet Muhammad , 2) “He is god; the Sovereign, the Holy, the Peace-Giver, the Faith-Giver, the Overseer, He is God. There is no god but He, the Knower of secrets and declarations. He is the Compassionate, the Merciful. He is God; besides Whom there is no the Almighty, the Omnipotent, the Overwhelming. Glory be to God, beyond what they associate. He is God; the Creator, the Maker, the Designer. His are the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and Earth glorifies Him. He is the Majestic, the Wise.” (Qur’an, 59:22-24) Why then does God permit suffering? This life is a temporary life. The eternal life is in the Hereafter. In this life, God tests us not only by hardship but also with goodness. “Every soul will taste death. We burden you with adversity and prosperity - a test. And to Us, you will be returned.” (Qur’an, 21:35) So prosperity of wealth which apparently looks good may be actually bad if it distracts and keep us away from God. It could even be a reason for us to lose our hereafter. On the contrary, we may be tested by a hardship which would eventually clear up. During our perseverance in facing a hardship, we may become closer to God and we would have the chance to demonstrate that we have genuine faith in God. In return, God would forgive our sins. Therefore, even with the hardship, there is a mercy because we get our sins forgiven. “There is no Muslim afflicted by any harm; illness or something else but God will remove his evil deeds from him as a tree shedding its leaves.” (A saying of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, Saheeh Al-Bukhari) 5.4.2.6. Objections to the Instinctive Belief of Children Darwin thought that children believe in God because of the ‘constant inculcation’ of their parents. The truth is that all human children, up to a 36 certain age, regardless to their ethnic background, culture, education, etc. believe in God. This is because God has put an instinctive faith in them. 5.4.2.7. Objections to Punishment in the Hereafter God is just and He does not punish people unless He warns them first. “No burdened soul carries the burdens of another, nor do We ever punish until We have sent a messenger.” (Qur’an, 17:15) Therefore, when God warns us through His messengers and we insist on denying, we should not object at the Day of Judgement when we find a true “everlastingly punishment”. We should blame ourselves and not God. 5.5. Would Darwin Change His Mind? Darwin was an honest scientist. He built up his faith on the basis of his instinct and scientific facts. He was not able to accept what he was told by the Bible or the Church leaders. Therefore, though Darwin believed in God, he had a problem accepting Christianity or its Holy Book. He stated, “I believed in what I could not understand and what is, in fact, unintelligible.” Unfortunately, there was no one around Darwin to discuss these things with him and convince him that evolution of creatures does exist, but it happens sequentially by the Will of God (Qur’an, 29:20; 35:1). It seems that a man like Darwin who admitted that there was a primordial life form in which God breathed, and a harmonious universe created by God, would not have had a problem in accepting that God sequentially created all kinds of organisms. In spite of the enormous and continuously unravelled mysteries of today’s molecular biology, today’s evolutionists still insist on defending the evolution theory by all possible means. Nonetheless, an honest scientist like Darwin who was brave enough to admit that the absence of transitional species is the greatest weaknesses in his theory, could presumably, have had the courage to readdress his evolution theory. “Why, then, isn’t every geological formation and every stratum full of such intermediate links? Geology assuredly does not reveal any such finely graduated organic chain; and this, perhaps, is the most obvious and gravest objection which can be urged against my theory. The explanation lies, as I believe, in the extreme imperfection of the geological record.” 37 Figure 20: Who is behind this extraordinary devotion? God or evolution? “Have they not journeyed in the land, and had minds to reason with, or ears to listen with? It is not the eyes that go blind, but it is the hearts, within the chests, that go blind.” (Qur’an, 22:46) 38 6. IS THERE MORE THAN ONE GOD? Suppose there is more than one god. Then would these gods help and collaborate with one another and share in the process of creation and the establishment of the laws of nature? Or would they fight each other? (34) • The idea of cooperating gods means there is a deficiency in their abilities. A powerful god does not need any partner to help or cooperate with him. • If one of the gods is more powerful and dominant, then the weak gods do not deserve to be gods. • If there is more than one god, this would possibly mean the multiplicity of their wills. If their wills are contradictory, would each god take his creation away in the universe? • If there is more than one god, wouldn’t there be conflicting laws? Would we find this orchestrated universe and the ecologically balanced Earth? • If there is more than one god and they gather in an assembly, who would be in charge of the assembly? Aren’t the others gods weaker to be chaired by a boss god and hence disqualified to be gods? • If the chosen boss god was not good enough, doesn’t that mean that the other gods are incapable of choosing the right god? We may conclude that common sense and rational reasoning suggests that there is only One Supreme Creator without any partner. “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe.” (Qur’an, 23:91) “If there were in them gods other than God, they would have gone to ruin.” (Qur’an, 21:22) “He to Whom belongs the Sovereignty of the heavens and Earth, who has begotten no son, who has no partner in His Sovereignty and created everything and then ordained its destiny.” (Qur’an, 25:2) 39 Greek mythology of assembly of the gods. The Supreme Indian Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (left to right). Figure 21: Gods in ancient Greek (above) and India (below) mythology. 40 7. THE NECESSITY OF FAITH To have faith in God means to love, fully trust and rely on God. It means to submit to Him and base our actions in life on what He wills. In other words, it means to willingly reform our whole lives according to the Will of God. But, isn’t faith in this way restrictive to the enjoyment of life? Let’s read the following passages to know more about our need to have faith. 7.1. Humans Instinctively Believe in God Humans throughout history–whenever and wherever they have existed– have been attached to God. Though their concept of God has differed, the principle of worshipping God always existed. Have you ever asked yourself why? Before answering this question, let’s first ask another question. Who has guided an animal like a cat to give birth to kittens, keep them in a suitable safe shelter and fighting to protect them? Who taught the kittens to search for and suckle their mother's breasts? It is inherited instinct or inherited information that God has put in them? Similarly, humans believe in God’s existence instinctively. The results of a project led by Dr Justin Barrett, from the Centre for Anthropology and Mind at Oxford University, in 20 countries suggested that religion is a common fact of human nature across different societies. Humans appear to be rooted to religious concepts, such as the existence of supernatural powers. People across many different cultures instinctively believe that some part of their mind, soul or spirit lives on after-death. In addition, children also believe in all-seeing, all-knowing supernatural agents, such as a god or gods (35) On the other hand, after twenty-five years as a physician and researcher, Dr Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School, revealed that affirming beliefs, particularly belief in a higher power, make an important contribution to our physical health. He concluded that the human body and mind are regulated to believe in God and that nothing could provide as much mental peace as belief in God (36). Interestingly, the Glorious Qur’an preceded Herbert Benson by more than 1400 years and has affirmed that God created humans with the instinct to have faith in Him. 41 Figure 22: Believers are less vulnerable to the stresses of life “And when Your Lord summoned the descendants of Adam and made them testify against themselves, (asking them)‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we testify.’ Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘We were unaware of this’.” (Qur’an, 7:172) “So devote yourself to the religion of monotheism—the natural instinct God has instilled in mankind.” (Qur’an, 30:30) To help us find our way to His true faith, 1) God has given us a uniquely intelligent mind and pure hearts to help us to weigh things and differentiate between the truth and falsehood, 2) God sent prophets to convey His message and 3) God revealed to His Prophets Holy Books to guide us. “We sent you with the truth; a bearer of good news and a warner and there is no community but a warner has passed through it.” (Qur’an, 35:24) 7.2. The Restless and Tranquil Souls God has created us of flesh and souls. Therefore, materialistic things or momentary distractions of amusing entertainment may physically suffice our bodies but would never ever suffice our souls. “Your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am creating a human being (Adam) from clay, from moulded mud. When I have formed him, and breathed into him of My spirit, bow down before him’."(Qur’an, 15:28-29) 42 When God created man, He made him from earthly clay (see also, Qur’an, 32: 9), and then He breathed into him the spirit (soul). It is this soul, breathed into us by God that makes us different from other creatures. It gives us knowledge, power, free will, consciousness, discretion and judgement, discernment and discrimination. All these characteristics and others are gifts to Man from God, making him distinguished from all other earthly creatures. It is this spirit by which Man was honoured, and therefore God ordered the angels to bow down to Adam, the first created human. Would we stick to earthly clay and forget the souls that God has honoured us with? Then our souls would not be satisfied because they need to communicate and be linked through faith to God, their Owner. Muslims pray to God at least five times a day. They have five prayers or meetings with God, to nourish their souls. They are keen to keep these daily meetings no matter how busy they are. They leave everything behind and stand before God expressing their love because for them He is greater than worldly things. They express their love for God with their actions and not only by verbally claiming it. Muslims also nourish their souls through other rituals like fasting, meditating daily and reciting the Qur’an. “Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of God. Surely, it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find comfort.” (Qur’an, 13:28) Faith makes our lives full of hope, happiness, joy and peace, and enables us to cope with the stresses and agonies of life. All parts and contents of our body submit to the Will of God. Having faith and submitting to God makes our souls reconcile with our bodies and become in harmony and orchestrated with each atom, each molecule, each cell, each organ and all systems of our bodies. Without satisfying our souls we will always be empty and lead lives full of fear, worry, anxiety, tension and stress, no matter how rich we are and how much physical enjoyment and pleasures we experience. Without faith, some people may willingly even put an end to their lives by committing suicide. “But whoever turns away from the remembrance of Me verily, for him is a life of hardship.” (Qur’an, 20:124) 43 Figure 23: Muslims have a meeting with God during their five daily prayers; no matter where they are or how busy they are. 7.3. Faith Gives Us Strength To have faith in God means to rely on Him. Relying on God, who possesses the keys of everything, gives us the strength to face any troubles. "Our Lord, in You we put our trust, and to You we repent, and to You is the final return.” (Qur’an, 60:4) “Whoever relies on God-He will suffice him. God will accomplish His purpose. God has set a measure for all things.” (Qur’an, 65: 2-3) In 2012, Miller and colleagues (37), in the American Journal of Psychiatry, presented data of their studies on a sample of depressed and non-depressed subjects to determine if religion or spirituality had influenced the onset and course of major depression over 10 years. They found that subjects who 44 considered religion or spirituality of high importance were 76% less likely to experience an episode of major depression during the 10 years (37). One hundred and fifteen articles on religion and spirituality as it pertains to adolescent psychiatric symptoms were reviewed. Data obtained suggested that depression, suicide, and anxiety were significantly less among religious adolescents (38). Research suggests that in the United States, areas with higher percentages of individuals without religious affiliation have correspondingly higher suicide rates compared to religiously unaffiliated people, atheists, and agnostics (39). 7.4. Faith Gives Meaning to Our Lives Faith gives meaning to our lives even in hardship because we know that this life is temporary. It is not our final destination. Our final destination is the Hereafter. We left Paradise temporarily when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. This life is a test for us if we prove that we are obedient and good enough we return to paradise in the Hereafter. This gives meaning to the hardship, agony and pain which nobody escapes in life. " We created man in distress.” (Qur’an, 90:4) “He, who created death and life to test you as to which of you is better in conduct, He is the Almighty, the Forgiving.” (Qur’an, 67:2) With faith, a hardship is not the end of the world because we have faith that we will be compensated and rewarded for our sufferings and agonies in this world, and we hope for a great reward in the world to come. Faith enlightens our lives because we serve God and by serving Him we also serve all humanity and all His creation. Faith enables us to build and not to destroy; to help and comfort others and not to alienate and terrorise them. “Is he who was dead, then We gave him life and made for him a light by which he walks among the people, like he who is in total darkness, and cannot get out of it?” (Qur’an, 6:122) In fact, faith in God protects us from unknowingly serving Satan; terrorising, devastating, exploiting and killing others. 45 “And when it is said to them, ‘Do not make mischief on Earth’, they say, ‘We are only peacemakers. In fact, they make mischief, but they are not aware’.” (Qur’an, 2:11-12) Figure 24: God rewards us for the goodness we do even though we might not see its fruit. A palm tree seedling needs several years before producing fruits. However, if it is the Last Day and we were planting a palm tree seedling we should continue planting it because we will be rewarded. “If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.” (A saying of the Prophet Muhammad, 2) 46 8. THE STRAIGHT PATH OF GOD We have demonstrated the importance of faith and how faith is essential for our hearts and souls to find tranquillity and peace. However, is it necessary to have a religion or is faith enough? 8.1. The Necessity of Religion It is good to have faith in God and to be a good person willing to do good things; however, this is not enough because we need to have a reference to judge what is good and what is evil. Let us take an example of a couple who have a casual relationship. Is that right or wrong? If this relation leads to pregnancy and they decide to get rid of the conceived baby, is that right or wrong? In the United States alone, 1.06 million babies were killed by abortion in 2011. Was it fair to kill all those babies? What is the reference for our judgement? On the other hand, if this baby was born and each partner went on his/her way, is it fair for the child not to enjoy a family life? Isn’t this couple greedy and unjust to think about their momentary pleasure and forget about the consequences? In the sight of God, the happiness of a conceived or born baby is equally important as the happiness of that couple. Therefore, the divine Law of God cares for the happiness of all humanity and guarantees that nobody infringes the rights of others. “And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from God? Verily! God does not guide the unjust people.” (Qur’an, 28:50) 8.2. Finding the Straight Path of God This present life is only a test for the next realm of existence. Unlike the present life, the life in the hereafter is eternal. Our place in the hereafter is either Heaven or Hell. What decides where we might go is the path we are going to following. If we are travelling and we use the wrong map, we will go in the wrong direction and will never reach our destination. Therefore, we have to make sure that we follow the Straight Path of God. The big problem is that most religions or philosophies claim to be the one and only true way to God. Therefore, to be able to recognise the right religion 47 Figure 25: Evil deeds may apparently look as attractive as the light of the flame which attracts an insect and eventually burns it. “Is he, then, to whom the evil of his deeds made fair-seeming, so that he considers it as good.” (Qur’an, 35:8) Figure 26: For the sake of a momentary pleasure, a baby may be killed and cut into pieces during an abortion. “He who slays a soul unless in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32) or the Straight Path of God, we need to put aside emotions and prejudices to see the truth. God, by His Grace, gave us sensible hearts. They are like sensors which can guide us to His Right Path. God has also given the intellect and rational minds to be able to weigh and judge things and differentiate between the truth and the falsehood. We should first keep asking God sincerely to show us His Right Path and open our hearts to the truth and to give us the courage to go ahead with it. Second, we can omit those religions which admit that they are not revealed from God. Third, we should disregard those religions which have had small number of followers, because God’s truth is apparent and it will attract faithful people “We guided him to the way, be he appreciative or unappreciative.” (Qur’an, 76:3) 48 9. ISLAM IS THE STRAIGHT PATH 9.1. What Does “Islam” Mean? Islam means “submission to God’s will” and those who submit to God are called Muslims. Islam is not a new religion brought by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in the seventh century, but rather it was originally God’s message to Adam and preached by the subsequent prophets of God, like Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). All those Prophets of God asked their followers to surrender and submit to the will of God and follow His commands. “Truly, the religion of God is Islam.” (Qur’an, 3:19) “Nothing is said to you but was said to the Messengers before you.” (Qur’an, 41:43) Jesus (PBUH) for example ordered his followers to submit to God’s Will. “Not all of those who call me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven.” (Matthew, 7:21) Unfortunately, the Church disregarded Jesus’ message and adopted Pauline Christianity. Paul claimed that Jesus (PBUH) was divine and he was crucified for the redemption of mankind from Adam’s original sin and the freedom of his followers from the Law of God. 9.2. Uncompromising Oneness of God Believing in One God is deeply rooted in everybody regardless of his religion. Association of partners with God is an unforgivable sin in Islam. According to the teachings of Islam, God, the Almighty is absolutely One and His Oneness should never be compromised by associating partners with Him neither in worship nor in belief. “Verily God does not forgive the joining of partners with Him, but He may forgive (sins) less than that for whomsoever, He wishes.” (Qur’an, 4:48) “Whoever ascribes partners to God has indeed strayed far away.” (Qur’an, 4:116) 9.3. What is Unique About Islam? Religions might get mixed up with man-made myths of gods due to wrong interpretations. This often happens when the revealed books are not available 49 in their original forms or original languages, allowing for intentional or unintentional wrong translations or interpretations. Islam is the only religion which keeps its beliefs and rituals strictly as pure as they were originally taught by its prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). Islam’s revealed Holy Book, the Qur’an, is preserved without any change since it was revealed more than 14 centuries ago.2 Therefore, there is no need for other revelations or messengers from God. Muslims believe in God with His attributes as revealed in the Qur’an. They know that “there is nothing like Him.” (Qur’an, 42:11) In other religions people may ignorantly imagine God in the likeness of His creation, for instance, they may portray God as a man or an animal. Islam helps us to judge things properly because God’s guidance is the standard. Islam protects us from running blindly after misguiding false slogans, thoughts, ideas, leaders, customs, habits, pleasures and desires. Islam teaches us to be consciously and intimately close to God. It teaches us how to observe our love for Him and try to please Him all the time and in all our actions. It fits well with our instincts and does not contradict our rational thinking. In Islam, man's life is wholesome, because it provides guidelines to follow in all aspects of life. Islam does not stand for denial of life and renouncing the world. It establishes an equilibrium between both material and the spiritual needs of man. In Islam, spiritual elevation can be achieved through living piously, purifying our souls and reforming our lives. “Our Lord, give us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter.” (Qur’an, 2:201) "Say (O Muhammad) Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all for God, the Lord of worlds; He has no partner and of this I have been commanded and I am the first of those who submit (as a Muslims)." (Qur’an, 6:162-163) 9.4. Sins and Original Sin We are all born pure without sin. Each one of us is responsible for the sins he/she commits. “And no soul bears the burdens of another." (Qur’an, 6:164) 2 For more information, please read section 11 in this booklet. 50 The cave of Hira’, on the top People watching the holy mosque in of the mount of Al-Noor. Makkah from the mount of Al-Noor. Figure 27: The first verses of the Qur’an were revealed in the where cave of Hera’. God, our Lord, the Loving, the Forgiving and the Merciful, created us and He knows our weaknesses and shortcomings. Therefore, He forgives us all our sins, once we sincerely repent, even if we sin over and over again. He forgives us no matter how many or how big our sins are. The only unforgivable sin is association of partners to God. "O My servants who have transgressed against their themselves, despair not of the Mercy of God Verily, God forgives all sins. Truly! He is Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 39:53) 9.5. Islam Creates Better Societies The teachings of Islam enable Muslims to be distinguished, through actions and not sayings. Muslims are better candidates to contribute to the establishment of a better family, a better society, a better country and a better world. True Muslims build and never ruin and they are friendly to the environment and all creations of God. Unfortunately, today, though there are lots of good Muslims, there is no place or nation where the principles of Islam are applied to demonstrate a real Muslim Society. Islam does not distinguish between people on the basis of their colour, race, language, education, nationality, etc. Islam does not believe in a chosen race. A chosen status was made in the past before Jesus to the Jews to carry 51 the message of God. Once they rejected Jesus Christ (PBUH), who was sent as a prophet to guide them, they lost this status. “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. The best among you in the sight of God is the most righteous God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur’an, 49:13) Islam respects human rights and established these rights more than 14 centuries ago. Men and women are equally appreciated as complementary partners in building a good society. Islam prohibits the exploitation of others. The welfare of some people or countries does not justify the exploitation of others, as the West did during the era of Imperialism, and still does. “Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer, We will grant him a good life and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” (Qur’an, 16:97) 9.6. The Slander of Terrorism 9.6.1. What Does Islam Say About Terrorism? Peace is a rule in Islam, as it is in the other major religions. To understand Islam’s stance on terrorism, one must refer to its original sources, the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Both are explicit in their prohibition of any form of violence which seeks to instil fear, injury or death to civilians. The following are some examples: “On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” (Qur’an, 5:32) Before sending a military expedition, the Prophet Muhammad said to the Muslim soldiers: “Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a new-born child.” (3) “Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.” (2) When a woman was found killed in a battle, the Messenger of God (Muhammad, PBUH) emphasised the prohibition of killing women and children (3). 52 Figure 28: Terrorist incidents in the US (left) and the UK (right) soils from 1980-September 2014. Muslims caused only 4% of the terrorist attacks. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph after the Prophet Muhammad, commanded the leader of his first Islamic military expedition saying: “... No fruit-bearing trees are to be cut down and no crops should be set on fire. No animal should be killed except those slaughtered for eating... Only those should be killed who take up arms against you.” (5) “I instruct you in ten matters: Do not kill women, children, the old, or the infirm; do not cut down fruit-bearing trees; do not destroy any town ...” (4) ’On the other hand, the captives during the war must be treated with dignity and must be fed and clothed. “And they give food out of love for Him to the poor and the orphan and the captive.” (Qur’an, 76:8) In addition, Muslims are also encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that the sins of a prostitute were forgiven for giving water to a thirsty dog who could not reach the water of a well (3), and a woman was put in Hell because she locked up a cat without food till she died (3). When someone explodes a bomb or commits a suicide attack in a public place, innocent men, women, children, and elderly are killed. The tragic attack on the Twin Towers in New York, the bombings of Bali, Madrid, London, etc. are incompatible with Islam. Therefore, it may be concluded that no matter what the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh) or Al Qaeda call themselves, they are only using Islam to get validity and support for their unaccepted violent attacks on civil innocent people. 53 9.6.2. Muslims Are the Ones Who Suffer the Most From Terrorism Terrorism does not differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims. In fact, terrorists kill more Muslims than non-Muslims (40). - ISIS is responsible for more brutal attacks on Muslims than western victims. Muslims have suffered between 82 and 97% of terrorism-related fatalities over the past five years. - Muslims have suffered from massacres even during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which is a period of spiritual reflection and serves as a time for the refrain from any behaviour that would be sinful. - Muslims all over the world and particularly in the West are exposed to profound painful, stressful, and long-lasting psychological suffering because of terrorism. 9.6.3. Terrorism Historically Was Overwhelmingly Done By Non-Muslims According to a study of the FBI which looked at terrorism committed on U.S. soil between 1980 and 2014, 94% of the terror attacks were committed by non-Muslims. This was also the case in the UK where the percentage of terrorists who were Muslims from 1980 to 2014, was less than 4%. Research shows that the right-wing extremists in the West have killed more people than terrorists with Muslim names (41). This means that a terrorist suspect is over nine times more likely to be non-Muslim than a Muslim. In fact, terrorism committed on U.S. or U.K. soil has been overwhelmingly political and not religious. 9.6.4. Role of the West in Fuelling Terrorism The following are some examples to demonstrate the role of the West in fuelling terrorism. The financial, military, and political support for Israel, in spite of its occupation of Palestinian territories, since the 1967 war and refusal to withdraw, in spite of the United Nations Security Council resolution 242.  Their support of dictatorships of Muslim nations. 54 Figure 29: Cumulative sum of mass shooting casualties, beginning in 1982; deaths inflicted by non-Muslims (dark red), wounded inflicted by non-Muslims (pink), deaths inflicted by Muslims (dark blue), wounded inflicted by Muslims (light blue). Mother Jones, news reports for June 2016.  The double standard in supporting the independence of East Timor from Indonesia and South Sudan from Sudan and ignoring the case of Kashmiri independence.  Religious discrimination against Muslims in the Western world.  The announcement of a crusading invasion of Iraq by George W. Bush, the former president of the US, when he spoke spontaneously after the attack of September 11, 2001.  After the invasion, destruction, and displacement of millions in Iraq, it was later revealed that there was no ground for the invasion of this country.  Torture of innocent Muslims in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp which has created and fostered more terrorist acts.  The hostile depictions of the prophet Muhammad in the West have always been associated with protests and violence of some extreme Muslims. Islam instructs Muslims to respect the religious feelings of others and Muslims, expect this respect to be mutual. However, the concept of freedom of expression does not justify the disrespect and the injury of the feelings of 1.6 billion Muslims. However, it should be clearly mentioned all the above points are just made to clarify the role of the West in aggravating terrorism. They do not justify the 55 violence of some ignorant Muslims who respond or react in a non-Islamic way. 9.6.5. The Role of the Media in the Creation of Terrorism Defaming Terms Are Only Used for Muslims Nine out of ten news stories about Muslims and Islam in the US, UK, France and Germany are about war or terrorism. In other words, most of the news stories are unrepresentative of the Muslim community, which is the second largest religion in the world today (41). Unfortunately, many media channels defame Islam and 1.6 billion peaceful Muslims by portraying terrorist bombers as ‘Islamic Fundamentalists’, ‘Islamists’, or ‘Jihadists’. Is it fair to defame Muslims by the actions of some individuals who ascribe themselves to Islam? Why wasn’t Christianity defamed by the media for the genocide of the Native Americans, the atrocities of World War II, or the bombings of the IRA? The “Ku Klux Klan” is the name of three distinct movements in the United States that believe in white supremacy, white nationalism, antiimmigration, anti-Catholicism and anti-Semitism. Although they identified themselves as a Christian movement and were responsible for terrorist attacks, they were not identified by the media as “Christian Fundamentalists” or “Christian Terrorists”. The “Anti-Balaka” is a Christian militia formed in the Central African Republic (CRA). This Christian militia group destroyed most mosques in CRA. From December 2013 to May 2014, Muslims had to flee to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Congo bringing the number of refugees in these countries to about 350,000. Christianity was not blamed or condemned for those Anti-Balaka genocides (42). The Buddhists in Burma killed and burnt Muslims alive in 2013, but nobody accused or labelled Buddhism or Buddhists as terrorists. Why Are Only Muslims Labelled as Terrorists? Why then are only Islam and Muslims labelled as terrorists and not the followers of other religions who terrify, torture and kill Muslims or nonMuslims? Don’t Muslims deserve the same respect like those of other religions? 56 Again we emphasise that exposing the role of Western Media in aggravating terrorism is not meant to justify terrorism done by some Muslims, who ignorantly and wrongly retaliate for the damages done to Muslims. Figure 30: Muslims are the ones who suffer more from terrorism. [ Figure 31: Terrorism has been escalating since the invasion of Afghanistan in 200, and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. 57 10. THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the seal (final) of the prophets of God because the Qur'an revealed to him has been well-preserved. Like all other prophets, Muhammad (PBUH) preached the Oneness of God and emphasised on His obedience. It has been said that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived in the full light of history because the details of his life, his sayings and teachings have been well-preserved. However, it should be understood that Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad was only a man chosen by God and that he is not divine in any way. Muhammad (PBUH) was a prophet who taught, preached and put God’s revelation into practice. He was born in 570 CE in a mostly illiterate society in the city of Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula. His father died before his birth and his mother died when he was five or six years old. His grandfather, who was a respected man in the tribe of Quraysh, became his guardian. At the age of eight, his grandfather died and his uncle Abu Talib became his guardian. He was a shepherd when he was young, and after adulthood, he joined his uncle in his trading business to Syria. When he was twenty-five years old, he was hired by a widow named Khadija to take her merchandise to Syria. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then married Khadija, who was older than him. They lived together for almost a quarter of a century and she gave birth to all his children, except one. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to go to an isolated cave known as Hira’ on one of the mountains of Mecca, for contemplation. In that cave in 610 CE, at the age of forty, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation of the Qur’an from God, through Angel Gabriel, and the revelations continued for twenty-two years until his death in 632 CE. In the beginning, Islam was preached secretly by the Prophet to trusted individuals for two to three years. After that, he started calling people to Islam publicly. Once people embraced Islam, Muslims were faced with increasing hostility from the idol worshippers of Mecca. In spite of his Uncle Abu Talib’s protection, the Prophet and his followers were subjected to harassment and abuse. 58 Under all kinds of persecution, brutal torture and murder, the Prophet had to instruct a group of Muslims in 614 CE to escape to Ethiopia and seek the protection of its just Christian king. Quraysh then sent a delegation to the king with gifts to convince him to send the Muslims back to Mecca; however, he rejected their gifts and let the Muslims stay. Qurayshi disbelievers then imposed economic and social sanctions on the Prophet, his followers, and his clan which still did not affect the determination of Muslims to keep and propagate their faith. After the death of his wife Khadija and his uncle Abu Talib, the situation became worse. However, during the pilgrimage season in 622 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met a number of people from the city of Yathrib who converted to Islam and promised to protect him. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed his followers to emigrate individually or in small groups to Yathrib. On the night when Quraysh decided to kill Muhammad (PBUH), he secretly escaped from Mecca to the city of Yathrib, which was later called “Madina”. The Prophet lived in Madina for about ten years. By the time of his death in 632 CE, Islam had become well-established as the religion of the Arabian Peninsula and had made inroads in neighbouring regions. Muhammad (PBUH) lived a humble life in the service of God and exemplified Islam as a way of life by showing what it means to be an ideal leader, friend, husband, teacher, ruler, warrior and judge. Although his mission started in a backwards society within a hundred years of the death of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Islamic civilisation had spread from Spain to China. His advice, instructions, admonitions and guidance, regarding all aspects of life have been recorded within the rigorously authenticated statements (hadith) which have been meticulously recorded from direct sources of those who were in contact with him. Muhammad (PBUH) has inspired Muslims and taught them decency, integrity, sensitivity, self-restraint, patience, forgiveness and respect for others. He treated his most hostile enemies with clemency and forbearance. He instructed us to do our work perfectly until the last moment of life and taught us the true meaning of pure love which is not based on kinship or material benefits. “‘Among the Servants of God are people, neither prophets nor martyrs, who will be coveted by prophets and martyrs on the Day of Resurrection for their 59 status with God, the Most High’. They said, ‘O Messenger of God, tell us who are they?’ He said, ‘They are people who loved one another through the love of God, not for mutual kinship or material benefits. By God, their faces are light and they are on a light. They will not fear when people fear and will not grieve when people grieve’.” (A saying of the Prophet Muhammad) The Prophet Muhammad deserves not only reverence but also love, owing to his humility, nobility, purity, decency, austerity, refinement and devotion. No man in history has been so loved and thoroughly followed in all aspects of life like Muhammad (PBUH). More than 1.6 billion Muslims from various races, ethnic groups, and nationalities all over the globe know, love, adore and follow the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Those who attack the Prophet Muhammad do not know of him. If they did, they would respect, love and follow him. Those who attack him are misguided or intentionally would like to keep you away from him. "And We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a mercy for the Worlds.” (Qur’an, 21:107) Figure 32: The mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madina city. The prophet was buried under the green dome of the mosque above. 60 11. THE LIVING MIRACLE OF THE QUR’AN The Glorious Qur'an is the words of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Gabriel, more than 14 centuries ago. Since its revelation, it was recorded, word-for-word, and memorised in full in the Arabic language by Muslims all over the world, regardless of their nationalities or native languages (43). “Falsehood cannot approach it, from before it or behind it. It is a revelation from One Wise and Praiseworthy.” (Qur’an, 41:42) “It is We Who revealed the reminder (the Qur’an) and it is We Who will preserve it.” (Qur’an, 15:9) The Qur'an touches, opens and moves true hearts. It stirs souls and eases anxiety. It guides people to the truth regardless of their age, knowledge or cultural background. “And We send down in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (Qur’an, 17:82) The Nobel Qur’an was revealed in the Arabic language. This language has an elaborate system of grammar and a rich vocabulary. In addition, Arabic words possess various meanings and numerous synonyms. Therefore, the Arabic language provides immense scope for expressing thoughts in different ways. This has allowed people at different times to comprehend the meanings of the Qur’anic verses in a way suitable for their knowledge. “An Arabic Qur’an, without any defect, so they may become righteous.” (Qur’an, 39:28) In addition to being a book of guidance, the Glorious Qur’an is the living miracle and the proof for the prophet-hood of Muhammad (PBUH). The Glorious Qur’an covers all aspects of life and deals with historical, religious, moral, social, financial and scientific issues. “We have neglected nothing in the Book.” (Qur’an, 6:38) 61 As such, God’s revelation in the Qur’an focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Oneness of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent (43). The Qur’an encourages us to be knowledgeable. Actually, the first verse revealed in the Qur’an commands us to read. Obviously, God knows that the more we are knowledgeable, the more we appreciate the omnipotence and the magnificence of God’s creation. The Qur’an also encourages us to look around, use our minds and contemplate God’s creation. “Read: In the Name of your Lord.” (Qur’an, 96:1) “In the creation of the heavens and Earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for people of understanding.” (Qur’an, 3:190) Many diverse scientific facts, which have been discovered fairly-recently are mentioned in the Qur’an. These facts deal with embryology, cosmology, geology and biology. As these facts could not have been known in the 7th century when the Qur’an was revealed, it is the living miracle of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (44).3 The Qur’an contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus to clarify that the message of God conveyed by all prophets is the same: the Oneness of God and the submission to Him. "Nothing is said to you but was said to the Messengers before you.“ (Qur’an, 41:43) In modern times where so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and “political correctness”, the Qur’anic teachings offer solutions for the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that grips the world today. In short, the Qur’an is the book of guidance par excellence. 3 To learn more, please check out “Science in the Glorious Qur’an” http://www.islamic-invitation.com/book_details.php?bID=1857 62 Figure 33: Muslims are keen to teach their children the Qur’an and encourage them to memorise it. Figure 34: The oldest copy of the Qur’an which was compiled at the time Othman the third Caliph after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 63 12. CONCLUDING REMARKS Although some scientists, secular media and educational materials may plant doubts about God’s existence, every day scientists provide new facts supporting the existence of God. Everything in the 91 billion light-years’ vast observable universe, has been originated, designed, and kept in harmony and order, through perfect laws of nature. In addition, this whole universe from the tiniest atom to the vast Galaxies has been fine-tuned to support life on Earth. Who originated, designed, and tuned the endless universe to support life? For life to emerge in the form of a single living cell, all biochemical systems and the interdependent complex cellular machinery have to simultaneously coexist in functional forms right from the beginning. In other words, there was no chance for a living cell to have emerged by acquiring its cellular components gradually. Who then compiled the sophisticated living cell with its machinery? The millions of building units, of proteins and hereditary material (DNA), are precisely arranged to make functional cellular components. Who perfectly and precisely arranged the building units of DNA and proteins? The DNA programmes of each living cell do not only ensure a perfectly working living-cell but also its integration with other cells in an organism and with other living creatures in different environments. That is why we have globally-balanced ecosystems. Who is behind this intelligent integration of countless DNA-programmes of countless organisms? “And in it (the Earth), We grew all things in proper balance.” (Qur’an, 15:19) Though evidence suggests the evolution of living creatures, the spontaneous evolution theory has failed to answer several questions. For instance, why there was a sudden appearance of multicellular complex fossils in the Cambrian era explosion, and why the transitional fossils of evolution (the evolutionary gaps) are lacking. Darwin, the founder of the evolution theory, admitted that the absence of transitional fossils is a weak point in his theory. Would evolution happen without the Will of God? All the above questions among many other points made in this book, lead to the conclusion that God is the Intelligent Designer and Creator of the Universe and everything in it. 64 However, is it enough to believe in God? NO, because once God has breathed into us our souls, they need to continuously communicate with Him. Our souls without communication with God will be restless and will not have peace, no matter how much physical pleasure we have got. “Surely, it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find comfort.” (Qur’an, 13:28) “But whoever turns away from the remembrance of Me verily, for him is a life of hardship.” (Qur’an, 20:124) The only way to know God and communicate with Him is through His revealed Straight Path. The principles of God’s Straight Path have been the same since the time of Adam and were conveyed by all His prophets like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (PBUT). The Straight Path of God is Islam, which by definition means to believe in God and to submit to Him. “So devote yourself to the pure religion of God. The natural instinct God has instilled in mankind. Let there be no altering to God’s religion. That is the Straight Path, but most people do not know.” (Qur’an, 30:30) Islam fits well with our instinct and does not contradict with our rational thinking. We are all born pure without original sin. We are responsible for our deeds and we are all equal regardless of our colour, race, language, nationality, etc. Islam is the way to joy in this life and the life to come. “On the Day when you see the believing men and believing women—their light radiating ahead of them, and to their right: ‘Good news for you today: gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever’. That is the great successes.” (Qur’an, 57:12) 65 13.REFERENCES 1. The Qur’an 2. Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3. Saheeh Muslim 4. Malik’s Muwatta 5. Ta’rikh Al-Tabary 6. The Holy Bible. 7. Secular Media, http://www.creationists.org/secular-media-bias-concerning-creationand-evolution.html How the secular media distorts the facts 8. Strobel, L. (2004). The Case for a Creator: A journalist investigates scientific evidence that points toward God. Zondervan, USA. 9. Kurtus R., Are Atoms Tiny Solar Systems? http://www.school-forchampions.com/science/atoms_solar_systems.htm#.V8ShlVt95dg 10. Tanzella-Nitti G., Laws of Nature, http://inters.org/laws-of-nature 11. Morris H.M., Does Entropy Contradict Evolution? http://www.icr.org/article/doesentropy-contradict-evolution/ 12. Elst, P. V., Does Science Contradict Religion? http://www.bethinking.org/doesscience-disprove-god/does-science-contradict-religion 13. What is the "fine-tuning" of the universe, and how does it serve as a "pointer to God"? http://biologos.org/common-questions/gods-relationship-to-creation/finetuning 14. Bai T.L. (2016) The Universe Fine-tuned for Life. http://quake.stanford.edu/~bai/finetuning.pdf 15. Fine-tuned Universe, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine-tuned_Universe 16. Davies, P. (2007) Cosmic Jackpot: Why Our Universe is Just Right for Life. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 17. McGrath A.E. (2009) A Fine-Tuned Universe: The quest for God in science and theology, Westminster John Knox Press, t e USA. 18. Condie, K.C. (1997) Plate Tectonics and Crustal Evolution (4th Edition). 288 page, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. 19. Ross H., Fine-tuning for Life on Earth (Updated June 2004), http://www.reasons.org/articles/fine-tuning-for-life-on-Earth-june-2004 20. If We Had No Moon, http://www.astrobio.net/topic/exploration/moon-to-mars/if-wehad-no-moon/ 21. Bergman, J. (2000). Why Abiogenesis is Impossible. Creation Research Society Quarterly, 36(4) 22. Ranford J. C., Coates A.R.M. and Henderson B., 2000, Chaperonins Are Cellsignalling Proteins: The Unfolding Biology of Molecular Chaperones, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, http://www-ermm.cbcu.cam.ac.uk 23. Cooper Geoffrey, M. (2000). The Cell: A Molecular Approach, http://quake.stanford.edu/~bai/finetuning.pdf, Retrived, 27 August 2016. 24. S. (2014). An Introduction to DNA and Chromosomes, http://web.stanford.edu/group/hopes/cgi-bin/hopes_test/an-introduction-to-dna-andchromosomes-text-and-audio/ 25. Fraser C.M., Gocayne J.D., White O., Adams M.D., Clayton R.A.. et al., (1995). The Minimal Gene Complement of Mycoplasma genitalium. Science, 270: 397–403. 66 26. Was Darwin a Christian? Did He Believe in God? Did he Recant Evolutionism When He Died? http://christiananswers.net/q-aig/darwin.html, Retrieved 17 August 2016. 27. Valentine, J. W., Jablonski, D., & Erwin, D. H. (1999). Fossils, Molecules and Embryos: New Perspectives on the Cambrian Explosion Development, 126 (5), 851859. 28. 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