I.

Introduction

The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God
as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. While the Quran is primarily a religious text, it also
contains references to scienti c concepts and phenomena, as well as guidance on the use of
technology and resources.

II. Quranic References to Science

The Quran contains several references to scienti c concepts and phenomena that are consistent
with modern scienti c understanding. These include:

The creation of the universe and the Big Bang theory

The water cycle and hydrological cycle

Embryology and human development

Geology and the structure of the earth

III. Quranic Guidance on Technology

The Quran also provides guidance on the use of technology and resources. This includes:

Responsibility and ethics in technology: The Quran emphasizes the importance of using
technology and other resources in a responsible and ethical way, avoiding actions that could harm
oneself or others. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), it says, "And do not throw
[yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of
good."

Environmental conservation: The Quran also emphasizes the importance of protecting and
preserving the natural environment, which can be achieved through the responsible use of
technology and other resources. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), it says, "And do not cause
corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the
mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good."

Social justice and equality: The Quran emphasizes the equality of all humans, regardless of their
gender, race, or ethnicity. This principle can inform the development of technology that promotes
social justice and equality. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), it says, "O mankind, indeed
We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know
one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.
Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."

IV. Quranic Guidance on Seeking Knowledge

In addition to its guidance on technology and resources, the Quran encourages Muslims to seek
knowledge and understanding of the natural world. This includes:

Re ection on the natural world: The Quran encourages re ection on the natural world as a means
of gaining understanding and insight. For example, in Surah Al-An'am (6:98), it says, "And He
[Allah] is the One who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all
things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from
the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of
grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it
yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe."

Seeking knowledge: The Quran also encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding
of the natural world. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), it says, "Are those who know equal to
those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding."

Using knowledge for the greater good: The Quran encourages Muslims to use their knowledge
and resources for the greater good, promoting the development of technologies that bene t
society as a whole. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), it says, "O you who have believed,
spend from the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from the
earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity) when ye would not
take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah is Absolute, Owner of Praise.

V. Examples of Quranic References to Science and Technology

Here are ten speci c examples of Quranic references to scienti c concepts and technology:

The Creation of the Universe

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The Quran describes the creation of the universe in several verses, including Surah Al-Anbiya
(21:30), which states, "Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth
were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will
they not believe?"

This verse is consistent with the Big Bang theory, which suggests that the universe began as a
single, dense point before expanding rapidly.

The Water Cycle

The Quran describes the water cycle in several verses, including Surah Al-Zumar (39:21), which
states, "Have you not seen that Allah sends down rain from the sky and makes it ow as springs
[and rivers] in the earth; then He produces thereby crops of varying colors; then they dry and you
see them turned yellow; then He makes them [scattered] debris. Indeed in that is a reminder for
those of understanding."

This verse is consistent with modern understanding of the water cycle, which involves the
evaporation of water from the earth's surface, condensation in the atmosphere, and precipitation
back onto the earth.

Embryology

The Quran contains several references to human development in the womb, including Surah Al-
Muminun (23:12-14), which states, "And We created man from an extract of clay. Then We made
him a sperm-drop in a rm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We
made the clot into a lump [of esh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the
bones with esh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of
creators."

This description of human development is consistent with modern embryology, which recognizes
the stages of zygote, blastocyst, embryo, fetus, and newborn.

Astronomy

The Quran contains several references to astronomical phenomena, including Surah Al-An'am
(6:97), which states, "And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them
through the darknesses of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know."

This verse re ects the ancient Arab tradition of using the stars for navigation, and also
acknowledges the importance of astronomical knowledge in understanding the natural world.

Agriculture

The Quran contains several references to agriculture, including Surah Al-Rad (13:4), which states,
"And in the earth are neighboring tracts, and gardens of grapevines and crops, and palm trees
clustered and not clustered - watered by one water, but We make some of them exceed others in
[quality of] fruit. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason."

This verse acknowledges the importance of agriculture in providing food and resources, and also
recognizes the diversity of plant life and the need for careful cultivation.

Medicine

The Quran contains several references to healing and medicine, including Surah Al-Isra (17:82),
which states, "And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers,
but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss."

This verse recognizes the power of the Quran to provide spiritual and emotional healing, as well
as the importance of medicine in treating physical ailments.

Engineering

The Quran contains several references to engineering and construction, including Surah Al-An'am
(6:75), which states, "And thus do We detail the verses, and [thus] the way of the criminals will
become evident."

This verse acknowledges the importance of detailed planning and engineering in

construction projects, and the need for careful attention to detail in order to avoid mistakes or
failures.

Ecology

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The Quran contains several references to the environment and ecology, including Surah Al-
Rahman (55:10-11), which states, "And the earth We have spread out, and placed therein rm
mountains, and caused to grow therein every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs), to be observed
and commemorated by every devotee turning (to Allah)."

This verse recognizes the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and emphasizes the
importance of environmental stewardship and conservation.

Physics

The Quran contains several references to physical phenomena, including Surah Al-Ankabut
(29:20), which states, "Say, [O Muhammad], 'Travel through the land and observe how He began
creation. Then Allah will produce the nal creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.'"

This verse acknowledges the complexity and interconnectedness of physical phenomena, and
encourages observation and re ection as a means of gaining knowledge and understanding.

Ethics and Morality

The Quran contains numerous references to ethics and morality, including Surah Al-Baqarah
(2:197), which states, "Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory
upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations
and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it.
And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. So fear Me, O you of
understanding."

This verse emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and moral conduct, and encourages
believers to act with integrity and respect during their religious observances.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Quran contains numerous references to scienti c concepts and technological
advances that were not fully understood or appreciated until centuries later. These references
illustrate the Quran's emphasis on observation, re ection, and inquiry as a means of gaining
knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

Moreover, the Quran provides guidance and inspiration for ethical behavior and moral conduct,
recognizing the importance of integrity, respect, and compassion in all aspects of life.

By acknowledging and embracing the Quran's emphasis on science and technology, Muslims can
continue to make valuable contributions to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of
society.

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