Islam & Science: Recommended Books
Islam has a rich history of scientific exploration, with contributions spanning medicine, astronomy, biology, and more. Many scholars and authors have explored the relationship between Islam and science, addressing topics such as evolution, medicine, and the natural world. Below, you’ll find a selection of books that discuss these topics in depth.
1. Islam & Evolution
The theory of evolution has been a subject of discussion among Muslim scholars and scientists. These books explore how evolution aligns—or conflicts—with Islamic thought.
- Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazali and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm by Shoaib Ahmed Malik
- A comprehensive look at the compatibility of evolutionary theory with Islamic theology, featuring historical and contemporary perspectives.
- Islam’s Quantum Question: Reconciling Muslim Tradition and Modern Science by Nidhal Guessoum
- Explores the relationship between Islam and modern scientific theories, including evolution and cosmology, offering a nuanced perspective on how faith and science can coexist.
- Creation and/or Evolution: An Islamic Perspective by T.O. Shanavas
- Examines evolution through an Islamic lens, offering interpretations that reconcile scientific findings with religious beliefs.
2. Islam & Medicine
Islamic contributions to medicine have been significant, dating back to scholars such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Razi. These books examine the intersection of Islamic teachings and medical advancements.
- Medicine of the Prophet by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya
- A classical Islamic text discussing the Prophet’s (PBUH) guidance on health and healing.
- Avicenna’s Medicine: A New Translation of the Canon by Avicenna
- A modern translation of the legendary physician Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine, which influenced both Islamic and Western medical traditions.
- Islamic Medicine: The Key to a Better Life by Yusuf Al-Hajj Ahmad
- A look at holistic Islamic medicine, integrating prophetic traditions with modern wellness concepts.
3. Islam & The Natural World
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of nature, environmental stewardship, and the balance of creation. These books explore the relationship between Islam and the natural world.
- Signs on the Earth: Islam, Modernity, and the Climate Crisis by Fazlun Khalid
- Explores environmental ethics in Islam and how faith calls for sustainable living.
- Animal Welfare in Islam by Al-Hafiz B.A. Masri
- Discusses Islamic teachings on animal rights, compassion, and ethical treatment of living beings.
- Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet by Ibrahim Abdul-Matin
- Examines how Islamic principles encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
- Man and Nature: The Spiritual Crisis in Modern Man by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Addresses the relationship between human beings and nature through an Islamic spiritual lens.
4. Islam, Science & Scripture
These books examine the relationship between the Quran, science, and the modern world, highlighting areas of alignment and discussion.
- The Bible, the Quran, and Science by Maurice Bucaille
- A comparative analysis of the scientific accuracy of religious scriptures, written from a unique perspective.
- Science in the Qur’an by Yasmin Watson & Dr. Amira val Baker
- Explores how modern scientific discoveries align with the teachings found in the Qur’an, covering fields like astronomy, biology, and geology.
- Science and Islam: A History by Ehsan Masood
- A historical overview of Islam’s golden age of scientific discovery and its relevance today.
Conclusion
The relationship between Islam and science is a fascinating and dynamic one, with centuries of scholarship dedicated to exploring their intersections. These books offer a solid foundation for those interested in understanding how Islam approaches scientific inquiry and discovery.