Science and Scientific Temper: Both Needed for a Vibrant Society
By Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi, New Age Islam
(Dr. Muhammad Iqtedar Hussain Farooqi)
11 Feb 2025
Science and technology are essential for the development of a modern society. However, some people mistakenly believe that there is an inherent conflict between religion and science. In reality, while science is crucial for material progress, religion plays a multifaceted role in human life, offering a framework for understanding our place in the world. As a well-known Urdu poet aptly said:
Darde Dil Kay Waste Paida Kiya Insan Ko,
Warna Ta’at Ke Liye Kuch Kam Na the Karro-Biyan.
("Human beings were created with the capacity for compassion and empathy. Otherwise, there would have been no shortage of angels to offer obedience to God.")
A Memorable Experience
I recall an event that profoundly illustrates the spirit behind this couplet. Several years ago, while traveling in Europe on the invitation of an Academy of Sciences, I was staying in a well-known city. A friend and professor at a local university invited me to a church on a Sunday to attend a lecture by a priest on the relationship between science and religion. Given my deep interest in the subject, I accepted immediately.
The next day, I went to the church and attentively listened to the esteemed priest’s lecture. He spoke extensively on the emerging field of genetic engineering, discussing its benefits and implications. In his concluding remarks, he emphasized that, from a religious perspective, the advancement of science—including genetic engineering—was not only beneficial but essential. He firmly stated that there was no conflict between science and religion. I was astonished by the depth of scientific knowledge demonstrated by a religious scholar.
The next day, I expressed my surprise to my professor friend. He smiled and explained that the priest actually held a doctorate in zoology. He further elaborated that, in most European countries, nearly half of church priests have at least a degree in science, with many holding postgraduate or doctoral qualifications. The other half are experts in fields such as education, philosophy, and the humanities. Because of their educational backgrounds, they are well-equipped to run colleges and hospitals affiliated with their respective churches. I was deeply impressed by his explanation. Sensing my amazement, he remarked, "What we are doing today was actually the tradition in early Islamic civilization when significant advancements in various fields of science were made. During that period, many Islamic scholars made ground-breaking contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and other disciplines. That era remains one of the most remarkable periods of scientific progress."
His words left a lasting impression on me. I realized that one of the key factors behind Western progress is the absence of a rigid separation between religious knowledge and worldly knowledge. The rise or fall of any nation is directly linked to the value it places on scientific knowledge. As Maulana Abul Kalam Azad rightly observed, “After the sixteenth century, the West embraced the medieval Eastern mind-set and recognized the value of knowledge, while the East dismissed worldly sciences as being contrary to religion and consequently fell into deep degradation. This, in turn, led to the decline of the East and the rise of the West.”
The Legacy of Science and Religion
We cannot forget the great Greek scientists who, despite being persecuted for challenging outdated ideas, introduced revolutionary concepts. Nor can we overlook the contributions of Arab scientists of the Middle Ages, who transformed science into a structured discipline that later laid the foundation for the modern world. These scholars demonstrated that science—aimed at improving human life—is, in essence, a religious endeavour. In doing so, they dispelled the notion of any inherent conflict between religion and science.
Reflecting on more recent history, I am reminded of a letter Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wrote from England to a friend. He expressed his admiration for England’s scientific progress and lamented:
“If only the youth of my own nation could learn from the English, whose young people are constantly engaged in scientific activities and dedicated to advancing society, the state of affairs back home would be vastly improved. Sectarian and racial differences do not even come into play here.”
Had our nation embraced Sir Syed’s perspective in the nineteenth century, poverty and ignorance in the subcontinent might have been eradicated. Similarly, Allama Iqbal, inspired by Europe’s scientific progress, urged his nation to embrace modern sciences. He famously said:
Is Daur Mein Taleem Hai Amraaz-E-Millat Ki Dawa,
Hai Khoon-E-Fasid Ke Liye Taleem Misle Neeshtar.
("In this age, education is the remedy for the nation’s ills;
For corrupt blood, education is like a scalpel.")
Echoing this sentiment, the late Maulana Abul Hasan Nadvi once remarked at a meeting of the Urdu Scientific Society:
“When religion becomes a rival to knowledge—particularly science—or when these two fields are seen as being in opposition, nations decline. But when there is harmony between religion, knowledge, and wisdom, and they act as allies, nations reach great heights.”
The Importance of Scientific Temper
Science and technology are the backbone of societal development, influencing every sector and improving the overall standard of living. However, possessing a scientific temper is equally, if not more, important than merely acquiring scientific education. Scientific temper is a mind-set that enables individuals to make decisions based on reason and evidence rather than blind belief or tradition. By nurturing scientific temper, we can build a more informed, innovative, and resilient society capable of addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
The Quran contains numerous verses that encourage inquiry, observation, and reflection, fostering a spirit of scientific reasoning. For instance:
“Say, 'Observe what is in the heavens and the earth.' But the signs and warnings will not avail those who do not believe.” (10:101)
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (3:190)
“And He has subjected for you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth—all from Him. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (45:13)
These verses, among many others, laid the foundation for the flourishing of scientific inquiry in the Islamic world during its Golden Age.
Moving Forward
The time has come to move beyond boasting about past glories or lamenting bygone misfortunes. Instead, we must critically assess our present state and implement scientific strategies to shape a brighter future. As Iqbal wisely said:
Zara Dekh Usko Jo Kuch Ho Raha Hai, Hone Wala Hai,
Dhara Kya Hai Bhala Ahd-E-Kuhan Ki Dastano Mein.
("Behold what is happening and what is destined to occur;
What use is there in the tales of bygone eras?")
By integrating scientific progress with a spirit of inquiry and rational thought, we can ensure a future that is both prosperous and enlightened.
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Dr. Muhammad Iqtedar Hussain Farooqi, Deputy Director/Scientist -in -Charge (Retired) Plant Chemistry Division, National Botanical Research Institute, Govt. of India, Lucknow, India
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-science/science-scientific-vibrant-society/d/134585
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