The Qur’ān and the Scientific Spirit: An Exploration of Key Issues

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the role of the Qur’ān in inspiring scientific spirit. It starts with the analysis of the unifying concept of al-Tawḥīd as the main message of the Qur’ān. Al-tawḥīd becomes the motivating factor behind the pursuit of knowledge to show Divine Unity within the realm of creation. Muslim philosopher and scientists of the classical period (8th to 13th century) in Islamic civilisation worked hard to demonstrate this unity by exploring the world of nature. They employed what has been regarded as ‘modern’ scientific methods as we understand now with such precision and accuracy. This paper discusses the intricate link between their understanding of Tawḥīd and the pursuit of natural sciences. Within the framework of Tawḥīd that enlightens humankind on life and the universe, these Muslim philosopher and scientists were able to discover, invent and even theorise about the universe. The paper then selects some of the basic scientific conceptual tools of definition, observation and experimentation and logical interpretations that are used in the study of nature and trace their Qur’ānic foundation of such methods.