Page 18 - The Qur'an Leads the Way to Science

THE QUR'AN LEADS THE W A Y TO SCIENCE

and Newton must have had to enable them to spend years of solitary
labour in disentangling the principles of celestial mechanics!
Those whose acquaintance with scientific research is derived chiefly
from its practical results easily develop a completely false notion of the
mentality of the men who, surrounded by a skeptical world, have
shown the way to kindred spirits scattered wide through the world and
the centuries. Only one who has devoted his life to similar ends can
have a vivid realization of what has inspired these men and given them
the strength to remain true to their purpose in spite of countless
failures. It is cosmic religious feeling that gives a man such strength.
A contemporary has said, not unjustly, that in this materialistic age of
ours the serious workers are the only profoundly religious people. 4
Johannes Kepler related that he engaged in science to delve the
Creator's works, while Isaac Newton, another great scientist, stated that
the main thrust behind his interest in science was his wish to have a
better sense and knowledge of God.
These were the remarks of only a few of the most eminent scientists in
history. These, and hundreds of other scientists that we will consider in
the pages ahead, came to believe in the existence of God by exploring the
universe, and, impressed by the laws and phenomena God has gloriously
created, craved to discover more.
As we will see, the desire to learn the manner in which God created the
universe has served as the greatest motivating factor for many scientists
in history. That is essentially because, someone who perceives that the
universe and all living things are created also perceives that this creation
has a purpose. Purpose then leads one to meaning. It is the aspiration to

grasp this meaning, to uncover its signs, and discover its details, that can
greatly expedite scientific studies.
If, however, the fact that the universe and living things are created is
denied, this meaning escapes too. A scientist believing in the materialist
philosophy and in Darwinism will suppose that the universe is
purposeless, and that everything is the work of blind chance. Therefore,
investigation of the universe and living things would be without a
pursuit for meaning. Addressing this fact, Einstein stated, "I have found
no better expression than 'religious' for confidence in the rational

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