Page 21 - The Qur'an Leads the Way to Science

Religion Encourages Science

Those who assume that science must be distinguished from religion
certainly fall into great error. First of all, those who do not believe in God
cannot experience the spiritual upliftment of faith. The scientific projects
they initiate with great zeal soon turn out to be monotonous and
uninspiring. Their motivation, in such a mindset, becomes solely to reap
short-lived worldly profit. Pursuing the fulfillment of worldly desires,
such as wealth, rank, reputation, or prestige, they are only committed to
conducting research that will directly contribute to such personal benefits.
For instance, a scientist with such a mindset and motivated by career
interests would pursue research only in those fields that will lead to a
promotion. He would not be willing to conduct research in a subject he
believes to be useful to mankind unless it served his best interest. Or, if he

were in a position to make a choice between two research topics, he
would choose the one that would earn him more material gain, prestige,
or rank, while discarding the one that might be more beneficial to
mankind. In short, scientists of this sort are rarely of benefit to humanity,
failing to serve the greater good unless there is some promised
gratification in return. When the opportunity for personal gain fades, so
wanes their eagerness to serve humanity.
Prophet Muhammad, God's Messenger, peace be upon him, also
referred to the harms of this mentality. He said:

Do not acquire knowledge in order to fall into polemics with other
scholars and prove his superiority over them, or to dispute with the
ignorant or to attract the attention of the people. 9
On the other hand, Prophet Muhammad praised the dissipation of
beneficial knowledge. A hadith reads:
God calls down blessings on those who instruct people in beneficial
knowledge. 10

Aware of the blessings he will receive, the enthusiasm and sincere
motivation experienced by a person who believes in God opens up new
vistas for him, not only in the field of science, but also in many other
spheres of life, such as art, culture, and so on. These high spirits never
fade, but rather, become increasingly intense.

19