Page 82 - Prayer in the Qur'an

80 PRAYER IN THE QUR'AN

Imaginary Mechanisms of Evolution

The second important point that negates Darwin's theory is that
both concepts put forward by the theory as "evolutionary mecha-
nisms" were understood to have, in reality, no evolutionary power.
Darwin based his evolution allegation entirely on the mechanism
of "natural selection." The importance he placed on this mechanism
was evident in the name of his book: The Origin of Species, By Means
of Natural Selection…
Natural selection holds that those living things that are stronger
and more suited to the natural conditions of their habitats will sur-
vive in the struggle for life. For example, in a deer herd under the
threat of attack by wild animals, those that can run faster will sur-
vive. Therefore, the deer herd will be comprised of faster and
stronger individuals. However, unquestionably, this mechanism
will not cause deer to evolve and transform themselves into another
living species, for instance, horses.
Therefore, the mechanism of natural selection has no evolution-
ary power. Darwin was also aware of this fact and had to state this in
his book The Origin of Species:

Natural selection can do nothing until favourable individual differ-
ences or variations occur. 7

Lamarck's Impact

So, how could these "favorable variations" occur? Darwin tried to
answer this question from the standpoint of the primitive under-
standing of science at that time. According to the French biologist
Chevalier de Lamarck (1744-1829), who lived before Darwin, living
creatures passed on the traits they acquired during their lifetime to
the next generation. He asserted that these traits, which accumu-