In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
The greatest evils of knowledge and its inconsistencies occur as a result of acquainting oneself with the creation without its Creator, acquaintance with effects without the One who created those effects, acquaintance with causes without the One who created those causes, and acquaintance with the paths without its sound goals. The deficiency in this type of acquaintance is numerous and its harm is great, because indeed many atheists and those deceived by them are skilled in the natural sciences, but they confine themselves to it and are blind regarding its association with its Creator and Causer. And with regards to that which is placed in these natural sciences of wonders and secrets, they see themselves as those who know the wonders of the natural sciences – which none knows besides them – and the secrets which Allāh has placed in nature, so it gives them higher status over others and thus they become afflicted with vanity and self-deception. They confine themselves to it, consider it as the final outcome, the purpose, and the goal, and thus occurs great deviation, deficiency in knowledge and intellect.
If they knew and affirmed belief in the true Creator and the One Who Controls all the affairs of the Universe- the One who attached the means and causes to His Qadaa Wal Qadr [Footnote a], know that the means and causes are an abode of His Perfect Wisdom – for indeed Allāh [The Most High] is All-Wise, He placed things in their rightful places, gave the subtle affairs and big affairs an amazing orderly system and a firm association; gave everything that is sought after and the goals a means or cause, and a path that will lead to it, and due to this results and outcomes are based on the strength or weakness of the means or causes, and the strength or weakness of the performer of the deed- and then they bound these means, paths and outcomes to Allāh’s Qadaa Wal Qadr, their knowledge would have been perfected and they would have acquired of certainty that which cannot be acquired by those who have not reached their level; but they are glad (and proud) with that which they know of those paths whose tangible worldly outcomes they know and became haughty by way of them, so the statement of Allāh [The Most High] apply to them: [فلما جاءتهم رسلهم بالبينات فرحوا بما عندهم من العلم وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون – Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment)]. [Ghafir. Aayah 83]
Allāh said:
وجعلنا لهم سمعا وأبصارا وأفئدة فما أغنى عنهم سمعهم ولا أبصارهم ولا أفئدتهم من شيء إذ كانوا يجحدون بآيات الله وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون
And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allah’s Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at! [Al-Ahqaf. 26]
This is the greatest evil consequence of self-amazement and arrogance without exception, and the most perilous path through which many people become beguiled and deceived; therefore we ask Allāh to blessed us with sound knowledge that is supported by sound intellect, divine text and sound natural disposition – the beneficial knowledge which the servant knows in all its aspects, and the knowledge which links the subsidiary affairs to its (sound) fundamental principles, and its means, causes, effects and outcomes are ascribed to the One Who originated and created them. It is the knowledge whose possessor does not disassociate the creation from its Creator- neither disassociates its effects from the One Who made them effective, nor disassociates the wisdom, the secrets and the amazing orderly systems in the creation from the One Who Created and Perfected them, organised them in perfect order and brought them into existence prior to their non-existence. This is the knowledge that bears the fruits of certainty and through which tranquillity is obtained, and through which happiness and success is attained. It bears the fruits of beautiful manners and righteous deeds, beneficial to the religious and worldly affairs. [1]
Indeed, every science can be exploited if not overseen by fair-minded people. The choices made by misinformed eugenicists in the past led to increased oppression and crimes against the weak and vulnerable in society. Among them were individuals who attempted to initiate a genetically superior class and promoted the idea of only allowing flawless individuals to reproduce, thus marginalising anyone with even minor disabilities. It is clear that one reason for this view was either their ignorance of the balanced approach explained in the final revelation or their unawareness that human traits are not just inherited but can also be shaped by life circumstances, experiences, and social injustices. In this regard we ask: How should we respond to someone who steals food out of hunger when the State has not provided for them? Should we solely judge their action, which is in principle seen as wrong and illegal, as merely a desire to steal, or we solely investigate their family history to see if their parents, grandparents, or siblings have also committed theft in the past and then say that this is a specific deficient trait of theirs? In this regard, we can easily enter into false analogy, as Allah, The Most High, said that the brothers of Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, said about him and his brother Bin Yameen: [إِن يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ َ – If he steals, there was a brother of his [Yusuf (Joseph)] who did steal before (him)]. [Yusuf. 77]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Allah informs us about Yusuf’s brothers that when they found the (golden) bowl in their brother’s (Bin Yamin) bag, they said: “If he steals, there was a brother of his (Yusuf) who did steal before (him).” Therefore, they did not draw a (sound) comparison (regarding this affair) between the basis of the affair and its shared characteristics based on a (sound) reason nor its evidence; but rather they attached one to the other without comprehensive evidence other than the mere similarity between Bin Yamin and Yusuf (as blood brothers); so, they said, “This is analogy regarding the similarity between him and his brother in many ways, and that this one (Bin Yamin) has committed theft just as that one (Yusuf) committed theft (in the past). This (analogy of theirs) is a void comparison between similarities (in the reality of this specific affair) and an analogy based on a mere comparison between (two) images that is devoid of a shared cause (or reason) that would necessitate that the two are the same. It is a corrupt analogy. The similarity due to being blood brothers is not a shared cause (or reason) for being similar with regards to committing theft. There is no evidence of similarity in this, so the comparison is one devoid of a (sound or real) shared reason (or cause) and its evidence. [1.2]
Or should we first examine the circumstances that led to this behaviour before making a judgement, especially if there are other signs indicating why this person stole? We’ll suffice with this one example because this article does not aim to present the researches of sociologists or their different opinions on human behaviour in different situations.
Furthermore, there is no doubt that when we evaluate the different perspectives of social scientists, we’ll find that some agree with the infallible principles of the final revelation or contradict it, or their arguments may contain both what agrees or disagrees with the divine revelation. In all cases, the Muslim returns to the upright scholars of Ijtihad for Fatwa after explaining the specific social circumstances in a society. This is because there is no doubt that seal of the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, received an infallible revelation from Allah, the Creator of all existence, who knows what is needed to balance human life. While we may attempt to understand circumstances and find solutions, it is clear that without returning to revelation alongside our experiences, we’ll be exposed to many pitfalls. Therefore, this article does not focus on presenting or analysing social scientists’ views or prioritising some over others; instead, it mentions briefly some of the reasons behind the flawed judgements of the Eugenists.
As for the balance regarding human or character traits in general, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him. He said:
Akhlaq [character traits] is bounded by limits. Transgression takes place when these limits are exceeded, while deficiency and humiliation arise when one falls short.
The commendable aspects of anger lie within its boundaries of bravery and a distaste for despicable and inadequate behaviour. These boundaries represent the pinnacle of anger’s expression. However, when one surpasses these limits, they cross into transgression and oppression. Conversely, if their anger is lacking, they will exhibit cowardice and fail to abhor despicable behaviour. The scope of eagerness lies in acquiring what is necessary for one’s worldly pursuits and employing suitable means to attain them. Insufficient eagerness leads to humiliation and wastage of valuable time or opportunities while exceeding its limits breeds intense greed and unworthy desires. The boundaries of envy lie within the realm of praiseworthy competition, where individuals strive for perfection and aim to surpass another competitor. However, once these limits are exceeded, envy transforms into jealousy characterised by animosity and oppression. In such instances, the envious person desires the deprivation of blessings for the one envied and is eager to cause harm. Conversely, if one lacks (what is required of jealousy), it leads to a diminished sense of worth and a weakened drive to achieve. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “There should be no envy except in two (people); a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom (i.e. religious knowledge) and he judges by way of it and teaches it to the others”. This form of envy (requires commendable) competition among individuals, and the Haasid (the one who is envious of their competitor) strives to resemble the person they envy, without (harbouring) the detestable envy (which makes one) wish that the blessings bestowed upon the envied individual should cease.
The boundaries of desires provide a means of relaxation for the heart and intellect after exerting oneself in acts of obedience and striving to accomplish virtuous deeds. However, when one exceeds these limits, it gives rise to intense and barely controllable emotions, as well as lewdness, ultimately causing the person to descend to the level of animals. On the other hand, lacking desire and not utilising it as a means to pursue perfection and virtue leads to weakness, impotence, and humiliation. The boundaries of relaxation lie in its ability to replenish one’s energy and enhance their mental capacity, thereby enabling one to carry out acts of obedience and accomplish virtuous deeds. This safeguards against the detrimental effects of exertion and exhaustion. However, when an individual exceeds these limits, it leads to a lack of enthusiasm, laziness, wastage of time and opportunities, and many beneficial endevours are missed. Conversely, insufficient relaxation hampers one’s strength and may even result in debilitation.
The boundaries of generosity are marked by two extremes, where surpassing these limits results in extravagance and wastefulness. Conversely, a deficiency in generosity leads to avarice and a reluctance to give freely. The boundaries of courage lie in the fact that exceeding them results in recklessness while lacking courage leads to cowardice and weakness. Its limit is to act when necessary and abstain when it is not. Jealousy has its limitations, as crossing them leads to false accusations and (unjustified) evil suspicions against blameless individuals. Conversely, the absence of jealousy leads to heedlessness and a lack of regard for one’s honour. When humility is exceeded, it gives way to indignity and humiliation, whereas the absence of humility gives rise to pride and boasting. There are limits to honour, and if someone exceeds those limits, it will inevitably result in pride. On the other hand, when someone lacks honour, it leads to humiliation and a loss of dignity.
Justice provides a precise balance to these affairs and requires that a person follow the path set by Islamic legislation – the path is free from both exaggeration and negligence. The foundation of all beneficial matters, whether in this worldly life or the hereafter, rests upon this; rather, physical well-being can only be achieved by adhering to it, for any disruption in the proper balance of the human body’s elements – whether due to excessive indulgence or negligence – leads to a deterioration in its health and strength, proportionate to the extent of this (imbalance). Similarly, engaging in natural activities such as sleep, staying up late at night, eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, movement, recreation, seclusion, and socialising, in a moderate manner – without excess or deficiency – is considered to be upright, appropriate, and balanced; however, when an individual veer towards either extreme, it is deemed to be a deficiency and will yield deficient outcomes. One of the noblest and most beneficial sciences is the knowledge of the boundaries (within which affairs are confined), particularly the divine limits – the commands and prohibitions (outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah). Those who possess more understanding of these divine limits are the most learned individuals, so they neither include anything outside of these limits nor exclude anything that falls within them. Allah, The Most High, said:
ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ
The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to be in ignorance of the limits (Allah’s Commandments and His Legal Laws, etc.) which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. [at-Tawbah. Ayah 97]
Thus, the individuals who remain within the confines of the moral values and actions outlined in the Islamic legislation, both in their understanding and implementation, are the most just, balanced, and upright. [2] [end of quote]
Therefore, let’s contemplate the verse:
ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ
The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to be in ignorance of the limits (Allah’s Commandments and His Legal Laws, etc.) which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. [at-Tawbah. Ayah 97]
Thus, ignorance can both afflict the affluent and the common people in society depending on their acquaintance with the limits imposed by all Wise Creator in creed, worship, mutual dealings, social justice, social welfare and upbringing.
It is important to clarify that this article does not aim to completely disregard research on social behaviour or other scientific topics, rather, it makes it clear – as will follow – that whatever is beneficial and those not contradict the revelation is identified and dealt with by the upright scholars of penetrating insight after thorough investigation. In this regard, Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
Whatever is beneficial from these fields for both religious and worldly matters, for communities and individuals, falls under the umbrella of the religion. The religion has clearly pointed out and directed people towards these beneficial affairs and every useful thing until the Day of Judgement; and a clarification that if modern professions are not aligned with the principles and values of religion, their negative impact will outweigh their positive contributions. Nonetheless, this principle necessitates two important considerations:
First, it is essential to know the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, both in general and in detail.
Second, one must be aware of the existing affairs and recognised realities that are acknowledged by fair-minded individuals.
By being well-informed about these two aspects, it becomes evident that Islamic disciplines, functions, and specific subject matters do not exclude anything that promotes goodness and righteousness. The person who thoroughly understands this uses these two elements as evidence and understands that a lack of either one or both can lead to deficiencies. By grasping the overarching fundamental principles related to the topic, they can connect specific issues back to these fundamental principles. However, if someone speaks on these specific issues without first understanding the general fundamental principles, serious mistakes will be made, leading to confusion only for the ignorant or the stubborn opponents. [3]
He also said:
Allāh said:
كتاب أنزلناه إليك مبارك ليدبروا آياته وليتذكر أولو األلباب
(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember]. [Saad. 29]
Indeed, Allāh has commanded a person to employ sound reasoning and deep contemplation to reflect on the signs He has created, as well as on His revealed proofs, verses, lessons, and revelations. This reflection enables the person, through their sound intellect, to comprehend the benefits and signs present in creation. Subsequently, they can understand, utilise, and derive benefits from these insights according to their circumstances. Allāh has made it clear that these signs are meant for those who believe, those who understand, and those who possess unwavering faith. The believers, endowed with sound intellect and certainty, contemplate Allāh’s signs, gaining benefits that elevate their status in both this life and the Hereafter. Allāh said:
وما تغني اآليات والنذر عن قوم ال يؤمنون
But neither Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) nor warners benefit those who believe not. [Hud. 101]
The one who does not benefit from Allah’s signs fall into one of two categories: they are either individuals steeped in profound ignorance and misguidance, lacking the gift of sound intellect and comprehension, or they are proud and obstinate individuals who, misled by their own reasoning and intelligence, have arrogantly chosen to disregard the signs of Allah.
Allāh stated about the believers:
وأمرهم شورى بينهم
And who (conduct) their aairs by mutual consultation. [Al-Shura 38]
This aair, which Allāh commanded His Prophet to address, and which He described as a characteristic of the believers, encompasses all aspects of both religious and worldly affairs that pertain to them and others. Therefore, this suggests that issues with evident means of well-being and benefit should be highlighted for action, while those with clear harmful consequences should be avoided. In cases of uncertainty, they seek assistance through consultation, thoughtful consideration, and dialogue until clarity is achieved regarding the appropriate course of action and the potential benefits or harms are revealed.
No sensible person would harbour doubt that this great fundamental, which Allāh has commanded and praised—namely, the establishment of consultation—is the path for the rectification of all matters. This principle applies not only to the sciences and responsibilities outlined in Islamic law but also to various aspects of worldly knowledge, as well as to the aairs of both individuals and groups. The advantages of thorough and eective consultation are countless, and it is widely recognised that numerous issues rely on it, as well as every matter regarding which consultation is established by those who possess expertise and ability in it. Allah said:
وَإِنَّكَ لَتَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْءَاخِرَةِ عَنِ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ لَنَٰكِبُونَ
And certainly, you (O Muhammad ) call them to a Straight Path (true religion Islamic Monotheism). And verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter are indeed deviating far astray from the Path (true religion Islamic Monotheism). [Al-Muminoon 73-74]
The upright path advocated by the Messenger Muhammad and the mighty Qur’an is one of (perfect) integrity and harmony, ensuring perseverance in faith, morals, and actions that promote well-being in both religious and worldly matters, for individuals and the Muslim Ummah as a whole. This path serves as a protector of the sciences and responsibilities outlined in Islamic law, as well as worldly disciplines, since true righteousness can only be attained through it. Relying solely on material things will yield nothing, and its harm would be greater than its good outcomes, which is why Allah stated:
وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْءَاخِرَةِ عَنِ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ لَنَٰكِبُونَ
And verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter are indeed deviating far astray from the Path (true religion Islamic Monotheism). [Al-Muminun 73]
Read the article by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.
Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation
http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm
Footnote a: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKgIjOKSNQQ
[1] An Excerpt from Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deen Al-Islaamiy. pages 37-40]
[1.2] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/198. paraphrased:
قوله تعالى : إِن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ
[يوسف: ٧٧]
أخبر عن إخوة يوسف أنهم قالوا لما وجدوا الصواع في رحل أخيهم : إن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ . فلم يجمعوا بين الأصل والفرع بعلة ولا دليلها، وإنما ألحقوا أحدهما بالآخر من غير دليل جامع سوى مجرد الشبه الجامع بينه وبين يوسف، فقالوا : هذا مقيس على أخيه، بينهما شبه من وجوه عديدة، وذاك قد سرق فكذلك هذا ، وهذا هو الجمع بالشبه الفارغ، والقياس بالصورة المجردة عن العلة المقتضية للتساوي، وهو قياس فاسد والتساوي في قرابة الأخوة ليس
بعلة للتساوي في السرقة، ولو كانت حقاً، ولا دليل على التساوي فيها، فيكون الجمع لنوع شبه خال عن العلة ودليلها.
إعلام الموقعين (۱۹۸/۱)
[2] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209. Slightly paraphrased
[3] Al-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aniyyah Fee Anna Al-Uloom Wal A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fee Ad-Deen Al-Islamiy pages 1-2 [The Qur’an evidences demonstrates that modern beneficial sciences and activities are incorporated into the Islamic religion]
