Many Muslims point to verses that describe natural phenomena, such as the stages of human development in the womb, the water cycle and the orbits of the sun and moon, and see them as signs that the Quran is from God. Other Muslims and scholars warn against making science the proof of faith.
The fuller answer
The Quran describes the human embryo in stages (23:12-14) and says that every living thing was made from water, and that each celestial body moves in an orbit. Supporters say that these were not known in 7th-century Arabia. Critics reply that some claims are read into the verses after the discovery, and may be proven wrong if science changes.
A careful approach is to read the Quran first for its guidance, treat these verses as signs and remain open on the details. Muslims believe that the greatest miracle of the Quran is its own message and language, and that faith does not depend on matching it with each new scientific theory.
And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
This answer follows the mainstream Sunni understanding and is general learning, not a fatwa. Where Muslims differ, the answer says so. Have a question of your own? Write to us.
