Melding modern science with the ancient beliefs found in faith is a problem that adherents of many different religions face. Some people turn to science to prove their faith is correct. For example, there are some Buddhist groups who focus on using neuroscience to prove the existence of reincarnation. Others reject science in favor of faith, such as Christian New Earth Creationists. Still others take up science as their new “religion.” Most people, however, try and find ways to make science and faith mesh. Muslims are no different in this regard. Bloggers, Muslim religious scholars, every day Muslims and authors have written extensively on the compatibility of Islam and evolution, and they have taken a variety of different stances.
One commonly referenced story that argues for the incompatibility of Islam and evolution is the story of Adam. According to the Quran, Adam had no parents and was a fully formed human being. Quran 3:58 states that “[Allah] created [Adam] from dust, then said to him: “Be.” And he was.” When this passage is interpreted literally, it is completely incompatible with modern evolutionary theory. It is creationism.
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