New Frontiers in Islam and Evolution by Malik, Shoaib Ahmed; Jalajel, David Solomon;

Short description:

This edited volume offers an incisive exploration of the intersection between Islam and evolutionary theory—a topic that remains a focal point of vigorous academic debate and inquiry.

Long description:

This edited volume offers an incisive exploration of the intersection between Islam and evolutionary theory – a topic that remains a focal point of vigorous academic debate and inquiry. Covering a broad spectrum of approaches, this work delves into contemporary scholarship, Islamic intellectual history, and scriptural interpretations, ensuring a rich, multifaceted discussion. It notably amplifies underrepresented perspectives, including Shīʿī viewpoints and contributions from female scholars, while broadening the conversation beyond traditional Arab-centric narratives to incorporate insights from regions such as Indonesia, Iran, and France. Structured into sections that scrutinize scriptures, individual scholars, and societal views, the book meticulously examines the complex relationships between Islamic thought and evolutionary science. An indispensable resource for scholars at the nexus of science and religion and for specialists in Islamic studies, this volume ignites fresh insights and promotes a more inclusive academic dialogue.

"This ground-breaking collection on Islam and evolution is a very welcome addition to the science and religion literature. Ranging beyond more familiar treatments of Arabic sources and Sunnī Islam, it nicely demonstrates the diversity of approaches to evolution among different thinkers and communities. These well-researched pieces fill a significant gap in the scholarship while demonstrating again just how complex, and sometimes surprising, the relations between science and religion can be." - Peter Harrison, Emeritus Professor of History and Philosophy, University of Queensland

"Malik and Jalajel, along with all the co-authors, take us on an interesting journey through time and societies, unfolding the complex nature of the seemingly simple issue of the creation of Adam and Eve. They paint its multifaceted nature and reveal the importance of scrutinising the social origins and intellectual foundations of this debate, thus avoiding simplistic generalisations across societies and scholars. This must-read book for all those interested in the relationship between science and religion has paved a new path in studies of this type." - Shadi Nafisi, Associate Professor of Qurʾān and Ḥadīth, University of Tehran

"In the past, the study of the history of the relationship between science and religion has focussed far too much on Christianity. Scholars working in the field will, therefore, welcome this thoughtful and controversial collection of studies of the diverse interpretations of evolution held by Muslim thinkers. And they may not be too surprised to learn that John Brooke’s complexity thesis applies equally well to understanding the intricate connections between multiple evolutionary theories and the dynamic nature of Islamic thought." - Bernard Lightman, Professor of Humanities, York University

"This volume offers an exciting step forward in the rapidly developing field of science and Islam, foregrounding a diverse range of voices and perspectives on biological evolution by exploring Shi'i positions and including work by female scholars. In a field not known for its range of representation, this important step is to be warmly applauded. It follows that the case studies are rich and original, offering the reader valuable insights into the breadth and complexity of Muslim views on evolution and their historical, hermeneutical, and societal dimensions." - Caroline Tee, Professor of the Anthropology of Islam, University of Chester

"Malik et al. offer an engaging, illuminating, and essential work on Islam and science, especially focusing on Islam, humans, and evolution. This book is significant because the study of Islam and science has long been overlooked. The discussions within advance scholarly knowledge of the subject considerably, particularly concerning the ideas generated by various Muslim thinkers from several countries." - Leif Stenberg, Professor for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan University

Table of Contents:

Introduction

1 Adamic Lineal Exceptionalism: A Twelver-Shīʿī Perspective on Human Evolution

Ali Safdari and Fatemah Meghji

2 Adam and Eve’s Garden in Sunnī Islamic Thought: Heaven or Earth?

David Solomon Jalajel, Shoaib Ahmed Malik, Marzuqa Karima and Nadda Khan

3 ʿImād and ʿĀlāʾ al-Dīn Bā Bikr Ḥasan’s Call of the Ruminants (Ādhān al-Anʿām): A Speculative Evolutionary Theology

Karim Gabor Kocsenda

4 Maurice Bucaille and The Theory of Evolution: Neo-Lamarckism and the Qurʾān

Shoaib Ahmed Malik and Glen Moran

5 Evolution of the Evolution: Dealing with the Question of Evolution in Three Generations of Modern Indonesian Tafsīr (Exegesis)

Ayub and Fadhli Lukman

6 The Iranian Reception of the Theory of Evolution: A Disturbing Case in a Metanarrative

Saida Mirsadri