scientific discoveries and about prophets

Question

salams mufti desai, here are some questions i need some help on: 1) there are nowadays in the light of modern science many things that are contained in the quran which can be explained by modern science. Is it safe to interpret some ayats of quran in the light of new scientific discoveries or must a person stick to the 'classical interpretations' , one example is the ayah in surah zariyat which ends in ' la moosi'oon' , the classical interpretion of the ayah is that moosi'oon is connected with allahs power, but the interpretion in the light of modern science is that 'we are expanding the universe' referring to astrophysical calculations that the universe is expanding. what is your view? 2) i am very interested in knowing where some of the prophets are buried eg hazrat yusuf , ibrahim , isma'il , yunus , yahya (a.s)? , where can one find reliable information about their places of burial? could you please provide the places of burials for as many of the prophets in the quran as possible? 3) what was the language of hazrat adam (a.s)?

Mufti Bilaal Cassim · Accepted Answer

1. Before discussing the answer, it is important to differentiate between scientific fact and scientific theory.Since scientific theory is susceptible to change, it would be incorrect to interpret any Aayah of the Quran, which is Muhkam (absolute), in the light of something indefinite and non concrete. Regarding concrete scientific fact, if interpretation in the light of these is endorsed and has the approval of reliable Ulama who fulfill the criterion of a Mufassir (excegete)as required by the Usool (Principles) of Tafseer (excegis) , then such interpretation is acceptable.
2. We are not aware of any works listing the burial places of Anbiyaa (Alayhis salaam) in the contemporary context. Reliable works on Taareekh (Islamic History) such as Al Bidaayah Wan Nihaayah of Imam Ibn Katheer(R.A) may provide valuble information. Regrettably, due to lack of resources, we do not have detailed compilations of Taareekh in our posession so are unable to comply with your request.
3. Commentating on Ayah no.31 of Suratul Baqarah(And We taught him(Adam) all the Asmaa'...), Allaamah Aaloosi (R.A) has has narrated, among other views, a view of Ibn Abbaas (R.A) that 'Asmaa'' in the Aayah means Languages i.e all languages. (Roohul Ma'aani Vol 1 Pg 355 Haqqaaniyya).Furthermore, during his residence in Jannah, it is safe to conclude that he spoke Arabic, since the language of Jannah is Arabic.Allaamah Ibn Katheer has related a statement of Imaam Sufyaan As Sauri to the effect that all Wahy (revelation) was in the Arabic language and that the language of Jannah is Arabic. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer Vol3 Pg 463 Darus Salaam)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Bilaal Cassim
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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