Should Muslim universities combine science and religion?

Natural science and religion should be taught separately so that research remains free. But where subjects such as history or sociology attack belief in God one-sidedly, Muslim universities should answer with clear arguments.

Many great Muslim scholars of the past were people of faith and at the same time pioneers in mathematics, medicine and philosophy. Yet the universities of Muslim Spain did not mix natural science with religious doctrine. That was precisely their strength. Muslims, Christians, Jews and even non-believers carried out research side by side, without conflict and without being told what to think.

Wherever clergy wanted to decide what research was allowed to find, knowledge was stifled. Any finding that did not fit their understanding was declared a departure from the faith. This led to persecution and narrowness, which did great harm to the history of the Muslims.

God shows Himself in two ways, through His word and through His work. The word is revelation and the work is nature. Both come from Him, and the verses above show that there is no flaw in His creation. So there can be no real contradiction between word and work. That is why natural science needs no religious supervision. Whoever studies nature honestly is reading the work of the same God. Those who want to study Islam in depth should have their own schools for that.

There is, however, one area where Muslim universities should take action. In history, sociology and similar subjects, secularism is often confused with denying God. Signs pointing to God are passed over, while the weaknesses of believers are magnified. Many students lose their faith this way, or live with an inner split between their profession and their convictions. Here Muslim universities should examine things carefully and respond with arguments, not with bans. That does not create prejudice. It creates clear thinking.