العلاقة بين الإسلام والعلم التجريبي في فكر الشيخ شمس الحق الأفغاني: دراسة تحليلية وصفیة

The Relationship between Islam and Science in the Thought of Sheikh Shams al-Haqq al-Afghani: An Analytical and Descriptive Study

Abstract

The historical and contemporary discourse within Islamic scholarship reveals a spectrum of viewpoints concerning the interface between Islam and experimental science. These perspectives range from interpretations that posit an inherent conflict between religious texts and scientific inquiry, to those advocating for various forms of compatibility and synthesis. This analytical study specifically investigates the unique methodology employed by Sheikh Shams al-Haqq al-Afghani (رحمہ اللہ) in navigating this complex relationship.

The central argument of this paper is that while many Muslim scholars have attempted reconciliation (tatbīq), Al-Afghani developed a distinctly profound and pioneering synthetic approach that is both rare and highly commendable. This research utilizes a qualitative, analytical methodology, examining his key works to extract his core philosophical framework.

The findings demonstrate that Al-Afghani transcended superficial harmonization. He posited that divine revelation (Wahy) and empirical reality are not rivals but complementary facets of a singular truth originating from the Creator. His approach provides a robust framework that actively mandates the pursuit of empirical knowledge as a religious obligation. The study concludes that Al-Afghani’s intellectual synthesis offers a valuable, sophisticated model for integrating modern scientific advancement within a coherent Islamic worldview, thereby challenging reductionist narratives and providing a notable contribution to the philosophy of Islamic science.