Science in the Service of God: Islamizing Knowledge

Abstract

On the London subway a passenger recites verses from the Quran. He does so in a low voice and smiles as he recognizes the divine words of his faith. The verses were reproduced in a book, entitled The Bible, the Quran and Science, a pseudo-scientific work claiming to examine the Holy Scriptures in the light of modern knowledge. This book by the French convert to Islam, Maurice Bucaille, is popular in Muslim countries as well as among Muslims in Europe and North America. It is commonly referred to and even recommended by Muslims almost anywhere in the world when discussing matters concerning Islam and science. However, in most cases, the person recommending it has not read the book him or herself. Instead, someone he/she trusts, at the local mosque or at the university, has told him of its content.