Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

The belief in the laws of nature is deeply rooted in both historical and philosophical contexts, reflecting humanity’s quest to understand the consistent patterns observed in the natural world.

The concept of laws governing nature gained prominence in Europe during the 17th century, influenced by theological perspectives. Scholars of that era viewed these laws as manifestations of a divine order imposed by God upon the universe. This belief provided a framework for the emerging scientific revolution, encouraging the study of nature’s regularities as reflections of a rational and orderly creation.

The scientific method reinforces belief in the laws of nature through empirical validation. By formulating hypotheses and conducting experiments, scientists observe consistent outcomes that suggest underlying principles governing natural phenomena. The reproducibility of experimental results across different conditions and times strengthens the conviction that such laws exist and are universally applicable.

On a practical level, the assumption of natural laws enables technological advancements and predictive capabilities. For instance, engineering principles rely on consistent physical laws to design structures and machinery. Similarly, medical practices depend on biological laws to understand human physiology and develop treatments.

Belief in the laws of nature arises from a combination of historical context, philosophical reasoning, empirical evidence, and practical necessity. This belief underpins the scientific endeavor, guiding our exploration and understanding of the natural world.

But are the scientists only guarantors of the laws of nature? For a Muslim who believes in a Creator God and the Quran as the literal word of God, there is a more profound theological and philosophical question: What does God say about the laws of nature?

The Quran often speaks about this. The Quran, Islam’s holy scripture, presents a perspective on the natural world that emphasizes both its inherent order and its role as a testament to divine wisdom. It encourages believers to observe and reflect upon the universe, viewing its consistent patterns as manifestations of God’s will.

The Quran underscores the regularity and balance inherent in creation. For instance, Surah Ar-Rahman (55:5-7) states:

The sun and the moon [move] by precise calculation, and the stars and trees prostrate. And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance.

This passage highlights the precise movements of celestial bodies and introduces the concept of “balance” (mizan), suggesting an intrinsic order in the universe. The notion of mizan is fundamental to Islamic environmental perspectives, describing the complex ecosystems and physical laws governing the cosmos.

The Quran invites believers to study and contemplate the natural world. Surah Al-Ankabut (29:20) encourages exploration:

Travel throughout the earth and see how He brings life into being.

Such verses have been interpreted as endorsements for scientific inquiry and the investigation of natural phenomena. The Quran draws attention to the danger of conjecturing without evidence and asks Muslims to require proofs, both in matters of theological belief and in natural science.

The laws governing the winds and Archimedes’ principle that keeps boats afloat are also guaranteed by God of the Quran in Surah Al Jathiya (45:12) we read:

It is God who subjected the sea for you––ships sail on it by His command so that you can seek His bounty and give Him thanks.

The very next verse tells us that laws are operative not only on our planet but the whole universe:

He has subjected all that is in the heavens and the earth for your benefit, as a gift from Him. There truly are signs in this for those who reflect. (45:13)

The Quran also guarantees the solar and lunar motion and their patterns that make calendars possible:

Allah it is Who made the sun radiate a brilliant light and the moon reflect a luster, and ordained for it stages, that you might know the number of years, reckoning of time and mathematics. Allah has not created this but in truth. He details the Signs for a people who have knowledge. Indeed, in the alternation of night and day, and in all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth there are Signs for a God-fearing people. (10:5-6)

And We have made the night and the day two Signs, and the Sign of night We have made dark, and the Sign of day We have made sight giving, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the computation of years, reckoning of time and mathematics. And everything We have explained with a detailed explanation. (17:12)

Isaac Newton did discover how to calculate gravity and how it governed planetary motions, but he realized that he had not resolved the mystery of gravity, what it really is. He said, “Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion.”

Ultimately, God is the Creator and Sustainer of our universe, and He guarantees the laws governing it:

The sun, too, runs its determined course laid down for it by the Almighty, the All-Knowing. We have determined phases for the moon until, finally, it becomes like an old date-stalk. The sun cannot overtake the moon, nor can the night outrun the day: each floats in [its own] orbit. (36:38-40)

This article is not an exhaustive study of all that the Quran has to say about laws of nature, merely a glimpse, yet sufficient enough to argue for the believing Muslims that the Quran does guarantee the laws of nature because the Creator has created a lawful and purposeful universe.

The Quran portrays the laws of nature as deliberate and purposeful, reflecting divine wisdom. It encourages believers to observe, reflect, and seek understanding of the natural world, viewing such endeavors as pathways to recognizing the Creator’s majesty and the harmonious order of His creation.