Quran Can Act as Criterion for Scientific Theories: Scholar
This is according to Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Taqi Sobhani, a Qom-based scholar, who made the remarks in a seminar on the relation between the Quran and science. What follows is a summary of his remarks.
The scientific authority of the Quran is a fundamental issue, and perhaps it was formed with the revelation of the Quran and the formation of the Islamic Ummah. And on the one hand, it is new, because the focus of this theory is on the scientific fields that we are dealing with nowadays. This leads to ambiguities that cannot be easily examined.
The first point is whether the scientific authority of the Quran is a theory or an approach or a theoretical framework. If it is a theory, it must have the framework of a theory.
One can consider the scientific authority of the Quran in the form of a macro theory. A sociologist who is familiar with Quranic thought can present a theory about sociology and the Quran that goes under the scientific authority of the Quran. And this macro-theory allows different theories to be produced in different disciplines.
The concept of authority
In the theory of the scientific authority of the Quran, it is claimed that the Holy Book can intervene in fields such as sociology and psychology, and it recognizes this structure of knowledge. Authority in this theory means meaningful influence. Sometimes we say that the Quran has told the truths that exist in the world, and naturally, this does not mean authority, but authority can be named when the intervention of the Quran in science creates a new result.
Quran’s comprehensiveness
Most Quranic scholars agree with the scientific authority of the Quran. The first presupposition is that the Quran bears semantic implications. Second, the Quran extends in interpretations, especially the interpretations of Ahl al-Bayt (SA). Another assumption is that the Quran is comprehensive, and the meaning of comprehensiveness is guidance, not an exaggeration. The Quran aims to guide which includes guidance at individual and social levels.
Another presumption is scientific guidance; this means that individuals need knowledge tools in various sciences to achieve guidance, and even if they want to reach happiness in the hereafter, they need scientific guidance. Another presupposition is that the presence of the Qur'an in sciences does not mean the removal of other authentic and correct sources.
These assumptions are general, and if someone does not accept them, the theory of authority will face a challenge. It is not difficult to accept the theory though.
