Question: Today, based on the principle that neutrality and objectivity are essential in science, it is argued that science should be pursued solely for the sake of science. What is the sound and balanced approach to this issue?
Answer: Similar ideas are expressed today in other fields as well. For example, it is said that “art is for art’s sake.” For this reason, those who write poetry in order to express certain truths and convey a message to people may be looked down upon; it may even be said that they should be called preachers or advisers rather than poets. According to this understanding, poetry cannot be made a means to other ends; what matters above all is the expression of art itself. In the same way, certain professions, positions, distinctions, and ranks may be sought simply for their own sake. Appearing distinguished by certain titles or receiving stars, medals, and plaques can become the primary goal. You will see that people with such an outlook live their lives centered on the ego and go around in circles without any real purpose. They constantly zigzag in the face of changing circumstances; consequently, no beautiful or meaningful patterns emerge in the lacework of their lives.
When matters are viewed through the eyes of faith, it becomes clear that everything should be connected to a higher purpose. A person should set their sights on lofty horizons, devote themselves to a lofty ideal, and organize their life around realizing it. Since, on this journey of life that began beyond our own will, we are inevitably moving toward an end and then, through a second resurrection, toward an eternal beginning, we should establish a sound relationship between the beginning and the end and connect our point of departure with our ultimate destination. If we have no cherished ideal, we will continue striving on this path like an animal walking blindfolded in circles to turn a mill: despite all its effort, it never actually gets anywhere. We may imagine that we have traveled far, crossing valleys and hills and journeying over level ground, yet in reality we may not have advanced even a barleycorn’s length. Therefore, whenever we undertake something, we must determine correctly, from the very beginning, the fundamental goal we hope to achieve through it.
In recent times, it is clearly evident that there has been serious curiosity, effort, and research directed toward understanding the true nature of existence. To this end, the laws of creation are being read and studied, while things and events are examined in minute detail. We cannot disregard the intensive work being carried out across different fields of science. However, because positivist and naturalist considerations often dominate the minds of those engaged in science, their vision does not easily penetrate beyond the visible surface of existence. As a result, the meanings conveyed by things and events cannot be fully grasped. Since their interpretations remain confined within the boundaries of the physical world, they cannot proceed from the work to its Maker and thus cannot attain knowledge of the ultimate truth.
According to Islamic thought, however, the things and events in the universe are like letters sent to us by God, whose every letter, word, and line belongs to Him. Just as with the divinely revealed commands, the ultimate purpose of contemplating and studying the laws of creation is marifetullah—knowledge of God. A researcher who can look at the universe from the perspective of the Qur’an will find, in every branch of science, paths leading to God. As such a person’s knowledge of existence increases, so too does their knowledge of the Lord of all worlds; in everything they observe, they witness manifestations of the Divine Names.
Research in both the natural and social sciences produces results that make life easier, and it will continue to do so. New technologies will help find cures for diseases, raise the level of prosperity in societies, and open the way to building stronger social structures. None of these achievements should be underestimated. Yet a person should not be satisfied with these alone. Through the study of existence, one should also seek to draw closer to God, to know and love Him, and to deepen one’s devotion and servanthood to Him.
Although such horizons, which can elevate human beings toward the fullness of their humanity, are possible, it cannot be overlooked that serious deviations have also occurred in the modern understanding of religion. Some have regarded religion merely as an academic field to be studied, some have treated it as a philosophical theory, and others have portrayed it as an ideal to be attained. Religion, however, is a complete, divinely ordained system sent by God to humanity as a guide for life. We can neither confine it to a particular sphere of life nor treat it merely as a field of theoretical thought. Prophets were not philosophers, nor were they merely people of ideals. Rather, they were, in the fullest sense, people of responsibility. They understood the duty entrusted to them and fulfilled it properly. Living by the religious obligations conveyed to us through them is likewise our fundamental responsibility.
Those engaged in science cannot remain outside this framework either. They too are responsible for living in accordance with the truths they believe in and sharing them with others. No field of knowledge is more important than marifetullah, knowledge of God, just as no pursuit can be higher than seeking God’s pleasure. From the perspective of a believer, anything that cannot be connected with God is of secondary importance. Indeed, it may even be said that work, effort, and endeavor carried out in separation from God are, in one respect, flawed and deficient. Therefore, whatever our field of specialization may be, we should never lose sight of our ultimate purpose and should be able to connect everything we do, in one way or another, with God.
In this matter, as in all others, our guides are the Prophets, and especially the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him). He was the very embodiment of sincerity. As a human being, he too engaged in worldly affairs. Yet in everything he did, he made God’s pleasure his primary consideration. He stated that important undertakings that are not connected with God and are not begun in His name will remain incomplete and deprived of blessing.[1] Thus, even when contemplating Paradise, he would likely have considered what it might gain or cost him in terms of God’s pleasure, and lived accordingly.
Especially those who have devoted themselves to a lofty ideal should do whatever they do for the sake of God. Worldly considerations and selfish desires should not be allowed to cast a shadow over this pure intention. They should believe that God will bestow His blessings upon deeds performed without ulterior motives or expectation of personal gain. For a person who acts lillah, li-wajhillah, and li-ajlillah—for God, for His sake, and for His pleasure—the seconds of a lifetime may acquire the worth of years. Therefore, people should put their knowledge, experience, and accumulated learning to use in pursuit of their cherished ideal. We believe that sincere intentions and lofty aims can transform even ordinary actions into acts of worship and give depth and meaning to everything we do.
Moreover, people who specialize in different fields of knowledge can, through their expertise and experience, become more beneficial and productive in the service of the ideal to which they are devoted. The breadth of their horizons can help them make sound decisions. The positions and distinctions they attain can make it easier for them to carry out beneficial work. They use these opportunities not for personal gain, but in the service of their faith. They do not attribute their achievements to themselves; rather, they regard them as blessings from God and strive to give due thanks for them. Every blessing calls for gratitude of its own kind. We should never forget that every material and spiritual opportunity we possess is a trust. These trusts must not be betrayed; whatever has been given to a person should be used in the way of God.
The opportunities available to someone who runs a small shop on a street corner are not the same as those available to someone who manages a large enterprise. Likewise, it is obvious that the responsibilities and scope of action of someone who administers a small village differ greatly from those of someone responsible for governing an entire province or region. In the same way, as the Qur’an states, those who know and those who do not know are not equal.[2] Whether a person possesses knowledge, wealth, or position, what matters is being able to use these in the way of God, in pursuit of His pleasure, and in service to humanity. Only in this way can a human life become like a fertile seed that multiplies into thousands of ears of grain. After all, is not the purpose of life to know God and worship Him?
In short, whatever field we may be active in, we constantly need to review our direction and course. In every environment in which we find ourselves, we should undertake this self-examination and help one another remain on the right course. We should not rely solely on our own judgment; we should also seek the views of others. We should consult competent and qualified people about how we can use the opportunities entrusted to us more effectively and how we can direct them toward attaining God’s pleasure. For consultative deliberation (mashwara)—drawing on the knowledge, experience, and judgment of others—is one of the most important means of making sound decisions and using our opportunities wisely.
[1] The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Every important matter that is not begun with Bismillah [In the name of God] is incomplete [cut off from goodness].” Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, al-Jamiʿ li Akhlaq al-Rawi wa Adab al-Samiʿ, 2/69–70; al-Ghazali, Ihyaʾ ʿUlum al-Din, 1/206.
[2] Qur’an, 39:9.