The main criticisms of the scientific evolution theory are as
follows:-
1. Experience shows that all things tend to degenerate. The
Second Law of Thermodynamics requires that entropy (disorder) should always
increase. Things must, therefore, start from a state of high order (low
entropy) which is inexplicable in science. Though evolution can and does take
place on this planet by the constant introduction of Negentropy (or Order) from
the sun and the rest of the Cosmos, this is only possible because this exists
there. It is also in accord with the Quranic idea that the causes come from
above. Order is said to arise spontaneously in a system when a difference is
maintained between the energy coming into it and energy radiated from it. The
problem then is shifted to explaining how such a difference arose in the
Universe.
2. The Evolution theory requires that variations should be
produced by random mutations in the genes by cosmic and other radiation or
mutagenic chemicals. The environment then selects because what is best adapted
to it will survive and that which is not adapted will die out. From an Islamic
point of view, it is not possible to arrive at a true picture by studying
things in isolation. An entity O, exists in interaction with its environment E,
and is itself an environment for its parts P. If E acts on O to modify it, then
this changes the actions of O on E, causing modifications in E. There is a similar
interaction between O and P. There are several levels of interactions because E
is part of a greater system, and P is divisible into smaller parts and so on.
Randomness is an illusion created by a restricted view. However, things are not
mechanistically determined, but things adapt themselves and there is a degree
of flexibility within systems that allow adaptation within a range of
possibilities.
Recent discoveries show that variation could arise due to
structural changes in the Chromosomes, a rearrangement of genes caused by
retroviruses. These link all organisms together and can introduce genes from
one species into another. Natural Selection can only operate after a suitable
mutation has taken place. Volcanic eruptions, climate changes and cosmic events
such as the impact of meteors or comets have affected the course of evolution
by causing selective extinction or encouraging and discouraging mutations. No
species is, therefore, wholly independent of its environment. The organism
itself also tends to move to environments suitable to it, change the
environment and control the expression or non expression of its genes. An
organism is a balanced system in which all things are inter-dependent, and any
change in it can disrupt this. Therefore, mutations can be destructive,
eliminating reproduction, unless their expression is inhibited until such time
as they become useful when reinforced by other mutations. There is, therefore,
a process of inner selection also.
3. If we consider chance alone, then there are a much greater
number of possible mutations than the one required to increase the efficiency
or power. Mutations are reversible and can be undone.
4. A mutation to a gene will have multiple effects in the
organism. Some of these may be harmful while others are beneficial. Some
characteristics may arise which are unpredictable. The individual can only
survive if there has been some kind of selection within the genome itself.
5. The fossil record does not show gradual changes but sudden
jumps. The intermediate organisms that lead from one to the other are all
missing. Such jumps indicate a great number of mutations taking place
simultaneously as well as co-operatively. This is so extremely improbable that
it is miraculous. Such events, however, have taken place many times.
6. An examination of organs such as eyes and wings shows that
their functioning depends on a great number of separate features. They could
not function if any of these were missing. Gradual development would mean
intermediate stages that cannot function. Flying for instance requires not just
wings but light bones a different skeletal, circulatory, respiratory and
digestive system.
7. It is not a question of the survival of the fittest or
strongest. Species live within an ecological system that consists of many
interdependent species. It is not the case that the strongest will survive and
multiply. A may eat B which eats C which eats D and so on to N which may eat A.
If B is too successful in escaping A and catching C, then it will multiply, but
A will starve and reduce in numbers. C will also reduce in numbers. This will
affect the numbers of D, and, therefore, E and so on. It also means B has less
to eat and will reduce in numbers. This will cause the numbers of A and C to
rise again. Things are made more complex because each organism lives on more
than one other organism and interacts with others in many other ways. Some
co-operate directly or are indirectly dependent on what others produce or
remove. So some kind of dynamic balance has to exist.
8. It is not always the case that more efficient characteristics
have developed. Bipedalism is less efficient than quadrepedalism for escaping
from predators or catching prey. The development of other characteristics may
compensate. When herds formed, they protected certain weak members that were
able to develop other characteristics that became useful later.
9. Biologists appear to ignore the fact that evolution requires
organisms to have inbuilt urges for self-preservation and reproduction, the
nature of which has not been explained. These are inner, not external causes.
It is not merely connected with the structure of the organism because this
merely has a channelling effect. The very matter of which the organism is made
cannot be dead and inert.
10. The capacity for cognition of pain and pleasure also appears
to have been ignored. It is not only characteristics which have a
self-preservative or reproductive function. Since females tend to have a
limited number of eggs and reproductive capacity but select from a wide variety
of males, they can be attracted by what impresses them. This seems to be
something having aesthetic appeal or certain skills which have nothing whatever
to do with self-preservation or reproduction. Reproduction can be done by mating
with any male. Bower birds build elaborate structures and patterns by gathering
twigs, leaves, shells, bones and stones of various colours which they arrange
in certain deliberate ways. These are meant to attract females with which they
mate. The female selects the male whose display it prefers. But the male has no
part in building the nest or bringing up the young. He is not selected for this
ability. But though this has a sexual purpose, it is obvious that both male and
female have an aesthetic sense and that the male has the ability to create art
and knows what might attract the female.
11. When urges are recognized, only two are admitted, namely the
self-preservative and the reproductive. The fact, however, is that much of the
behaviour of organisms also requires a third urge to be present - a
self-expansive or evolutional one. This shows itself in curiosity, the desire
to know, explore and dominate. The organization of certain herds or packs of
animals such as wolves does not allow all the members to reproduce but only the
dominant ones. When male lions take over a family of females from another they
kill the off springs of the former male. Females of most species tend to be
selective as to which males they will mate with. Mere reproduction does not require
this kind of behaviour. There is, therefore, an evolutional tendency built into
organic life. This comes out much more clearly in human beings.
12. The existing organisms and fossils can be arranged in a sort
of evolutional tree by the imagination. But no real causal connection has been
experimentally established which determines the change of one species to
another. For instance the method of extracting oxygen from water and from air
is so different that it is not easy to explain how sea creatures turned into
land creatures and vice versa. Similar remarks can be made about land creatures
turning into flying creatures. It is possible to place the same species on
different branches of the evolutionary tree.
13. The phrases "natural selection" and "survival
of the fittest" are meaningless. An organism has a number of
characteristics, and different organisms share the same characteristics while
individuals of a species may be different because of different strengths of the
same or other characteristics. Changes in the environment may refer to only
specific features and these may be temporary. Weather and climate, for
instance, may change from a drought to torrential rains to very windy. In each
of these conditions different characteristics or the same characteristics with
different strengths will give advantages or disadvantages irrespective of other
characteristics which may be advantageous or disadvantageous in other
conditions. Drought, for instance, may give plants with long roots an advantage
irrespective of species. But when we get a season of torrential rains then in
boggy conditions these plants may rot. But they may survive if the land is well
drained. Some individuals may simply be luckier than others. It is perfectly
possible that the same plant may simply multiply in one place instead of
another. Or because it has grown large in wet conditions then a storm comes and
blows it down. These environmental changes do not affect its genetics.
14. Adaptation to changed environments can take several different
forms. Which direction it takes is indeterminate and unpredictable. It is only
after adaptation has taken place then only do biologists speculate as to its
causes. But they do not tell us why it was just this and not some other of
numerous possible adaptations.
15. Organisms have some flexibility, adaptability and
intelligence and can learn. The genetic inheritance does not create rigidity.
It is for, instance, possible for the muscles of organisms to grow through
exercises or for them to learn from experiences. Therefore, they can adapt to
changes in the environment without there being any genetic change. But some
individuals that have not learnt may suffer and die out. The effort of the
organism, therefore, also has effects.
16. Not all the genes in an organism produce results in the
adult. In fact there are a great many more genes than are actualized. There are
dormant and recessive genes, some of which enable others. Genes are activated
by various proteins, which are produced by a combination of genes under certain
conditions. Under changed conditions these may become active while others
become dormant. This depends on the environment and also on efforts. It is not
at all certain that the germ cells which provide the genes are not affected by
processes in the nervous system and elsewhere where generic modification also
occurs.
17. The genes are not the only thing which determine what the
adult individual will be like. As the foetus grows its development is affected
by its environment in the womb to different degrees. Among the factors involved
in various organisms, are temperature, electrical conditions and chemicals. In
fact, the physical, social and psychological condition of the mother (which
itself depends on her physical, social and psychological environment) affects
how the child develops. This will affect the physical, social and psychological
environment of the next generation, including mothers. There is, therefore, a
non-genetic, though nevertheless inherited, transmission of states of development
and the characteristics which go with them.
18. Blind chance cannot have purpose. Therefore, changes that
depend on chance cannot be purposeful. The purpose is supplied by the organism.
Quite often organs develop first before a function is found for them. Eyes and
wings and a great part of the human brain are examples.
19. There is a mystery connected with the arising of life,
similar to that connected with the arising of the material universe from
nothing and the arising of consciousness. Life does not come spontaneously from
matter today. There appears to be a life force with its own laws. The arising
of all living things needs the previous existence of life. There are a number
of vicious circles involved in life such that A and B are interdependent. Both
must be formed perhaps by differentiation from a previous common process. But
none can be found. For instance, the formation of DNA in genes needs proteins
that need the DNA; nucleic acid requires enzymes that requires nucleic acids
and so on. Life consists of a balance between a great many opposite processes,
each of which is separately fatal for life or would make it ineffective - e.g.
oxygen and sugar regulation, catabolism and anabolism. Limbs work because there
are muscles that pull in opposite directions. Indeed, the oxygen in the
atmosphere on which life depends is created by life itself.
20. From the numerous Nature programs on television and video
tapes we see how ingeniously plants, birds and other animals have adapted
themselves to their situation. How they build their nests and bring up their
young. This does not seem like blind chance but intelligence at work. There is,
in fact, not much difference between the way human intelligence works and
adaptation which takes place in nature, except that in the case of man it is
internalized in the mind.
21. The word "random" or "chance" is used by
biologists as if it could be a cause. But this is a contradiction. In fact,
"chance" simply means that we are ignorant of the cause or do not
possess the competence to determine or calculate the forces involved. We look
for a cause when the chances of something occurring are greater or less than
what we would expect from chance alone. This defines Causation.
22. Certain organs depend on the co-operation of several systems
each of which must have had a separate line of development in stages that had
no function of their own, e.g. various parts of the eye. This appears to
indicate a goal.
23. Convergent evolution refers to the fact that the same organs
have developed independently several times in different lines. e.g. wings,
eyes, electrical organs. This shows some kind of necessity or goal, not blind
chance.
24. The fossil record shows that there have been mass cataclysmic
destruction of species from time to time due to external factors which affected
the climate such as Volcanic action, ice ages, meteors, comets and changes in
the radiation of the sun. It is these, which killed off dominant species
allowing other species to multiply, differentiate and develop. There appear to
be what might be called Days or Periods of Judgement and Resurrection
associated with the evolution of life.
25. Some Biologists explain biological phenomena in terms of the
“selfish gene” as if it is the gene that motivates the individual. That is why
related individuals cooperate but compete with and destroy rivals. This is not
a good explanation for why the members of some packs of animals forgo
reproduction but look after the offspring of the dominant pair. The fact is
that unless the individual who has the gene survives the gene cannot. Only
those genes will survive which can bestow some advantages on the individual.
But it may be a combination of genes rather a particular gene which gives the
advantageous ability. This ability may be a flexible one so that it can turn
from one kind of function to another. There is probably, for instance, no
single gene that creates mathematical ability and it cannot be shown that this
ability was selected for in the long history of man required for this. The idea
that every single human characteristic has to be explained by some specific
gene or some kind of specific evolutionary advantage seems absurd.
26. Amino acids must join up to form proteins, releasing water.
On land amino acids are broken up by ultraviolet rays. So it is assumed that
they must be formed in the sea. But this is impossible because water prevents
the formation of proteins (since their formation requires expulsion of water).
27. Even a small bacterium may have 600 different kinds of
proteins in it. But a protein may consist of 400 amino acids, but only 20
different ones are used in all living things, out of a great number of possible
ones. By the laws of chance alone, these 400 can occur in combinations far
greater than the total number of estimated particles in the Universe
(0.88x10^79). At one combination per second it will require more years than the
estimated age of the Universe to go through all the possible combinations. All
the correct combinations must not only be found but maintained.
28. There are two kinds of proteins known as L (left-handed) and
R (right-handed) proteins. These are produced by chemical reactions in equal
numbers. They have the same types and number of elements, but differ in
structure, being mirror images of each other. Proteins use only left-handed
amino acids and the nucleotides, the units of DNA use right-handed ones. How do
living things recognize the difference? Obviously there is something more than
chance at play here.
29. Proteins are responsible for all the processes in the body,
but need DNA to produce them. But DNA needs proteins to produce it. These could
not have arisen independently and then combined.
30. A DNA chain may consist of many thousands of nucleotides in a
definite sequence. But nothing determines this sequence except the previous DNA
in the parent cell. There are only four different kinds known as A C T G. If we
consider only a chain of 1000, then by chance alone, this gives us 4^1000
(10^620) possible combinations. Thus an enormous number of intermediate species
could have arisen but do not exist.
31. Cells consist not only of proteins but many other substances,
including enzymes, sugars, DNA, RNA, and the relationship between them is not
haphazard. They are all inter-dependent and work in co-operation. They cannot
have come into existence independently. Factors causing chance alterations
destroy the cells. The cell walls protect the inner processes from interference
by chemicals outside, and they let in only certain chemicals while only letting
out certain others. It is this that provides a particular internal environment
that allows these life processes to go on, quite different from the external
environment in which it cannot go on. But these cell walls cannot develop
without the DNA that is the product of the special processes enabled by the
cell wall.
32. All life depends ultimately on the sun's radiation from above
acting on the materials of the earth below. But unless some creature is formed
which has photosynthesis and can use this radiation to transform materials
there cannot be life.
33. We see that there are levels of being:- (i) Minerals, (ii)
Plants eat and convert minerals into plant substance, (iii) Animals eat plants
and convert plant matter into animal matter, (iv) Human beings eat plants and
animals and convert them into human substance or into things which are
typically human e.g. the mind. It is a mistake to suppose that all these are
the same. The mistake is made because in their studies scientists reduce all
things to the dead mineral state. Thus though there are evolutional levels, the
transition from one stage to the other presents us with problems which have not
been solved. We could also describe one or more pre-mineral levels (pre-atomic
and radiant), and some supra-human stages (perhaps jinn, angels, archangels).
34. Nature creates great variety so that a great number of
different circumstances and changes can be adapted to. As conditions change
different kinds of individuals can survive while others die out. The surviving
ones reproduce and fill the gaps left. But they also produce variety. The
species adapts. Thus, not the individuals but the greater whole to which it
belongs, the species and beyond should be the focus of attention. If this
variety had not existed no adaptation could have taken place. The causes for
the arising of variety must pre-exist. Variety cannot be a result of
adaptation.
35. All multi-cellular organisms contain within them and on them
a great number of bacteria and viruses and they exist in an invisible sea of
these micro-organisms which also connects all other organisms. The interaction
between the organism and this organic sea is not fully known. There appears to
be a transfer of genes from one species to another.
36. The scientific view is that things are as they are because
conditions and laws happened to be correct for their arising. Had conditions
been different then different organisms would have arisen. In all cases it
would seem that the conditions were made right in order that the organisms
should arise. In fact, there is much evidence that the organisms themselves
tend to create the conditions suitable to themselves or migrate to them. They
do not do this consciously, but the system as a whole has this effect. A system
always tries to find an equilibrium within a greater system otherwise there is
tension. This tension itself causes the seeking of equilibrium. The purpose and
cause are the same. The organisms collectively produce the conditions. If they
are adapted to the conditions then we could regard either as the cause or
purpose of the other.
37. It is now known that genes can be turned on or off by certain
proteins called histones (created by combination of genes) which can also be
passed down the generations. Apart from a “genetic code”, it also possible to
speak of a “histone code”. A gene is deactivated when a methyl group is added
to DNA. Some can act on several genes at a time. It follows that though the
presence of any characteristics depends on the existence of an appropriate gene
or group of genes, the absence of it does not imply the absence of gene. The
potentiality is still there and can be activated. Though great efforts are
being made to map the entire human gene sequence, the fact is that this can
never describe a human being completely.
38. It is likely that though Cosmic radiation and other factors
trigger a mutation, the mutation is not as random as was supposed. Genes may be
regarded as being in a state of equilibrium in their environments. But changes
in this environment can build up tensions. At crisis points there is a sudden
change to a new state of equilibrium.
We must conclude that the Theory of Evolution as taught by
science in the West is far from proven and consists of speculation. Recent
studies indicate that the conventional idea that the invariant copying of genes
is the norm and that variation are mistakes in copying, is not correct. It is
more likely that variation is the norm but a particular protein prevents this
from happening to various degrees. Chemical environmental or inner conditions
determine how much of this protein is present or how active it is.
Scientific knowledge is progressive when research continues. It
is not possible at any given time to assert anything with certainty. Theories
are tentative. Further research is showing that the idea that the structure,
characteristics and behaviour of organisms is governed only by the DNA of the
genes is proving false. The Chromosomes that contain the genes are complex
structures. The DNA forms a string that is a double helix consisting of 4 bases
known as letters A, C, T and G. These can be in any order and of any length,
but the two strands are joined because T in one is always joined to the A in
the other, and the G to the C. These strands conduct electricity so that no
part is wholly independent of the others. It is not only the case that in
reproduction the strands separate and each can reproduce the other by absorbing
nutrition, but the DNA itself is constantly repairing itself when damaged by the
surrounding chemicals. In fact there is an interaction between the DNA and its
chemical and electrical surroundings so that mutations can be regarded as
adjustments to these surroundings which are, of course, sensitive to what the
organism as a whole does and its surroundings.
The DNA strand is wrapped up by Histone Proteins to form
Nucleosomes which control genes expression. Whereas every cell in the body has
the same genes, they behave differently according to where they are. Muscle
cells contract; cells in the eye convert light rays into electricity, cells
within the liver and glands secrete various substances and so on. These
Nucleosomes are packed into Chromatin fibres, and these are packed into Chromosomes.
There are structures at each of these levels according to some controlling code
that is as yet unknown.
Though the Theory of Evolution is accepted by Biologists, most
scientists and a large proportion of the population that knows about it, the
Theory has certain difficulties which are not well known. The belief in it is as
much a question of faith as are religious ideas.
(1) Life and its reproduction depend on the information contained
in genes and the ability of genes to reproduce themselves. These genes are
strung together in the double helix of DNA. This consists of combinations of
only four “Letters” known as A, T, C, and G. where A always links to T and C to
G. This can be of any length and order, allowing an infinite number of
organisms to arise. But the actual number is limited. This tells us that some
limiting factor is involved. Natural Selection may only be one of these. If we
have a solution containing these chemicals, an enzyme polymerase and a source
of energy, adenosine Triphosphate, a trace of DNA is
required as a primer to carry out the synthesis of DNA. And it will depend on
that DNA. Thus the creation of DNA pre-supposes the previous existence of DNA
and it is quite specific. We have a vicious circle. The cause and the purpose,
both lie in the DNA. So how did DNA form in the first place?
(2) The structure and behaviour of
organisms depends on the production of proteins. A Protein is made out of
amino-acids. Each amino acid is created by the action of 3 nucleotides (one of
the Letters + a sugar + a phosphate). via other chemicals known as Messenger
RNA and Transfer RNA. Since there are a number of steps in this process each of
which is independent there is no direct connection between the code in the gene
and the resulting amino acids. Since there are 4 letters then we have 4^3= 64
possible combinations. Yet there are only 20 different amino-acids in living
things. The same amino acids can be formed by different combinations of
Letters, The proteins consists of varying numbers of amino-acids, sometimes
hundreds. The exact sequence may be anything, though each protein molecule is
reproduced in great numbers. This allows the formation of a very large number
of different proteins of which only a small proportion account for every living
organism. This discrepancy between possibility and actuality, too, can be
explained as being the result of a limited number of points of stability in
complex systems. Thus, though many times the number of different organisms that
exist could exist, there are in fact only a limited number of different forms.
(3) Evolution depends on a balance
between replication and mutation (changes caused by environmental factors). If
the rate of mutation is great then no complex forms could arise. Complexity
arises by stages and each stage would be destroyed soon after it arose. If
replication were always exact then no evolution would occur. Thus the mutation
rate, and the condition of the environment on which it depends, determine the
length and complexity of the DNA and RNA molecules. The conditions on earth in
the past were turbulent and chaotic causing the mutation rate to be very high.
In order to get greater order a protein is required that will counteract the
mutation rate and aid replication. But this protein would itself need to be
highly complex and could not have evolved in those conditions. In fact, the
arising of self-replicating organisms is a mystery.
(4) Mutations are said to be errors in
copying. This can take place owing to radiation, electromagnetic fields,
chemicals and viruses. These depend on the conditions in the environment, both
physical and biological. It is not at all certain that mutations cannot be the
result of causes within the organism itself. Both external and internal causes
can be affected by the organisms own behaviour.
(5) Reproduction causes multiplication, and this causes
competition for resources because they are limited. That is, there is a
conflict between the reproductive and self-preservative urges. But the question
is why? Why cannot reproduction merely stop and be confined within the available
resources? This would be the case if there were no inner drive.
(6) Sexual reproduction replaced simple cloning because the
former provides variation, which the latter does not. This allows the species
to adapt to changing conditions. For instance, it gives competitive advantage
against predators such as parasites and micro-organisms. But this assumes that
predators are specific as to what they prey on and that they cannot adapt or
mutate just as quickly. Moreover, organisms have to feed and variation may just
as easily cause changes in their needs, which might be advantageous or
disadvantageous. The organism could have inbuilt adaptability.
(7) Differentiation between maleness and femaleness arose because
this produced advantages for survival in the following way:- There is an
incompatibility between weight and mobility. The female egg is bulkier because
it has to carry nutrition, but the male sperm is smaller and more mobile. The
number of eggs a female carries is, therefore, also small, whereas the number
of sperms is large. The female in birds lays eggs but has to hatch them and
feed the young. In mammals the female carries the young for a period within her
and in human beings has to care for the children until they are sufficiently
mature. This causes a difference in the psychology of the two sexes. It is
assumed that there is an unconscious drive within organisms to (a) propagate
its own genes, (b) to select as mates those with the genes which will give the
offspring the best survival advantages. (c) Organisms care for their own
genetic offspring. It is as if it ensures their immortality and this may be
regarded as part of their own self-preservative drive. There is rivalry and
competition in reproduction and there is greater cooperation and empathy the
greater the genetic closeness and greater hostility the greater the genetic
difference. It is advantageous for the
female to be selective as to which male she mates with, but it is an advantage
for the male to fertilize as many females as he can. The selectivity of the
female is said to be the driving force in the evolution of the human brain. Its
size and complexity is not required for mere survival, therefore, another cause
had to be found. Observation shows that organisms develop numerous characteristics
that have nothing to do with survival but with sexual selection. The Peacock’s
feathers are an example. According to some Biologists all human achievements in
the sciences, arts and technologies are the result of this desire, to attract
mates. As the offspring need to be cared for it is an advantage that there
should be an enduring and stable mating. There is, therefore, a conflict of
interest in the female between the need for stability and the need for the best
genes. There is a limited number of those who have the best genes. Therefore,
the females may have chosen a steady mate but not may still be attracted
towards the more vigorous males. Thus both monogamy and infidelity are built-in
features in the female. The male, however, not being certain of whether the
offspring is his, is driven to spread his genes through many females. It is the
male retaliation or answer to female infidelity.
The drive to propagate their own genes and select mates with the
best genes require an explanation. How do these motives come about and how does
the organism recognize what the best genes are? What are “best genes”? Why is a
steady partner not as much an advantage as other features that might attract? Why
do certain characteristics in the male attract females? Why is evolution
attributed to female selectivity rather than to the power of attraction of the
male? Males do make efforts to attract females and do influence their choice as
do the environmental conditions. It seems that evolution is guided after all.
But the Biologist attributes it to unconscious selectivity inherent in the past
generations. If it is inherent and unconscious then the organism is not
responsible for it. We could say that certain Objective Values are inherent in
biological entities. The development of the complex brain and the power of
intelligent and conscious processing of the data of experience as opposed to
mere memory and conditioned reflexes make man partly independent of inherent
instincts and acquired conditioned reflexes.
Science consists of gathering data and constructing Theories that
will enable them to apply these to manipulate nature. The search, perception,
interpretation and selection of data and the construction of Theories depend on
the data they have, on their mental capacities, their preconceptions,
attitudes, values, frameworks of thought, and on the consensus of opinion of
their colleagues, the culture and other social conditions. There are always
alternative explanations, and some of these are known but popular to various
degrees, depending on fashions of thought and other non-rational factors. Whereas
it is believed that a Theory should be discarded or amended when facts are
discovered that do not fit the Theory, this is not always the case. It is also
possible to create another theory to explain why it does not fit, or to fit
incompatible facts into another theory. These various theories can then be
fitted into a higher system.
A view of Evolution compatible with Islam would have the
following features:-
(1) Evolution is a spiritual matter. Physical evolution can be
regarded as a consequential effect. This could possibly be compared to a
magnetic field which becomes physically manifest when iron filings are placed
in the field. The atoms and molecules arrange themselves according to a basic
causal field where the real events are taking place.
(2) It is not a question of the accumulation of random mutations
but has a direction and purpose and is guided.
(3) A mutation can be regarded as a creative act by God.
(4) Natural Selection can be regarded as ultimately selection by
God.
(5) Adaptation to the environment can be regarded as Intelligence
placed in organism by God.
(6) Organisms are not merely passively acted upon by external
forces but also select environments and act on them modifying them, and are,
therefore, partly responsible for their own development to various degrees.
(7) The nature, behaviour and development of organisms does not
only depend on inherent and environmental factors, but by three factors, the
third being the organism's own efforts to various degrees - e.g. muscles grow
through exercise and this affects interactions and selection. These three are
inter-dependent. In the case of man his value systems have an effect on
himself, his interactions, his environment and on what is selected for
propagation.