The Imam and Science Team worked hard to design this book in a simple and visually appealing way so that readers like you can easily understand it. Our goal is simple: to share the incredible knowledge and teachings of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Ali (A.S.). May Allah (SWT) bless each of us with more knowledge and help us gain valuable lessons from this book! Remember, learning never stops—so keep reading and growing!

This book is proof that Hazrat Ali (A.S.) was not just a spiritual leader but also a brilliant scientist and philosopher. The author, Zeeshan Haider Moosavi, explores how Hazrat Ali’s teachings in Nahjul Balagha—a collection of his sermons, letters, and sayings—reveal scientific truths that were discovered centuries later. For example, Hazrat Ali (A.S.) spoke about concepts like infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, sound waves, microorganisms, and even the theory of evolution—long before modern scientists did! He also discussed ideas that match the philosophies of famous thinkers like Rene Descartes, Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Plotinus.

What’s even more amazing is that Nahjul Balagha was compiled over a thousand years ago by a scholar named Razi, and it has been translated into more than 40 languages. This book is like a treasure chest of hidden knowledge, showing us how Hazrat Ali (A.S.) was far ahead of his time. Through this book, you’ll discover how his wisdom connects to modern science and philosophy, proving that true knowledge is timeless.

So, are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of Hazrat Ali’s teachings? Let’s explore the incredible insights that will not only inspire you but also show you how science and spirituality go hand in hand!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind

Preface

Trying to connect religion and science often leads to strong disagreements. Religious leaders sometimes feel that religion is their exclusive domain, while many scientists dismiss religion as a set of unproven beliefs. For scientists, if something can’t be tested or proven, it doesn’t exist. However, thinkers like Dr. Raymond A. Moody Jr. and Fritjof Capra (in his book The Tao of Physics) have tried to bridge this gap by examining religious ideas through a scientific lens. Whether it’s the belief in life after death or the search for water on other planets, these ideas remain in the realm of belief until proven otherwise. Dismissing them outright would be unwise.

While ordinary people may lack the knowledge to confirm such beliefs, what about the great thinkers and sages—those who can use more than the 7% of their brain capacity that most of us are limited to? To deny the existence of such extraordinary individuals would be ignorance. These sages are often seen as Prophets and their successors, chosen by Allah to guide humanity (Quran 3:81-82, 4:54, 4:163).

For Muslims, the Quran is the ultimate word of Allah, containing everything within its pages (Quran 6:59). Even non-Muslims acknowledge that no one has been able to produce anything like it. Apart from the Quran, the only person who claimed to possess unlimited wisdom was Imam Ali (A.S), the cousin, son-in-law, and successor of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Imam Ali (A.S) said:

“Ask me about the Book of Allah, for I know when every single verse was revealed—whether by day or night, in the valley or in the mountains.”
“Ask me before you lose me. Would you not ask the one who knows man’s beginning, his end, and his ancestry?”
“Ask me before I am taken away from you, for I know better what is in the heavens than what is on earth.”

His collection of sermons and sayings, known as Nahjul Balagha, is considered a masterpiece, second only to the Quran.

Maurice Bucaille did groundbreaking work by uncovering scientific facts in the Quran. My friend Zeeshan Haider Moosavi has taken this a step further by linking scientific discoveries to the teachings of Imam Ali (A.S). There’s still so much to explore in this field, and I pray that the author succeeds in revealing the divine wisdom of Imam Ali (A.S) to the world.

In the past, speaking about Imam Ali (A.S) could lead to persecution. But now, especially in India, we have the freedom to share his teachings. I wish my friend Zeeshan great success in this life and the blessings of his mentor in the next.

Ak Ahmed (Advocate)
20th November 2010, Hyderabad

Biography of Imam Ali (A.S)

Imam Ali (A.S) was born in Mecca on the 13th of Rajab, 610 AD. His parents were Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asad. According to many scholars, both Sunni and Shia, Imam Ali (A.S) was born inside the Holy Kaaba—a miracle that highlights his unique status.

When Imam Ali (A.S) was just a child, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) took him under his care. Imam Ali (A.S) grew up in the Prophet’s household, learning from him and being nurtured by his love. He once said:

“When I was a child, the Prophet would press me to his chest, lay me beside him in his bed, and feed me with his own hands. I was like a young camel following its mother.”

Imam Ali (A.S) said:

“I spoke when others remained silent. I am the first to testify to the Prophet of Islam.”

Imam Ali (A.S) and the Prophet’s Legacy

Imam Ali (A.S) was the Prophet’s closest companion. He risked his life for the Prophet, even lying in his bed to protect him during the Migration to Medina. The Prophet loved Imam Ali (A.S) deeply and often said:

“I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.”

This shows that Imam Ali (A.S) was the inheritor of the Prophet’s wisdom and knowledge. He was not only a brave warrior but also a profound thinker. His bravery was unmatched, and his wisdom was unparalleled.

Imam Ali (A.S) as a Leader

After the Prophet’s passing, Imam Ali (A.S) faced many challenges. Despite being the rightful successor, he was not chosen as the caliph immediately. However, he remained patient and continued to guide the Muslim community with his wisdom.

When the third caliph, Uthman, was in danger, Imam Ali (A.S) warned him:

“Do not let yourself be killed, for it will bring chaos to the Muslim community.”

Unfortunately, Uthman was killed, leading to years of conflict. Imam Ali (A.S) worked tirelessly to restore peace, but he was eventually martyred while praying in the mosque of Kufa.

The Legacy of Imam Ali (A.S)

Imam Ali (A.S) was not just a leader; he was a symbol of justice, wisdom, and courage. His teachings in Nahjul Balagha continue to inspire millions around the world. He showed us how to live with faith, patience, and integrity, even in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali (A.S) passed away on the 21st of Ramadan, 38 AH (671 AD) and was buried in Najaf, Iraq. His life and legacy remind us that true greatness lies in serving Allah and humanity with sincerity and wisdom.

Introduction

The purpose of this work is to highlight Imam Ali (a.s) in the fields of science and philosophy. When we explore Nahjul Balagha—a collection of his sermons, letters, and sayings—he appears not only as a spiritual leader but also as a thinker who uncovers the hidden mysteries of life and the universe through logical reasoning. In sermons like 256 and 183, where he discusses bats, ants, and peacocks, he presents observations that reflect a scientific mindset. He often applies inductive reasoning, which is a key approach in scientific analysis.

In Nahjul Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s) has touched upon various branches of knowledge, including zoology (study of animals), botany (study of plants), ornithology (study of birds), geology (study of Earth’s formation), psychology (study of human nature), cosmology (study of the universe), and astrophysics (study of stars). At times, he also appears as a philosopher, engaging in deep discussions that challenge great Western thinkers like René Descartes, Arthur Schopenhauer, William James, and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Although Nahjul Balagha is primarily a book of theology, it contains many insights into science and philosophy. Imam Ali (a.s) explains the mysteries of life and death with remarkable ease. He once said:

“There is no good in life except gaining knowledge.”

For Imam Ali (a.s), the ultimate purpose of life is to seek knowledge. Humans are gifted with intellect, unlike any other creatures, and the true satisfaction of intellect comes from learning. This idea makes perfect sense—our main goal in life should be the pursuit of knowledge.

Another profound statement of his is:

“The one who does good is better than good, and the one who does evil is worse than evil.” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 32)

This perspective contrasts with the Christian belief of “hate the sin, not the sinner.” However, upon deeper reflection, Imam Ali (a.s)’s view reveals a deeper truth—sin is only a potential, but the sinner brings it into reality, just as good is an idea, but the one who does good becomes its living proof. For example, alcohol by itself is harmless when kept on a shelf, but an alcoholic can cause real harm.

The goal of this work is to establish Imam Ali (a.s) as a symbol of both science and philosophy, and to recognize Nahjul Balagha as a treasure of wisdom that contains both scientific truths and profound philosophical insights.

ON THINKING

We humans, the species Homo sapiens, are gifted with a great faculty called ‘thinking’. It is the only tool that has made us superior to all other species on Earth and is responsible for our complete dominance over them. However, recent research on apes, lemurs, and monkeys shows that they also possess the ability to think, albeit to a lesser degree (The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan). For instance, it was found that chimps and apes use sticks to extract termites from their holes (The Dragons of Eden). All primates—lemurs, apes, monkeys, and humans—possess this special gift of thinking to some degree. However, humans differ from other primates in having a highly developed faculty of thinking.

All monkey-like mammals, including humans, are called primates. All primates use thinking to fulfill their materialistic requirements, but human beings are the only primates capable of philosophical and mathematical thinking. This kind of thinking is unique to humans and is absent in other primates. Apes, for example, cannot ponder the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor can they ask questions like: Who are we? Why do we exist? What is the reason behind the existence of the cosmos? Is there a creator? This difference between humans and other primates is due to the difference in brain weight and anatomy (The Dragons of Eden). Primates—apes, lemurs, monkeys, and humans—have the heaviest brains in the animal kingdom, and among primates, humans have the heaviest brain, as a large number of neurons are packed into a relatively small volume. Regarding brain anatomy, all primates follow the triune brain model.

Figure showing the triune brain model of primates (The Dragons of Eden, page 59).

TRIUNE BRAIN MODEL

A sagittal section of the brain from the middle shows three areas:

R-Complex (Reptilian Complex)
Limbic System
Neo-cortex

Humans differ from other primates in having a highly developed neo-cortex, whereas the neo-cortex of other primates is feebly developed (The Dragons of Eden). In the triune brain model, the R-complex, or Reptilian Complex, is found in reptiles and mammals but is absent in amphibians and fish. It is the seat of sexual and aggressive behavior. The Limbic System is well-developed in mammals, feebly developed in reptiles, and is the seat of strong emotions such as love, fear, and olfaction. A well-developed neo-cortex is found only in humans and is present in other primates in a rudimentary stage. The neo-cortex consists of left and right cerebral hemispheres and is the seat of thinking, balance, and other higher functions. The left cerebral hemisphere is associated with mathematical and analytical thinking, while the right cerebral hemisphere is associated with philosophical thinking and pattern recognition (The Dragons of Eden).

A well-developed neo-cortex is unique to humans, and hence, the qualities associated with it—mathematical and philosophical thinking—are also unique to humans. Other primates have a feebly developed neo-cortex and use their thinking primarily to fulfill their food requirements and other materialistic needs.

If humans are preoccupied only with earning a livelihood, then we are no greater than apes and lemurs. To be truly human, we must ponder the creation of the heavens and the earth. Only then do we have the right to be called human beings. This kind of thinking is what makes our neo-cortex work and develop further. Regarding this, the Quran states:

“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (God) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying, ‘Our Lord! You have not created this without a purpose; glory to You! Give us salvation from the torments of the Fire.’” (Quran 3:190-191)

In this article, the word ‘thinking’ refers to pondering the creation of the heavens and the earth and all that exists within it. The first Western philosopher to emphasize this kind of thinking was René Descartes.

René Descartes was born in France in 1596 AD. A mathematician and philosopher, he invented coordinate geometry and is known as the father of modern philosophy (History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell). His famous statement, “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), breathed new life into the exhausted materialistic Western philosophy. He is known as the discoverer of the cogito. His philosophy, often referred to as Cogito (I think), opened new avenues in Western philosophy and saved it from an abrupt end by shifting its realistic approach to an idealistic one. It also resolved the long-standing problem of the hierarchy of matter and mind, which had existed since the time of Plato.

Descartes began with a method called Cartesian doubt, which involved doubting everything until reaching certainty. While it appeared to be skepticism, it was actually a method that anticipated the result beforehand. He declared that everything perceived by the senses could be doubted, as senses are deceptive. For example, the eyes can deceive by making a straight rod appear bent when placed in water. Therefore, knowledge gained through the senses is not foolproof. Descartes sought something indubitable—a concrete and foolproof method for gaining knowledge. He concluded: Everything I see could be a deception—this world, its people, even my body. Perhaps the world is an illusion, and all that exists within it is a trick played by a malevolent force (History of Western Philosophy). Even my body might be a deception. Perhaps it is all a dream. But there is one thing that cannot be doubted: my thinking! Thinking is the sole proof of one’s existence. Hence, he declared, “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I exist). Through the cogito, Descartes established the superiority of the mind over matter. If the mind, which is the seat of thinking, proves the existence of the material (the body), then the invisible is superior to the visible. It was finally established that knowledge gained through thinking is superior to knowledge gained through the senses. Newton’s laws of motion, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and Planck’s quantum theory are examples of knowledge gained through thinking—they have indeed changed the world. While the senses provide knowledge of the visible world, thinking reveals the hidden laws governing the world. Hence, real knowledge comes from within, not from without. The knowledge gained through the senses merely acts as a medium to reach true knowledge.

Descartes’ philosophy prioritizes the mind over matter, the soul over the body, and God over the universe. Just as the mind exists within us, God exists within the universe. There can be no body without a mind, and hence, there can be no universe without God. This is what Cogito, ergo sum has contributed to Western philosophy. (Those who wish to learn more about Descartes’ philosophy can refer to Bertrand Russell’s History of Western Philosophy.)

Descartes’ philosophy of Cogito can be visualized in the following sayings of Imam Ali (a.s):

“Seeing with the eyes is not like analysis with vision (muainatul absar). Definitely, the eyes misguide their possessor, while intelligence (aql) never misleads those who heed its dictates.” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying No. 281)

Here, Imam Ali (a.s) states that the senses, especially the eyes, can deceive, and hence, knowledge gained through the senses is not entirely reliable. Intelligence guides correctly only those who heed its dictates. Egocentric individuals may believe their thinking is always right, but to such people, intelligence misleads by validating their biases. Therefore, those who listen to the dictates of intelligence are never misled. The most remarkable part of this saying is the phrase “analysis with vision.” Albert Einstein developed his special and general theories of relativity using thought experiments, which are essentially visual analyses. The entire theory of relativity is filled with statements like, “Imagine you are moving at the speed of light,” or “Imagine a blind beetle moving on a curved surface.” Visual analysis, in this context, means thought experiments.

“Thinking is a clear mirror.” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying No. 4)

Imam Ali (a.s) asserts that thinking is a flawless tool for gaining genuine knowledge, just as a clear mirror provides a clear image to the observer. He means that knowledge gained through thinking is credible.

“There is no knowledge like thinking.” (Part of Saying No. 113, Nahjul Balagha)
“There is no honor like knowledge.” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying No. 113)

Here, Imam Ali (a.s) states that the greatest knowledge is that which is gained through thinking.

All the great theories in physics that describe the functioning of the universe and subatomic particles were achieved through the thinking of great minds. Computers and other modern equipment operate on the principles of Planck’s quantum theory, which describes the behavior of subatomic particles—the microcosm. Similarly, the general and special theories of relativity describe the workings of the universe at large—the macrocosm. Both theories are the outcomes of thinking—visual analysis. The greatest knowledge is thinking, and the greatest honor is knowledge. This means that the greatest honor for humanity is thinking. If you do not ponder, you are not truly human.

Imam Ali (a.s) articulated what Descartes later said, but he did so fourteen hundred years earlier and in a far more profound and eloquent manner. To Sunni Muslims, Ali was a warrior par excellence—a knight who played a major role in establishing Islam through his strength. To Shia Muslims, Ali was a sign of God, excelling in every field of knowledge and action.

IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB (A.S) AND GEOLOGY

It is through the strength of God’s greatness and His subtle power of innovation that He made the solid dry earth out of the water of the fathomless, compact, and dashing ocean. Then He created the skies (samawat) from the ocean and separated them into seven layers (the seven layers of the atmosphere) after they had been joined together. (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 209)

The above paragraph is taken from Nahjul Balagha, which was compiled in 1000 AD (422 AH) by Sharif Razi, a student of Sheikh Mufeed. It is still regarded as a masterpiece of the Arabic language and is taught as a course in rhetoric in Islamic universities. Since its compilation, both Sunni and Shia scholars have written commentaries on it. In fact, one of the most popular commentaries on Nahjul Balagha was written by a Sunni scholar named Ibn Abi’l-Hadid and is titled Sharh Nahjul Balagha.

Returning to the above-mentioned paragraph, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) states that the earth and the seven layers of its atmosphere were created from the oceans. It has only been four decades since modern science established the seven-layer theory of the Earth’s atmosphere. The seven layers of the atmosphere, as established by science, are:

Troposphere
Stratosphere
Ozonosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Ionosphere
Exosphere
(The ORM Seven Layers Standard Atmosphere: Nicholas Devaney and Mette Owner, September 13, 2001)

The Quran also mentions that there are seven layers to the sky above us in the following verse:

“It is He (God) who created everything on Earth for you and then directed His attention to the sky (samawat) and arranged it into seven layers. He has knowledge of all things.” (Quran 2:220)

In the above verse, the seven skies are mentioned in the context of the Earth, and their formation is referred to after the creation of the Earth. This implies that the seven skies refer to the seven layers of the atmosphere. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) also speaks of the seven skies in the context of the Earth and further attributes their origin (the atmosphere’s origin) to the oceans of the Earth.

According to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S), the atmosphere originated from the ocean, which is a very modern concept. Present-day geologists hold the same theory, which is still under research. The atmosphere contains oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide in the highest percentages. The oxygen in the atmosphere is believed to have formed from the breakdown of water by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, and the same is true for atmospheric hydrogen (The Atmosphere: Lutgens and Tarbuck). The nitrogen in the atmosphere can be attributed to the nitrates of the ocean, and the carbon dioxide to its carbonates.

MOUNTAIN ROOTS

In the second paragraph of the same sermon (Sermon 210), Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) states:

“He (God) also created high hills, rocks of stone, and lofty mountains. He placed those (mountains) in their positions and made them remain stationary. Their peaks rose into the air, while their roots remained in water.” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 209)

In the above paragraph, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) introduces the concept of mountain roots, which was discovered in the 19th century during the study of the phenomenon of isostasy (the state of equilibrium between the Earth’s crust and the mantle). The concept of mountain roots was discovered in India by a British scientist during his study of the isostasy of the Himalayan mountains (Gravity and Isostasy: John Fillmore Hayford, 1917). While the Quran does not directly mention that mountains have roots, their existence can be inferred from the following verse:

“Have We not made the Earth as a bed and the mountains as pegs?” (Quran 78:6-7)

Mountain roots were discovered when George Everest, the Surveyor General of India, found anomalies in the data related to the Himalayas. He called upon John Pratt to analyze the data, who ultimately discovered isostasy and, hence, mountain roots (1850). At this stage, one would say that it is indeed miraculous for a man of the 7th century AD to be aware of a concept considered a discovery of the 19th century: faith is always ahead of science.

IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB’S (A.S) CONCEPT OF SOUND, LIGHT, AND MICROORGANISMS

“Every listener other than Allah is deaf to light voices, while loud voices make him deaf, and distant voices also get away from him. Every onlooker other than Allah (God) is blind to hidden colors and delicate bodies.” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 63, page 140)

In the above paragraph, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) states that sound is of three kinds: one that we cannot hear, one that makes us deaf, and one that gets away from us. Every student of science knows that a sound wave with a frequency of less than 20 hertz is called infrasonic sound and is inaudible to us. Falling raindrops, the movement of eyelids, and the flow of blood in our veins produce infrasonic sounds that we cannot hear.

Sound is measured in a unit called decibels (dB). Sounds above 120 dB can make us deaf over time, while sounds of 140 dB can cause instant and permanent deafness. A Boeing jet produces 140 dB of sound.

The third kind of sound mentioned by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) is the sound that “gets away from us.” This phrase would have been very strange for the Arabs of that time to understand. It clearly refers to the sound coming from the far reaches of the universe, known in physics as Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR). Although these are microwaves (a form of light), they are called “noise” because they cannot be seen—only heard when converted into sound by an antenna. Arno Penzias and Robert Woodrow Wilson received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978 for discovering CMBR. The discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation confirmed the Big Bang theory of the expanding universe. These cosmic waves do not stay on Earth; they “get away,” a term perfectly used by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) to describe the microwave background—a sound constantly visiting us and then moving away. The cosmic noise is constantly reaching us and getting away, reminding us of the Big Bang that gave birth to this vast cosmos.

HIDDEN COLORS

White light emitted from lamps, candles, etc., when passed through a prism, splits into seven colors called the spectrum of light. Newton was the first scientist to prove that light produced from candles and other sources is composite and made of seven colors (VIBGYOR). Blood appears red because it absorbs all colors from white light except red. A mango appears green because it absorbs all colors except green, but when it ripens, it reflects yellow light due to changes in its composition (ripe mangoes contain fructose). If an object reflects two or more colors, it appears as a combination of those colors. This explains the colors in our surroundings—they are reflected light.

According to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S), there are light waves (hidden colors) that are invisible to us. William Herschel discovered infrared rays in the 18th century and first used the term “invisible light” for infrared rays. However, we do not know who coined the term “infrared rays,” which literally means “rays below red” (infra means “below” in Latin). Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) used the term “invisible colors” in 700 AD, while William Herschel used “invisible light” in 1800 AD. The age difference between Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) and Sir William Herschel is roughly 1,100 years. Imam Ali’s (A.S) term “invisible colors” is more sophisticated and scientific than Herschel’s “invisible light.” Here, it is evident that Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) sounds more modern and scientific than Sir William Herschel, who was born over a millennium after him.

DELICATE BODIES

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) states that we are surrounded by organisms so delicate that they are invisible to us. It is clear that he is referring to microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The world of microorganisms was discovered by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the 17th century. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) was at least 1,000 years ahead of Leeuwenhoek.

At this stage, I would like to quote a speech by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, delivered when he was awarded by the Royal Society for his pioneering work on microorganisms:

“My work, which I’ve done for a long time, was not pursued in order to gain the praise I now enjoy, but chiefly from a craving after knowledge, which I notice resides in me more than in most other men. And wherewithal, whenever I found out anything remarkable, I have thought it my duty to put down my discovery on paper, so that all ingenious people might be informed thereof.” – Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB’S (A.S) WISDOM

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) says:

“Certainly, our case is difficult and complicated. No one would bear it except a believer whose heart Allah has tested with faith. Our traditions (knowledge) will not be preserved except by trustworthy hearts and men of solid understanding. O people, ask me before you lose me, for I am more acquainted with the passages of the sky than the passages of the Earth.” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 187, page 312)

MAM ALI, THE FIRST MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST

“And at the very heart of life on Earth – the proteins that control cell chemistry and the nucleic acid (DNA) that carry hereditary instructions – we find these molecules to be identical in all plants and animals. An oak tree and I (Carl Sagan) are made of the same stuff. If you go far enough back, we have a common ancestor.” Cosmos: Carl Sagan, page 24

The above paragraph is taken from the best-selling science book Cosmos by a great scientist and atheist, Carl Sagan, director of the Viking mission to Mars at NASA. The main point of the paragraph is that all living things are the same in terms of their fundamental ingredients.

Carl Sagan’s conclusion about this phenomenon (the similarity of all living things) is that it proves the common ancestry of all living beings.

Now, coming to another paragraph—not from Carl Sagan’s book, but from Nahjul Balagha. The paragraph is as follows:

“If you tread on the path of your thinking and reach its extremity, it will not lead you anywhere except to the realization that the originator of the ant is the same as the one who is the originator of the date palm, because everything has the same delicacy and detail, and every living being has little difference.” Nahjul Balagha: Sermon 183, page 305

A thousand-year-old copy of Nahjul Balagha is still available at the library of Mosul, Iraq. The main point of the paragraph by Imam Ali (a.s) is the same as that of Carl Sagan—that there is very little difference between living things.

Upon analyzing the above-mentioned paragraphs, it appears as if Carl Sagan and Imam Ali (a.s) were contemporaries. However, everyone knows that Imam Ali (a.s) lived 1400 years before Carl Sagan. It is astonishing that a man living in 700 AD Saudi Arabia—a land of sand, ignorance, wars, and scarce water—knew that living things are made of the same fundamental material and that there is very little difference between them. However, Imam Ali (a.s) astonishingly arrived at a very different conclusion from the similarity among living things: that they have the same creator.

Carl Sagan, a hardcore atheist, and Imam Ali (a.s), a devout believer in God, as expected, reached opposite conclusions about the same phenomenon—the similarity of living things. A believer can accept both conclusions and still maintain his faith, but if an atheist accepts Imam Ali’s (a.s) conclusion, he will be bereft of his atheism.

DNA was discovered in 1950, and today we know that all living things—from viruses, bacteria, and plants to human beings—are made of DNA. So, it is indeed correct to say that living things have little difference among them. At this stage, the saying of the Prophet of Islam—”I am the city of knowledge, and Ali (a.s) is its gate”—is realized in its greatness.

Imam Ali (a.s) and Darwinism

“The survivors of sword (battles) live longer and have large progeny.” — Imam Ali (a.s), Nahjul Balagha, Saying 84

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution (The Biggest Criticism)

A Blog on Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Criticism (Click the thumbnail)

Darwin was a Christian and a believer in God. If he had used the word ‘God’ instead of the word ‘nature,’ his theory would have been regarded as theology (the study of religion). His work was a scientific one (through the collection of data). He did not use the word “God”; instead, he used the word “nature.”

The clergy and religious scholars of Islam and Christianity opposed “Darwinism” or “The Evolutionary Theory” because they believe that Darwinism refutes the existence of God. On the contrary, the only flaw in the evolutionary theory is the excessive use of the word ‘Nature.’ If Darwin had used the word ‘God’ instead of ‘Nature,’ his theory would have been welcomed even by staunchly religious clergy.

The point is that believers in God want God to create all living beings at once; they cannot accept the idea of God making His creation slowly and gradually through selection and climatic change. Why should God create all living beings through evolution? But the fact is, God’s creation through evolution is logical and follows the law of cause and effect. God does not violate His own law of causality (cause and effect). Even miracles, which were performed by great prophets, can be explained to some extent by the theory of causality. For example, the great deluge of Prophet Noah was explained by one of the great erstwhile scientists as an outcome of the gravitational pull of a comet passing by the Earth at that time.

One of the great names of God is The Subtle (Lateef in Arabic), meaning the lover of minute details and complexity. Which act of God is more logical? God creating everything instantly, like a magician, or His creating the universe through changes in the environment, struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, and the accumulation of minute positive changes over time—known as Darwinism or the evolutionary theory? (Charles Dawkins proved that even subatomic particles, like electrons and protons, evolved following Darwin’s evolutionary principle. Therefore, the theory of evolution is not restricted to living beings but applies to the whole universe itself.)

The Concept of Darwinism

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

In his book The Origin of Species, Darwin never tried to prove that man evolved from apes. His theory only provides a basis for the assumption that man evolved from apes (in this writing, we have countered the faulty assumption of man evolving from apes).

Darwin’s theory was an attempt to explain the existence of ‘connecting links.’ Connecting links are not only characteristic of life but also of non-life. The subatomic particle ‘electron’ is the connecting link between energy and matter; liquids are the connecting link between gases and solids; viruses are the connecting link between non-life (death) and life, etc.

The Holy Quran says:

“Verily! Allah (God) selected (astafa) Adam, Noah, and the family of Ibrahim and the family of Imran above the ‘Alamin (mankind).” — Surah 3:33

“O children of Israel! Remember My Favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred (selected) you over mankind.” — Surah 2:47

The above verses hint at the theory of natural selection. God indeed has favorites, but His favoritism is based on justice. He only selects those who are fit or worthy of His preference. Thus, it is the nature of God to practice natural selection—He creates adverse circumstances and selects only those who are fit.

“Do you think that you will be left while Allah has not yet made evident those among you who strive and do not take other than Allah, His Messenger, and believers as intimates? And Allah is fully aware of what you do.” — Quran 9:16

Dr. Haroon Yahya, the famous Islamic scientist and scholar, tried to refute the theory of evolution in his book Darwinism Refuted. The book was a great disappointment because he did not quote a single verse from the Holy Quran or mention any Hadith (Tradition) that is against Darwinism or the theory of evolution. The only thing he did in his whole book was find flaws in the fossil record.

To prove that a particular concept is against Islam, one must produce verses from the Quran or mention a Tradition (Hadith) that contradicts the concept in question. It would be wrong to refute a concept without reference to the Quran and Hadith and then claim that Islam rejects it. This is not expected, at least, from a good scholar like Haroon Yahya. If you try to find evidence against Darwinism in Islamic sources, you will end up doing the opposite—that is, you will find evidence in favor of Darwinism.

Darwin’s theory of evolution is based on the following concepts:

Climatic change
Struggle for existence
Survival of the fittest
Connecting links

All the above-mentioned concepts of Darwin’s theory of evolution can be found in the Quran, Hadith, and the teachings of Imam Ali (a.s) (Nahjul Balagha).

Climatic Change

Malthus proposed that with an increase in population, natural disasters increase to keep a check on the population, and hence only the lucky and the fittest survive. Darwin’s theory of evolution was an extension of Malthus’ theory.

Who Was Thomas Malthus?

Darwin was motivated by Malthus’ theory, which states that when the population increases, natural disasters increase (to regulate population growth). Every living organism has an immense potential to overbreed. A single bacterium produces 70 generations in just 20 minutes. If all the bacteria survived, then in a month’s time, there would be no place on Earth to stand; everything would be covered by a mountain of bacteria.

The elephant is one of the slowest breeders. If all its progeny survived, then in just 25 years, elephants would occupy every corner of the Earth. To check this growth, nature (God) creates climatic change.

An increase in population brings climatic change, and only those who are strong-spirited and can cope with the climatic change will survive.

The Quran says:

“We do not change the circumstances unless you change from within.” — Quran 13:11

This means that God always puts you in unfavorable conditions and wishes that you change and modify yourself to suit those harsh conditions. Once you adapt to the harsh conditions, He transforms them into favorable ones. Thus, God loves change. First, He changes external conditions, and then He changes you.

Imam Ali (a.s) says:

“Through the change of circumstances, the mettle of men is known.” — Nahjul Balagha

The above-mentioned statements from the Quran and Nahjul Balagha agree with Malthus’ theory.

STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE

Climatic change leads to a struggle for existence. To face changes in circumstances or climate, species or organisms must change or develop positive mutations (the change should help in fighting troublesome conditions). In today’s scenario of overpopulation and environmental damage, only those will survive who have developed a strong spirit that can control the body and make it adapt to the deteriorating climatic conditions.

The Quran says, “Every soul shall get only that for which it struggles.”

Quran: 53:39

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Only those organisms that are fit to fight harsh conditions are selected by nature. The concepts of climatic change, struggle for existence, and survival of the fittest are reflected in the following saying of Imam Ali (a.s):

“The survivors of the sword (battlefield) live longer and have large progeny.”

Nahjul Balagha, Saying: 84

The battlefield is a place of struggle where only the fittest survive. Those who survive the sword live longer because they have developed positive changes during their struggle. They also have a large progeny because nature (God) wants these positive changes to continue.

The Quran says, “When the mercy of God descends, the valleys flow according to their measures, and only that stays which is of use to mankind.”

According to the Quran, God always wants those people or organisms to survive and grow that are useful for His creation. With the constant accumulation of these positive changes, new organisms come into being, or in evolutionary terminology, they “originate.” This new organism multiplies tremendously due to its newly acquired characteristics, which match the demands of the changing environment. The process continues. Regarding such a scenario, the Quran states:

“See they not how Allah originates the creation and repeats it.”

Quran: 29:19

“Say: Travel in the land and see how (Allah) originated the creation, and then Allah will bring forth the creation of the Hereafter. Verily, Allah is able to do all things.”

Quran: 29:20

God wants us to travel the earth, like Darwin, and find the puzzle of “The Origin of Species.”

Duck-Billed Platypus

Due to climatic change, struggle for existence, and survival of the fittest phenomena, one species is converted into another species. The connecting links are evidence of this conversion process. The above picture is of the Duck-Billed Platypus, which is a connecting link (having qualities of both birds and mammals) between birds and mammals. Scientists initially thought it was a bird, but they were shocked when they found that it has mammary glands, feeds its young ones with milk, and is viviparous (gives birth to live young ones). Now, it is regarded as a mammal.

If God is wise, why did He create connecting links when He created the creation in one go?

During the process of the origin of species through evolution, connecting links (animals having qualities of two different groups) are formed. Most of the connecting links that were formed during evolution are found in the fossil record. Viruses are the connecting link between nonliving and living beings. Photosynthetic microorganisms are the connecting link between bacteria and plants, while parasitic bacteria are the connecting link between bacteria and animals.

Lungfishes are the connecting link between fishes and amphibians.
Salamanders are the connecting link between amphibians and reptiles.
Dinosaurs are the connecting link between reptiles and birds.
The Duck-Billed Platypus is the connecting link between birds and mammals.

The list is extensive. Regarding connecting links, the Quran states:

“Thus We have made you (The Prophet’s family – The Infallibles) a middle nation (Wasat – connecting link), that you be a witness over mankind and the Messenger be a witness over you.”

Surah Baqara: 142-143

‘Ummat-e-Wasat’ in Arabic means a middle nation, a connecting link. The Holy Prophet and his progeny are the connecting links between God and humans. They help people establish a relationship with God. All the prophets and great saints can be called connecting links between God and humans.

Imam Ali (a.s) says, “Do not call us God because we are His creation and hence below Him, and do not call us simply humans because we are above humans.”

ORIGIN OF LIFE

Life started with amino acids and nucleotides. Amino acids gave rise to proteins, and nucleotides gave birth to RNA (ribonucleic acid). The most primitive organisms had RNA as their genetic material. The HIV virus, which causes AIDS, has RNA as its genetic material (retrovirus). Does this mean that the HIV virus existed before the arrival of the human race?

The theory of evolution predicted that life originated in the oceans, and modern science has provided ample evidence of life starting in the ocean. Regarding the origin of life, the Quran says:

“Do not the unbelievers see that the heaven and the earth were joined together, before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Quran 21:30)

“And Allah created every animal from water.” (Quran 24:45)

The most basic ingredients of life are amino acids, DNA (genes), and RNA. A piece of DNA is commonly termed a “gene.” DNA is the information storehouse of an organism. It contains the information for the sequence of amino acids in a protein. RNA reads the information on the DNA and converts it into protein by aligning the amino acids in the sequence mentioned on the DNA.

According to the latest theory of life, RNA was the first life ingredient formed in the sea. RNA played a dual role in storing information (like DNA) and sequencing amino acids in primitive organisms. Later, amino acids were formed, which RNA arranged into a sequence to give rise to the first protein (proteins are sequences of amino acids). Thus, the most primitive organism was made of only protein and RNA. As life became more complex, the need for DNA became inevitable. Just like in the olden days, information was stored in big books, then computers came, and now we use CDs and pen drives, DNA emerged as a more stable storage medium.

The AIDS virus is made of only protein and RNA and is considered one of the most primitive life forms. Viruses that contain RNA as genetic material are called retroviruses. All retroviruses hold the secret of life, and thorough research on retroviruses is ongoing nowadays.

Viruses were converted into bacteria, bacteria into the first microscopic plants (photosynthetic green bacteria), and the first microscopic animals (parasitic bacteria). Green bacteria invaded the land and evolved into the plant kingdom, while parasitic bacteria evolved into the animal kingdom, first in the ocean and then on land. Thus, animals and plants have a common ancestor.

If you visit a zoology department at any university, you will find a chart of the phylogenetic tree of evolution. The base of the phylogenetic tree of evolution shows bacteria, and then the stem of the phylogenetic tree divides into two branches: one showing the evolution of plants and the other showing the evolution of animals. At the tip of the animal branch of the phylogenetic tree, humans are placed, marking the end of this great journey.

Now let us read what the Quran says:
“Then Allah has brought you forth from the earth like a tree (Nabath).” (Quran 71:17)

Could it be that the Holy Quran is referring to the phylogenetic tree of life?

DID ADAM EVOLVE FROM MONKEYS?

It is possible that life originated in the sea and evolution continued until apes or monkeys appeared. Then, God sent Adam (who was created in heaven before evolution started) to Earth as a king (Caliph). Adam was a special creation. Regarding the creation of Adam, Imam Ali (a.s) says:

“Allah collected from hard, soft, sweet, and sour clay, which He dipped in water until it became pure and kneaded it with moisture until it became gluey. From it, He carved an image with curves, joints, limbs, and segments. He solidified it (the soulless body of Adam (a.s)) and dried it, keeping it like that for a fixed time and a known duration.” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 1, page 48)

Now the question is, why did God keep the body of Adam for a known time? Why did He not blow the spirit into it immediately? What was God actually waiting for?

Perhaps God was waiting for the process of evolution to complete (until apes or monkeys were formed, as apes are considered the last stage in the process of evolution). Then, He sent Adam, who was the chief of all that existed on Earth—just like a palace that is built and furnished with every kind of embellishment so that its king may come and claim it. The Earth, with all its living beings, was like a well-embellished palace waiting for its king, Adam, to arrive. The Quran says:

“We are going to send a ‘Caliph’ (Adam) on Earth.”

Imam Ali (a.s) says:
“When He (God) spread out the Earth and enforced His command, He chose Adam as the best of His creation and made him the first of all creation.” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 89, page 174)

Thus, Adam was created before the process of evolution began on Earth. That is why God did not immediately blow His spirit into him. Only after evolution was completed did God breathe His spirit into Adam and send him from heaven to Earth to lead the less intelligent.

Complete intelligence can never be achieved through evolution alone; it has to be created. That was Adam—the best of creation (Ashraf-ul-Makhluqat).

Genetics of Behaviour and Imam Ali

Imam Ali (a.s): “Mutual affection between fathers creates a relationship between the sons. A relationship is more in need of affection (love) than affection is of a relationship.”

Nahjul Balagha: Saying No. 303

It is a very strange saying of Imam Ali (a.s) and is among those sayings that took me a lifetime to understand. I am still happy because there are scholars and people who never understood it and left this world without knowing the significance of the above saying of Imam Ali (a.s). I am humbled and feel blessed by Allah, and I thank Him so that He may increase His blessings upon me.

“All relationships have one law: Never make the one you love feel alone, especially when you are there.”

The above saying simply means that if two people, whether a man and a woman or true friends, like each other, their children will inherit their behaviour. The saying conveys the message that behaviour is inherited. On the contrary, if two people hate each other, their enmity is also inherited by their children. Initially, behaviour is transmitted through epigenesis (in the form of chemicals or pheromones), which later takes the form of genes that are inherited. Regarding rivalry among siblings, Imam Ali (a.s) says:

“The rivalry among siblings is because of the rivalry among parents.”

If there is a lot of mutual love among parents, siblings will never hate each other. Similarly, if two men are true friends in the real sense of the word, their children will develop a very cordial relationship and will be closer to each other than true siblings. This behaviour will continue to be transmitted across generations. There are stories of rivalry running among families, and there are stories of love running among families. The best example of enmity between two families is the story of Karbala. Yazeed belonged to the clan of Banu Umayya, and Imam Hussain (a.s) belonged to the clan of Banu Hashim. Abu Sufyan, the father of Mu’awiya, fought against Prophet Muhammad (saw) his whole life, and Mu’awiya fought against Imam Ali (a.s) his whole life. Finally, Yazeed, the son of Mu’awiya, killed Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s) in the Battle of Karbala.

Imam Ali (a.s) was raised by Prophet Muhammad (saw) like his son, even though Ali (a.s) was his cousin, so the analogy is perfect. Regarding his relationship with Prophet Muhammad (saw), Imam Ali (a.s) says:

“When I was only a child, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) adopted me. He used to press me to his chest, lay me beside him in his bed, and make me smell his fragrance. He used to chew food and feed me with it.”
Nahjul Balagha: Sermon 191, Page 393

Ali (a.s) loved Prophet Muhammad (saw) more than himself and was always ready to lay down his life for him. In fact, he was the first to accept Islam and was the first Muslim at the hands of Prophet Muhammad (saw). This was because Abu Talib, the father of Ali (a.s), supported Prophet Muhammad (saw) his whole life and loved him dearly. Prophet Muhammad (saw) also loved Abu Talib so much that he (saw) declared the year of Abu Talib’s demise as the “Year of Grief.” The love between Abdullah, the father of Prophet Muhammad (saw), and Abu Talib was exemplary. Hence, love running in families can be clearly observed in this case.

The Holy Quran refers to the family tree of Banu Hashim as “Shajar-e-Tayyiba” (the purified tree) and calls the family of Banu Umayya “Shajar-e-Khabeesa” (the accursed tree), making their rivalry logical. Yazeed killed Imam Hussain (a.s) because hatred had been running for too long in his family, and it reached a saturation point with his arrival. When the sacred head of Imam Hussain (a.s) was brought into Yazeed’s palace, he felt overjoyed and foolishly declared:

“Where are my ancestors who died at Badr? If they were here, they would have proclaimed, ‘O Yazeed, may your hands never suffer leprosy! What a wonderful revenge you have taken!’”

The enmity of Banu Umayya towards Banu Hashim culminated in the massacre of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his holy family at the Battle of Karbala in 60 Hijri.

Until recently, science did not believe in the existence of behavioural genes, but now the scenario has changed. Matt Ridley, in his famous book Genome, writes:

“Nobody doubts that genes can shape anatomy. The idea that they also shape behaviour is much harder to accept. Yet, I hope to persuade you that on chromosome 7, there lies a gene that plays an important role in equipping human beings with an instinct—an instinct (the instinct of grammar), moreover, that lies at the heart of all human culture.”
(Genome by Matt Ridley, Page 91)

Matt Ridley is referring to the “grammar gene” located on the long arm of chromosome 7. It was very difficult for the scientific community to accept this discovery because learning grammar is considered a behavioural trait. Matt Ridley further writes:

“The conclusion of both behavioural genetics and evolutionary psychology remains distinctly indigestible to many non-scientists, whose main objection is a superficially reasonable argument from incredulity: How can a gene, a stretch of DNA letters, cause behaviour? The idea of genes for behaviour is no more strange than the idea of genes for development. Both are mind-boggling, but nature has never found human incomprehension a reason for changing her method.”
(Genome by Matt Ridley, Page 106)

The saying of Imam Ali (a.s) about behaviours such as enmity and love running in families is such a profound concept that it remains unpalatable even for educated people of this century. Imam Ali (a.s) was far ahead of his time because the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:

“I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.”

It simply means: “If you want knowledge, go to Ali.”

MEME

The meme (pronounced as meam) is the basic unit of culture, just as atoms are the basic unit of matter (solid, liquid, and gas are called matter), and genes are the basic unit of all living organisms. But unlike atoms, memes and genes are contagious elements that can multiply and increase in complexity, giving rise to new cultures and new organisms. Memes behave just like genes. But before we study memes, I think an introduction to the nature of genes will be in order.

All living organisms are made of cells containing chromosomes. Chromosomes are made of DNA, and a piece of DNA is called a gene.
Genes are present in the chromosomes of living organisms and code for proteins, which in turn determine the physical characteristics of an organism. Every organism differs from another because of differences in the nature of proteins coded by their genes. We humans differ from monkeys because of the differences in the proteins coded by their respective genes. Humans also differ among themselves due to variations in the proteins coded by their respective genes. Genes only code for proteins, and these proteins determine the characteristics of an organism. From simple viruses to the most complex mammals, including human beings, all have genes in common. A gene is a piece of DNA present in a chromosome. Genes multiply, spread, and increase in complexity.

Genes are like words in a language. Every word in a language has a root word from which other words are formed. The root word spreads, multiplies, and becomes complex, resulting in the richness and complexity of a language. The words revolve, involve, and evolve were developed from the word Volvo, which means “to roll.” Similarly, words like magnificent, magnate, magnify, magnitude, and magnum opus all originated from the single word Magnus, which means “big.” All words in a language can be traced back to root words. Similarly, all genes in the world of living organisms can be traced back to a few basic genes. Genes are also the basic unit of life—where there is life, there should be genes.

Richard Dawkins, in his famous book The Selfish Gene, termed genes as “replicators” because of their multiplying ability. Life has three characteristics: multiplication, spreading, and developing complexity over time. So, replicators or genes must also possess these three characteristics. Wherever there is life, there should be replicators with these three characteristics. Genes are conscious elements whose only aim is to survive, spread, and become more complex. All basic instincts of animals and humans can be explained in terms of the survival desires of their genes. All living organisms engage in reproduction because genes prompt them to do so in order to survive in their progeny.

Reproduction is a characteristic of all living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Reproduction is commanded by genes. We engage in reproduction because our genes want to survive. The genes inside us are the rulers and real controllers—we are merely tools in the hands of our genes. It is a well-known phenomenon that a male lion kills its cubs. This can be explained in terms of the survival instinct of genes. The genes dictate the lion to kill the cubs because they “know” that when the cubs grow, there will be less food available for the lion. In the jungle, where food supply is limited, the lion kills its cubs on the command of its genes. Similarly, parents sacrifice their lives for their children because their genes command them to do so. If the child dies, the genes perish with the parents; hence, the genes instruct parents to sacrifice their lives for their progeny. This is the reason behind the intense love of parents for their children. This gene theory was put forth by Richard Dawkins in his best-selling book The Selfish Gene.

A meme is the basic unit of knowledge, which spreads like a virus and has all the properties of a gene, except that it is an abstract unit or idea.

Genes vary in size—the smallest gene consists of 15 nucleotides (the building blocks of genes are called nucleotides), while the largest consists of 50,000 nucleotides.

Memes are the basic units of human culture and civilization. Where there is life, there should be gene replicators, and similarly, where there is culture and civilization, there should be meme replicators. A meme is a piece of knowledge that can spread, multiply, and evolve. It can also be called a mind virus. Memes exist in the form of meme complexes. The main meme complexes of a culture include religion, art, fashion, music, poetry, prose, technology, and philosophy.

A meme develops into meme complexes. “Money determines life”—this meme was imbibed by Karl Marx from somewhere, and he developed the whole philosophy of Marxism, which is a meme complex. Communism is a meme complex that was once the political culture of Russia. Islam is also a meme complex, and the core meme of Islam is “moderation.”

A man once asked Imam Ali (a.s) to define Islam in one word, and he replied, “moderation” (Nahjul Balagha). When asked to define Islam in one sentence, he (a.s) said, “To accomplish one’s obligations is Islam” (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 124).

Just as genes vary in size, memes also vary; they can be from one word to 10,000 words or more. A piece of knowledge can become a meme only when it acquires the properties of capturing the brain, multiplying, and developing. Language is a meme complex, and each word of a language is a meme. A child learns a language when each meme (word) of that language enters their brain and finally forms a meme complex. Each word of a language acts like a virus—it captures the brain, unites with other memes, and spreads to other brains. The properties of memes are the same as those of computer viruses or biological viruses. There are good memes and bad memes.

Hitler is a meme—a bad meme. He is the ambassador of human destruction.

Bad words are bad memes. Good memes help in mental progress, while bad memes hinder it. Pornography, magic, racism, and chauvinism are examples of bad meme complexes. Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and Dirac introduced memes that changed human culture forever.

Now, let’s look at Saying 146 of Nahjul Balagha, which states:

Kumayl bin Ziyad Nakha’i says that once, Imam Ali (a.s) put his hand in his hand and took him to the graveyard. When they passed through it and left the city behind, he heaved a sigh and said:

“Kumayl, these minds are containers of the secrets of knowledge and wisdom, and the best container is the one that can hold the most and can preserve and protect what it holds in the best way. Therefore, remember carefully what I am telling you. There are three kinds of people: One is the scholar, who is the divine. The second is the student, who is also on the way to deliverance. The third is that class of people who are uneducated; they follow every pretender and accept every slogan. They have neither acquired any knowledge nor secured any support from firm and rational convictions.

Remember, Kumayl, knowledge is better than wealth because it protects you, while you have to guard wealth. Wealth decreases by spending, while knowledge multiplies by spending. What you get through wealth disappears as soon as wealth disappears, but knowledge (which you have gained) will remain even after you are dead.

O Kumayl! Knowledge is power, and it can command obedience. A man of knowledge, during his lifetime, can make people obey and follow him, and he is praised and venerated after his death. Remember that knowledge is a ruler, and wealth is its subject.

O Kumayl! Those who amass wealth, though alive, are dead to the realities of life. Those who achieve knowledge will remain alive through their knowledge and wisdom even after their death. Though their faces may disappear from the community of living beings, their ideas, the knowledge they left behind, and their memory will remain in the minds of people.” (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 146)

In the above saying, Imam Ali (a.s) has not used the word “meme,” but the characteristics he ascribes to knowledge are the same as those of memes. In the first part of the saying, Imam Ali (a.s) states that our minds are the dwelling places of knowledge (memes) and that our minds have been created with the sole purpose of storing knowledge (memes).

“Knowledge guards you, while you have to guard wealth”—Imam Ali (a.s) says that knowledge (meme) is superior to us and guards us. He also states that knowledge multiplies when spent. This directly aligns with today’s scientific understanding of memes, which also have the property of spreading and multiplying.

He (a.s) further states that knowledge is the ruler, which is akin to the controlling nature of memes. The knowledge we gain rules us as well as others. Imam Ali (a.s) emphasizes that men of knowledge live through the knowledge (memes) they leave behind.

Memes, or knowledge, never die.

IMAM ALI (A.S) – THE ENT SPECIALIST

“O’ Man, strange are you! You see with fat, hear with bone, speak with flesh (lahm), and breathe through a hole.”
Nahjul Balagha: Saying 7

This saying of Imam Ali (a.s) arouses wonder and awe even in this era of science and technology. Imam Ali (a.s) states that we see with fat. The connection between eyesight and fat is a strange concept, even for a well-qualified expert in life sciences. As a dedicated student of life sciences, I was unaware of this relationship until I came across this saying of our master, Imam Ali (a.s). When I researched the fat content of the human eye, I was astonished to find that 60% of our eye is made up of fat.

Real Cat’s Eye Dissection

This is a remarkable and magnificent achievement for a man of the 7th century. However, a layman today may question: If our eye is made of 60% fat, does that necessarily mean our eyesight is due to fat? Couldn’t our vision be a result of the remaining 40% of the eye’s components? This is a valid argument. While our eye is largely composed of fat, it does not automatically mean that fat is responsible for sight. Imam Ali (a.s) himself states that it is unjust to finalize a decision solely based on probabilities (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 216). To address this, we must delve deeper into the anatomy and physiology of the human eye.

The primary part of the eye responsible for vision is the retina. If the retina is removed or damaged, a person becomes blind. The retina is divided into two parts: one helps us see in the dark, while the other enables us to see in light. The latter part, known as the macula, is the primary area responsible for sight. The macula consists entirely of cones and is solely responsible for day vision. If the macula is destroyed, blindness follows. Therefore, we can conclude that vision is possible because of the macula.

A condition called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) causes elderly individuals to lose their sight gradually due to macular degeneration. And now the shocking revelation—do you know what the macula is made of? It is composed of the purest form of fat, known as fatty acids.

One of the main fatty acids in the macula is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish. DHA is a structural fatty acid responsible for our vision. Studies show that supplementing our diet with this fatty acid can prevent AMD. Ophthalmologists prescribe a special fat-rich diet to elderly individuals to help prevent AMD-related blindness. It is truly astonishing how much ahead of his time Imam Ali (a.s) was and the phenomenal wisdom contained in his words.

Talks with Flesh (Lahm)

Here, Imam Ali (a.s) states that we speak with flesh. This is a very unusual saying. He could have simply used the word ‘tongue,’ but instead, he specifically mentioned flesh (lahm). Imam Ali (a.s) was the wisest man of his time, and the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w) regarded him as the “door to the house of wisdom.” Let us reflect on his choice of words.

Human Talking Apparatus

In humans, sound is produced in a special area of the trachea called the larynx. Air from the lungs is pushed out with pressure (when we speak), vibrating the plates in the larynx to produce sound. This sound is then converted into words by the Broca’s area in the brain, with the help of speech articulators. The speech articulators that shape the sound into words are the tongue, jaw muscles, and lips.

The tongue is a complex organ made up of 16 types of muscles. Apart from being an organ of taste, it plays a primary role in speech. Without a tongue, a person can only pronounce about five letters from the 26 English alphabets.
The jaw muscles are the strongest muscles in the human body and play a significant role in speech, second only to the tongue.
The lips are also composed of pure muscles and are essential for speech production.

All three articulators—tongue, jaw muscles, and lips—are made entirely of muscles, which are the purest form of flesh. Just as fatty acids are the purest form of fat, muscles are the purest form of flesh. Imam Ali (a.s) was 100% correct, even from the perspective of today’s speech specialists. If he had simply said ‘tongue,’ it would have been an ordinary statement. However, his use of the word ‘flesh’ makes his words timeless, valid for all generations. This demonstrates that Imam Ali (a.s) was not only speaking for his own era but for all future generations as well.

Hears with Bone

Imam Ali (a.s) says that we hear through bone. This statement is perfectly in line with modern anatomy and the physiology of hearing.

The Three Bones in the Middle Ear

Just next to the eardrum lies the middle ear, which consists of three bones. These middle ear bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) connect the eardrum to the inner ear.

Our hearing apparatus consists of three main parts:

External ear (the fleshy visible part)
Middle ear (contains the eardrum and three small bones called ossicles)
Inner ear (contains the cochlea, filled with fluid)

When sound waves hit the eardrum, it vibrates. These vibrations are transmitted to the fluid-filled cochlea through the three bones of the middle ear. If these bones are damaged, hearing is permanently impaired. This saying of Imam Ali (a.s) is truly astonishing, even for the ENT specialists of today.

Breathes Through a Hole

The hole that Imam Ali (a.s) refers to may be the trachea.

Imam Ali (a.s) states that we breathe through a hole. This is a unique way to describe respiration because one might expect him to say ‘two holes’ (nostrils). However, he specifically says one hole. Perhaps he is referring to the main bronchus. I leave it to my knowledgeable readers to explore the deeper meaning of this saying.

Conclusion

The sayings of Imam Ali (a.s) continue to astonish scientists and scholars even today. His profound wisdom, far ahead of his time, aligns perfectly with modern science. These statements are not just words from the 7th century; they carry scientific truths that have stood the test of time. Imam Ali (a.s) was truly a divine scholar, a leader, and a guide for all generations.

HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY

“A man can sleep at the death of his child, but cannot sleep at the loss of property.”
Nahjul Balagha: Saying 302

COMMENTARY:

Human beings are social animals, and hence, selfishness is hardwired into them. Due to his selfish nature, a man is more concerned with his material needs than with his spiritual and emotional well-being. On the other hand, a believer is different, possessing traits contrary to those of ordinary human beings. A believer is one step ahead of humans, just as humans are one step ahead of chimpanzees in terms of rational thinking.

When we analyze the sayings and sermons of Nahjul Balagha, we find that believers have traits opposite to those of ordinary human beings.

A believer hates high positions and dislikes fame (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 328).
They remain in trials just as they remain in comfort (Nahjul Balagha: Sermon 191).
They do not regard their great deeds as significant (Sermon 191).
They dislike praise (Sermon 191).
They take lightly what others consider serious (e.g., the loss of wealth) and consider serious what others take lightly (e.g., death, sins, etc.) (Sermon 191).

Thus, the above-mentioned saying (Saying 302) describes a fundamental trait of human nature: valuing wealth more than relationships (such as that with a son). A man, being different from a believer (a person of faith), exhibits many contrasting behaviors.

Imam Ali (a.s), in Nahjul Balagha, treats an ordinary man and a believer as two distinct entities, considering them vastly different and even opposite in their characteristics.

The Creation of the Universe and Imam Ali (a.s)

The galaxies in the universe are arranged in a structure similar to the froth that forms when a soap solution is shaken. The stars within a galaxy are also arranged in a froth-like pattern, and, remarkably, space-time itself exhibits a foam or froth structure.

When observing soap froth, one can see a hollow center around which the soap matter is arranged. There are thousands of microscopic bubbles that are invisible to the naked eye. With the help of a microscope, millions of these tiny bubbles become visible, collectively forming the froth.

According to recent observations using telescopes and radio telescopes, the universe follows a froth-like pattern. A froth consists of hollow regions surrounded by matter. This is evident when observing a soap bubble—its hollow center is surrounded by a thin layer of soap. When a soap solution is shaken, millions of such bubbles with hollow centers form the froth. Similarly, all galaxies are arranged around hollow centers, which, in scientific terminology, are called black holes. Each galaxy has a hollow center or black hole around which its stars are arranged. Astonishingly, even space-time has a froth-like structure.

As far as I have studied, I have found only one man who spoke about the universe and described it as froth or foam—none other than the cousin of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), Imam Ali (a.s). Imam Ali (a.s) lived 1400 years ago in Arabia, a land with scarce water resources, yet he was well aware of the froth-like nature of the universe. He (a.s) stated:

“When Almighty (Allah) created the opening of the atmosphere, the expanse of the firmament, and the strata of winds, He flowed into it water whose waves were stormy and whose surges leapt one over the other. He loaded it on dashing winds and breaking typhoons, ordering them to shed it back (as rain). He gave the wind control over the vigor of the rain and acquainted it with its limitations (laws of fluid mechanics). The wind blew beneath it while the water furiously flowed above it. Then Almighty created another wind, made its movement sterile (an inert gas), perpetuated its position, intensified its motion, and spread it far and wide. Then He ordered the wind to raise the deep waters (denser liquids) and to intensify the waves of the oceans (cosmic soup). So the wind churned it like the churning of curd, freely pushing it into the firmament, throwing its front position backward and the stationary into motion, until its level (the level of the cosmic soup) was raised and its surface was full of froth. Then Almighty raised the froth onto the open wind and vast firmament and made from it the seven skies (the universe).”
(Nahjul Balagha: Sermon 1)

If we translate Imam Ali’s (a.s) words into modern scientific terminology, they can be understood as follows:

“A universe of liquids initiated the formation of inert gases, which, over time, gained kinetic energy and turned into a hurricane. This hurricane or cyclone of inert gases agitated the great mass of liquid, giving rise to a huge body of foam. This foam separated from the liquid universe and, with time, evolved into our present universe, consisting of galaxies, nebulae, and stars, all of which follow a froth-like structure.”

Callan’s Landscape

In construction, the foam pattern is widely recognized as Callan’s Landscape. It is easy to notice the hollow center, the black hole, around which cement is arranged.

The word froth/foam can still be found today in any translation of Nahjul Balagha, which is a famous collection of Imam Ali’s (a.s) sermons, sayings, and letters.

The froth pattern is a fundamental design found in nature:

The universe exists as froth.
The galaxies in the universe are arranged as froth.
The stars in each galaxy follow a froth pattern.
Even space-time has a froth-like structure.

According to Imam Ali (a.s), our present universe, with its millions of galaxies, is merely the froth of a much larger liquid universe that exists somewhere in unknown space, trillions of light-years away.

Mathematician Lan Stewart, in his famous book Cows in the Maze, writes:

“In a letter to the editor, Adrian Webster of the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, pointed out that the curious geometry of Callan’s Landscapes (foam pattern) can be understood using a much more classical branch of mathematics—the theory of Voronoi cells. He also explained how the Voronoi cells in Callan’s Landscapes illustrate one of the major discoveries of modern astronomy: the foam-like distribution of matter in the universe.”
(Cows in the Maze by Lan Stewart, Chapter 17, Page 233)

Beyond all scientific findings, Imam Ali (a.s) was already aware of the froth pattern prevalent in the universe. Why wouldn’t he be? After all, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) himself said:

“I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.”

References:

Cows in the Maze by Lan Stewart, Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, ISBN-978-0-19-956207-7.
Reference article: The Froth Across the Universe by Rien Van De Weygaert, Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen, Netherlands.

Here is your corrected text with proper grammar while keeping the content unchanged:

ON TIME

In physics, time is considered one of the least understood concepts. To this day, physicists have completely failed to understand it. Even Einstein was puzzled by time, and his attempt to comprehend it led to his special theory of relativity. In this theory, he proposed the relativity of time and introduced a new dimension to the world of physics called space-time.

The special theory of relativity is based on the proposition that nothing can move faster than light. Einstein discovered that the speed of light, which is 300,000 km/second, is the ultimate speed limit and remains constant. According to his theory, matter cannot exceed this speed limit. As a body approaches the speed of light, its mass increases toward infinity (the body becomes heavier and heavier) or it must lose mass. This means that moving at the speed of light is impossible. At this point, it is relevant to quote the words of Imam Ali (a.s) from Nahjul Balagha:

“God has fixed limits for everything He has created and made the limits firm.” (Nahjul Balagha: Sermon 89, Page 170)

This is a remarkable generalization. This piece of wisdom has been in Nahjul Balagha for over a thousand years, yet no Muslim has been inspired to ponder over it and discover the physical constant known as the speed of light. The saying of Imam Ali (a.s) is like an ocean enclosed in a jar. However, it is not too late for us to start reflecting on it now.

Constants in physics represent the natural limits of physical quantities. The Planck constant is the smallest possible unit of mass or energy, which is 1.6 × 10⁻³⁴ joule/second. It is the limit below which mass/energy cannot exist. Another important constant is the charge of an electron, which is 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ Coulombs. If a particle has a charge smaller than this, it is considered neutral. There are many such constants, but listing them all is beyond the scope of this book. If one starts approaching the speed of light, time begins to slow down—although achieving such speed is impossible, at least in this century.

The Influence of Time and Space

According to the special theory of relativity, if an astronaut embarks on a journey to the nearest star, Alpha Centauri, which is four light-years away, and moves at the speed of light, time will slow down for him. If he returns to Earth after an eight-year journey, he will be the same age as when he left (Fig.1).

There are two ways to counteract the effects of time:

Move at the speed of light
Move out of the gravitational field of any object, such as a star, the sun, or a galaxy

However, space itself has gravity. If space did not exist, one would automatically move at the speed of light. This suggests that the first thing to appear in the universe, before space itself, was light. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

“The first thing God created was my light.”

We exist within the space-time web (Google images: space-time). When we leave the sun’s sphere of influence, time slows down until we enter another star’s sphere of influence. To escape the sun’s gravitational field, one must travel at the speed of light.

The future and past light cones define the sphere of influence of the sun (OBSERVER). When an astronaut moves beyond these cones, time slows down for him.

When entering the gravitational field of another star, a different time effect takes over. If the star has a stronger gravitational pull than the sun, time will run faster, and the astronaut will age more quickly. In the opposite case, time will slow down, and aging will slow down as well. This means that:

A day on Earth could be a second on another star
A day on another star could be 50,000 years if its gravity is very low

A good example of this concept can be found in the movie Interstellar. The Quran also mentions this phenomenon:

“And they ask you to hasten on the torment! And Allah never fails in His promise. And verily, a day with your Lord is as a thousand years of what you reckon.” (Quran 22:47)

This verse clearly speaks about the relativity of time. Another verse states:

“The angels and the spirit ascend to Him in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years.” (Quran 70:4)

Here, the Quran defines ‘year’ as a unit of speed. Even within our solar system, we observe different time scales:

A day on Mars = 24 hours and 37 minutes
A day on Jupiter = 9 hours and 55 minutes
A day on Uranus = 10 hours
A day on Saturn = 17 hours

Physicists are so perplexed by time that some are even considering removing time from physics.

Julian Barbour and the Illusion of Time

Julian Barbour, a theoretical physicist who has studied time and inertia for 35 years, argues that time is an illusion. In his book The End of Time, he claims that time is merely a psychological concept. According to him:

There is no past; only the present exists
What we perceive as time is just the distance between different present moments
An unconscious person does not experience time

There have been medical cases where patients awoke from comas after several years, appearing much younger than expected. This suggests that time does not affect everyone equally.

Some physicists believe in time, while others deny its existence. Similarly, regarding God, some believe in Him, while others deny His existence. Time is considered a sacred concept in Islam. The Quran says:

“I (God) swear by time! Man is in loss, except those who believe and exhort for truth and patience.” (Quran 103)

There are two Arabic words for time: Dahr and Asr. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

“Do not abuse time (Dahr), for it is God.”

This hadith appears in both Sunni and Shia books with identical wording:

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 351 (Sunni source)
Translation of Quran by Maqbool Ahmad, Vol. 2, Page 798 (Shia source)
Majma-ul-Bayan

Imam Ali (a.s) on the Nature of Time

God is invisible, and so is time. God cannot be controlled, and neither can time. God is omnipresent, and according to Einstein’s space-time concept, time is the property of space. Wherever there is space, there is time—making time omnipresent as well. Time influences everything, but nothing influences time.

Imam Ali (a.s) said:

“Time (Dahr) wears bodies, renews aspirations, brings the end near, and takes away hope. Whoever succeeds with it encounters grief, and whoever misses it also feels sorry.” (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 72)

Time wears bodies:

This aligns with the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that disorder (entropy) increases over time.
Aging is controlled by time. Einstein stated that if an astronaut leaves the sun’s gravitational field at the speed of light, he will stop aging.

According to the theory of inflation, proposed by Paul Dirac (Nobel Laureate), space has an inherent ability to create energy fluctuations that perish quickly. However, one in ten million such energy bubbles survives and expands into a universe.

Imam Ali (a.s) describes time as something that destroys the old but also brings in the new.

Julian Barbour calls time an illusion, but Imam Ali (a.s) says time is grief.

Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and Hazrat Ali

“Do not feel safe from the punishment of Allah even for the best man in the whole community because Allah (God) says: But feel not secure any one save the people who are losers (Quran 7:99). Again, do not lose hope even for the worst man in the community because Allah says: Verily despair not of Allah’s mercy but the disbelieving people (Quran 12:87).” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 372)

A parallel to the above saying of Imam Ali (a.s) can be found in quantum mechanics, known as Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to determine both the velocity and position of a subatomic particle, like an electron, with absolute accuracy at the same time.

The uncertainty principle makes it possible for an electron to be detected in two different places simultaneously.

If an electron’s velocity is measured accurately, then the uncertainty in determining its position becomes infinite. Conversely, if its position is measured accurately, then the uncertainty in determining its velocity becomes infinite (Wikipedia: Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle).

Wherever an electron exists, the uncertainty principle applies. Since Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle operates throughout the universe, Islam similarly prescribes uncertainty for believers regarding their fate in the afterlife—whether they will go to heaven or hell. Even the best person (who appears to be so) has no certainty of going to paradise, and even the worst (who appears to be so) has no certainty of going to hell. If one were absolutely certain of going to paradise, complacency and deterioration could creep into their behavior, and if one were certain of going to hell, they might fall into despair. The fear of hell restrains behavior and safeguards one’s character from moral decline. Thus, uncertainty is a blessing in disguise.

Tidal Force and Imam Ali (a.s)

Quran 2:154: “And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Nay, they are living, though you perceive it not.”

Quran 2:155: “Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.”

Tidal force comes into play when an object moves toward or around a very large object. When a satellite orbiting the Earth enters the Earth’s gravitational field, it breaks into pieces. Tidal force is a gravitational force. The movement of the moon around the Earth causes high and low tides in the oceans, which, despite being smaller than the moon, do not break apart due to their vast size. However, smaller objects break into pieces when they approach a massive object like the Earth.

The Holy Quran regards the fear of God (taqwa) as a tidal force. It states:

Quran 2:74: “Then, even after that, your hearts were hardened and became as rocks, or worse than rocks, for hardness. For indeed, there are rocks from which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are rocks that split asunder so that water flows from them. And indeed, there are rocks that fall down for the fear of Allah. Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

The Holy Quran praises those rocks (hearts) that break and fall asunder under the tidal force of taqwa (fear of God). It is an astonishing fact that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) regarded the love of Imam Ali (a.s) as taqwa.

A satellite entering the Roche limit breaks into pieces.

Imam Ali (a.s) said: “Even if a mountain loves me, it will be crushed into bits.”

(Nahjul Balagha, Saying 110)

This statement of Imam Ali (a.s) was never fully understood in its proper sense. What he means is that he is so immense that his tidal force can shatter even a mountain into bits.

Imam Ali (a.s) also said: “The floodwater flows down from me, and the birds cannot fly up to me.”

(Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 3)

In 2003, the Columbia space shuttle was shattered to bits due to the Earth’s tidal force, killing all seven astronauts on board.

Imam Ali (a.s) used the word mountain because it is the largest object known to human beings. However, he is not referring to his enemies; rather, he is talking about those who love him. Love is a journey, and when moving toward a galaxy of faith like Imam Ali (a.s), there is no doubt that one will be shattered into pieces. The question is: will anyone continue to love Imam Ali (a.s) knowing they will be shattered? The following saying of Imam Ali (a.s) provides the answer:

“Even if I cut the nose of a believer for hating me, he will not hate me, and even if I give the whole wealth of the universe to a hypocrite for loving me, he will not love me. Because Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: ‘O Ali, a believer will never hate you, and a hypocrite will never love you.’”

(Nahjul Balagha)

All authentic books of Sunni and Shia traditions contain the following hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w):

“Loving Ali is faith.”

(Sahih Muslim)

In 1994, the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 broke into twenty pieces upon entering Jupiter’s powerful gravitational field (tidal force) and eventually crashed into it.

This means that loving Imam Ali (a.s) is, in itself, a religion. Love means attraction—being drawn to every aspect of the beloved. Since Imam Ali (a.s) was the first Muslim and a perfect believer, those who love him will never escape his gravitational pull, even at the cost of being shattered into bits. If you love Imam Ali (a.s), you will never be able to hate him. The love of Imam Ali (a.s) is like a black hole—once entered, there is no return. Anything that enters a black hole is shattered due to its immense gravity; it is forever changed and can never come back.

What is Philosophy?

The word ‘philo’ means love, and the word ‘sophy’ means wisdom. Thus, philosophy means love of wisdom. It is a branch of fine arts that deals with problems related to life, truth, love, mind, justice, religion, language, etc. Philosophy aims to provide answers to all the “whys,” such as: Why do we exist? Why is the earth round? Why is there pain in life? Why is the universe the way it is?

Before the 19th century, science and philosophy were one. However, after the 19th century, science was separated from philosophy due to its complex and mathematical nature. Today, science is considered a branch of philosophy that answers these “whys” through practical experiments, while philosophy provides answers through logical arguments. Philosophy is a branch of knowledge that connects science with religion. It is the ‘no man’s land’ between science and religion (History of Western Philosophy: Bertrand Russell). The wisdom behind everything that exists is called its philosophy. Wisdom and philosophy are synonyms, and in our upcoming discussion, we shall use the word ‘wisdom’ in place of ‘philosophy.’

Regarding wisdom, the Quran says:
“God grants wisdom (Hikma) to whom He pleases, and he to whom wisdom is granted is indeed granted abundant good.” (Quran: 1:269)

And Imam Ali (a.s) says:
“There is no wealth like wisdom.” (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 54)

Wisdom is a special kind of thinking ability that allows one to relate knowledge to its real cause. Everything that exists has a cause (reason). Then, what is the cause of knowledge? Why does knowledge exist? The one who answers this question correctly is a wise man possessing wisdom and is called a philosopher. Religion states that the cause of knowledge is God, whereas science has no answer to it.

Islam, being one of the greatest religions (great with respect to its content), says:
“Wisdom is the fruit of truthfulness and fear of God.” (Prophet of Islam)

According to religion, an atheist can gain knowledge but not wisdom. Thus, not every knowledgeable person is wise. Wisdom is the essence of knowledge, and the essence of wisdom is God.

The Quran says:
“Whatever is in the heavens and the earth has signs for the believers (those who believe in God).” (Quran: 3:190)

This means one cannot be called wise unless they believe in God—the creator of all knowledge. Whatever knowledge exists between the heavens and the earth aims to increase wisdom or faith in the Creator. The stars, black holes, neutrons, galaxies, bacteria, viruses, and all living and non-living things should increase one’s faith in God. Only then can one be considered a possessor of wisdom.

When a microbiologist analyzes bacteria under a microscope, his faith in God should increase. Only then can he be called a wise microbiologist. The same applies to every branch of science. Regarding wise people, the Quran says:
“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear God.” (Quran: 35:28)

When you realize that all knowledge is because of God, you begin to fear Him. The complexity of the world around you arouses awe toward the Creator. As knowledge increases, different aspects of God’s workings become apparent, increasing one’s fear and reverence for Him.

A wise Bachelor of Science student, upon completing a Master’s in Microbiology, should also have an increased fear of God. As one’s academic degrees increase, so should their awareness of God. The main aim of life is to know the Creator, and the best way to do so is by understanding His creation. That is why the Prophet of Islam said:
“Gain knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”

The purpose of life is to seek awareness, and awareness means knowledge.

And Imam Ali (a.s) says:
“There is no good in life except gaining knowledge.” (Nahjul Balagha)

It is clear that these sayings are addressed to believers.

When we say knowledge, we refer to the knowledge of creation, which includes all sciences. Commerce, economics, and civics are also forms of knowledge, but they do not contribute much to understanding the Creator. Instead, they increase knowledge about making money and gaining power. The knowledge of science is essential for every believer in God. Any branch of science can help increase faith in God. For instance, the study of birds (ornithology) can help one understand God.

The Holy Quran says:
“Do they not see the birds held in the midst of the sky? None holds them but Allah (God). Verily, in this are clear signs for those who believe.” (Quran: 16:79)

When we read Nahjul Balagha, we find Imam Ali (a.s) delivering great sermons about bats, peacocks, and other creatures. For a wise person, all knowledge is one because the ultimate aim of knowledge is to increase one’s understanding of God. If knowledge does not increase faith in God, it means one is gaining knowledge for worldly gain. In that case, one is not on the straight path (Sirat al-Mustaqim), and their purpose for acquiring knowledge has gone astray. This must be corrected as soon as possible.

Imam Ali (a.s) says:
“It is enough if your wisdom distinguishes for you the ways of going astray from those of guidance.” (Nahjul Balagha: Saying 430)

There is no benefit in knowledge without wisdom. This is exactly what has happened in this century—knowledge has increased without a corresponding increase in wisdom, resulting in chaos.

Wisdom is like a light, and very few are gifted with it. Light allows one to differentiate between black and white, good and bad, virtue and vice, etc.

There are different levels of wisdom, just as there are different levels of knowledge. The highest degree of wisdom is realizing God in everything. The reason behind everything is called wisdom, but knowing the ultimate cause of everything is true wisdom.

In the study of cause and effect, there are many secondary causes, but the primary cause is one. For example:

C is the cause of D
B is the cause of C
A is the cause of B
A has no cause and is known as the primary cause

Science deals with secondary causes, whereas philosophy (or ultimate wisdom) aims to understand the primary cause. Science describes the various secondary causes that led to the universe’s existence (such as the unification theory, gravity, and nuclear forces), but it fails to describe the ultimate cause behind them.

Albert Einstein said:
“All my theories are just an attempt to understand the workings of God.”

He also said:
“Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind.”

IMAM ALI (A.S) AND ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER

Arthur Schopenhauer was born in Germany in 1788 and died in 1860. He is considered one of the most influential philosophers of Europe, having influenced great minds like Albert Einstein, Nietzsche, Tolstoy, George Santayana, Schrödinger, and Vivekananda. He is famous for introducing the concept of “Will (desire).” Everything, from living to non-living entities, has a will (desire) programmed into it. A stone, for instance, has the will to remain in its place and not move. All the chemical and physical properties of a stone fall under its will. Living beings have the will (desire) to propagate and spread. Different living beings have different wills, which brings them into conflict with one another.

In the animal kingdom, the degree of conflict is greater due to the will to propagate and survive. Among humans, each individual has an independent and unique will (desire), increasing the chances of conflict. However, humans are gifted with intelligence, allowing them to curb or suppress their desires. Hence, Schopenhauer argued that desire (will) is the ultimate cause of all suffering.

According to Schopenhauer, one way to rid oneself of desire is to take an interest in art. He believed that people engaged in fine arts have caused the least damage to society (as stated in The World as Will and Idea, 1884).

Strikingly, Imam Ali (a.s.) preached the same philosophy 1,400 years earlier. He taught that desire is the root cause of all suffering and that shunning desires is the only remedy for human distress. His words in Nahjul Balagha state:

“O slaves of desires, cut them short, because he who leans on them gains nothing from them except the pain of hardships. People, take upon yourselves your own training and turn away from the dictates of your natural inclinations (desires).”
(Nahjul Balagha, Saying 354)

Imam Ali (a.s.) acknowledged that it is impossible to eliminate all desires (will); hence, he advised cutting them short.

The desire of a single individual can cause immense harm to humanity. Women, wealth, and power, among other things, generate desires in humans and have historically caused colossal damage.

Take sexual desire, for instance: multiple individuals may desire the same person, leading to conflict and tragedy. Akbar, the great Mughal emperor of India, ravaged the entire kingdom of Junagad just to claim a woman named Roopvati, despite having thousands of peerless concubines in his harem. Similarly, Adolf Hitler’s desire to conquer Europe led to World War II, resulting in the deaths of millions. In recent times, America’s desire for oil has caused and continues to cause human destruction in Iraq and other oil-producing nations. Desire must be controlled at its root; otherwise, it leads to widespread carnage.

Imam Ali (a.s.) identified the root cause of human suffering a thousand years before Schopenhauer, saying:

“The bases of the occurrence of evils are those desires which are acted upon and the orders that are innovated.”
(Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 50)

Imam Ali (a.s.) delivered this sermon during a time of great turmoil in the Muslim world. His opponent, Muawiya, desired the Islamic caliphate despite being unworthy of the position. His ambition led to the Battle of Siffin, a year-long war that claimed thousands of Muslim lives. Muawiya’s illegitimate desire to rule Islam was the sole cause of immense suffering. Had his desire been suppressed early on, Islamic history would have been spared from this tragic tale of destruction.

As the Battle of Siffin raged on, Imam Ali (a.s.) warned:

“O people, what I fear most about you are two things: acting according to desires (will) and extending hopes. Acting according to desires prevents you from the truth, and extending hope makes one forget the next world.”
(Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 42)

While Schopenhauer identified desire as the root of suffering, he did not explain exactly how it works. Imam Ali (a.s.), however, provided a precise explanation: desires work by preventing people from accepting the truth. Desire blinds one to reality.

Shunning all desires means shunning life itself. A man without desires is a dead man. However, desires can be categorized into two types:

Legitimate desires
Illegitimate desires

Even legitimate desires can cause conflict, but the conflicts caused by illegitimate desires are far more severe. By channeling desires into lawful means, one can reduce suffering but never eliminate it entirely. Suffering is ingrained in human existence.

For example, sexual desire naturally leads to conflict. However, fulfilling this desire through legal means, such as marriage, results in less suffering than pursuing it unlawfully. Any desire fulfilled by violating the rights of others is considered illegitimate. If desires are fulfilled unlawfully, they cause maximum harm to humanity. All natural inclinations, if pursued outside the boundaries set by law or religion, bring immense suffering.

However, when fulfilled within lawful boundaries, suffering is minimized. Islam, in particular, has established ways to regulate desires to reduce human suffering. Yet, to eliminate suffering entirely, one would need to eliminate all desires—which is practically impossible.

Marriage is an institution established by all religions to legalize sexual desire. However, despite marriage, some individuals still engage in extramarital affairs. What is the solution to this problem?

In this context, Imam Ali (a.s.) offers guidance. The complete text of Nahjul Balagha, Saying 429, narrates:

“Imam Ali (a.s.) was sitting with his companions when a beautiful woman passed by them, and they began to look at her…whereupon

Imam Ali (a.s)(as)said: the eyes of these men are desiring and this glancing is the cause of their desire. Whenever anyone of you see a woman who attracts him, he should meet (have sex with) his wife because she is also a woman like her.” NahjulBalagha: saying.429.

The way sexual desire is channelised, every other desire can be channelised in the same fashion. For instance the desire for wealth can be dealt in the same way. Wealth can be gained illegally by fraud or deception and the legal way of it is through gaining knowledge and hard work. The Nobel prize winner in’ micro economics; Amartya Sen, got his prize for proving that the economy of a country is directly related to it’s literacy rate. As the education level of a country goes up its economic prosperity goes up, there is direct correlation between literacy rate and economic growth of a country. Knowledge is wealth is proved now. Well, Francis Beacon Said: knowledge is power, where as Imam Ali (a.s) says: knowledge is life, ignorance is death. Thus one can become wealthy and powerful by gaining knowledge and that is the legal way of doing it, but, still as it is also a desire you will not be free from suffering, but to a lesser degree. In conclusion, try to shun desires but if you can’t do that, channelize them in the legal way; in this way you will be leading a life with less suffering.

Book: Imam Ali and Modern Science

Product Designer