Signs in the Heavens: A Muslim Astronomer's Perspective on Religion and Science - Softcover

Ahmad, Imad-Ad-Dean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0962785423 ISBN 13: 9780962785429

Publisher: Writers Inc Intl, 1992

Synopsis

Many scientists have come to realize that science and religion can nurture each other. One example was the flowering of science in the first centuries of Islam. For Dr. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, a Muslim and an astronomer, studying the universe is an expression of faith. Scientists and non-scientists should appreciate the insights in this passionate and lucid book. (Dr. LeRoy E. Doggett, Chief of Almanac Office, U.S. Naval Observatory).

About this title

From the Publisher

Dr. Ahmad's book has been widely acclaimed for its insights into the Islamic approach to science and the spiritual foundations of Western scientists such as Galileo, Newton and Einstein. A Palestinian trained at Harvard, he offers a unique perspective of the role of religion in science.

About the Author

Imad-Ad-Dean Ahmad, (which literally means pillar of the religion), was born, on August 11, 1948, at sea on a passenger ship, as his mother fled Irgun terrorism in her homeland of Palestine. He was raised in Pennsylvania, excelling as a student. In 1970, he graduated cum laude from Harvard University where Dr. Carl Sagan was his sophomore-year advisor; Imad-Ad-Dean also served as Dr. Sagan research aide during what would be the renowned astronomer's last year at Harvard.

In 1975, Imad-Ad-Dean obtained a Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Arizona. Dr. Ahmad continued postdoctoral work in astronomy at Harvard, the University of Maryland, and, contractually, for Goddard Space Flight Center. His field of specialization is ultra-violet spectroscopy and interacting binary stars. He is currently a consultant in astrophysics and computer science.

Though born a Muslim, Dr. Ahmad actually converted to Islam. He started reading Qur'an when in fifth grade. A few years later, after studying the world's eleven major religions, he became a convinced Muslim. Nevertheless, it would be many years after leaving Harvard before Dr. Ahmad would fully appreciate the extent of the Eurocentric bias in his education.

Dr. Ahmad has successfully combined his Western academic accomplishments with his love for his faith. He was organizer of an international conference of scientists and religious scholars on the Islamic lunar calendar, held in Herndon, Virginia in 1988; he served as editor of a publication based on its proceedings. He has published numerous essays, reviews and articles in scientific, religious, and political publications.

In 1994, Dr. Ahmad presented a paper at The International Conference on The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena, sponsored by the Vatican Observatory. The conference explored the effect of astronomical phenomena on human thought and activity. This first Conference of its kind was held at Castel Gandolfo, Villa Mondo Migliore, The Vatican State and focused on four main themes: the effect of astronomical phenomena on myth and religion, history and politics, literature, and art. One day was spent on each theme. Attendees included more than sixty renowned scholars in these areas, as well as prominent astronomers, archaeoastronomers, and historians of science.

The only practicing Muslim participating in the conference, Dr. Ahmad challenged the myth that science and faith are opposed to each other. Dr. Ahmad's paper, The Impact of the Qur'anic Conception of Astronomical Phenomena on Islamic Civilization, explains how the Qur'an places a strong emphasis on natural phenomena, especially astronomical phenomena, as "Signs of God." It analyzes the meaning of this term in a Qur'anic context and its impact on the Islamic Classical Civilization. The paper also highlights the differences between medieval Islamic culture and medieval European culture. Dr. Ahmad argues that it was the influence of the Qur'an that made the former progressive and enlightened while the latter remained repressive and primitive for centuries.

The Qur'an does not pose a conflict between empirical observation, rational thought, and gnostic contemplation, affirms Dr. Ahmad. Instead, the Islamic scripture exhorts its followers to think, contemplate and study the signs in creation in order to reach understanding. For these reasons, science and religion, divorced by Western culture, flourished harmoniously under Islamic rule.

Currently, Dr. Ahmad is President of the Islamic-American Zakat Foundation, a Muslim charitable organization which assesses, collects and distributes alms for the poor. He also heads the Minaret of Freedom, a Muslim think tank, teaches religion and ethics at an Islamic weekend school, and conducts regular Qur'anic studies in Bethesda, Maryland, where he resides with his wife, Frances Eddy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Writers Inc Intl
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0962785423
• ISBN 13: 9780962785429
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 174