Does Belief in Human Evolution Entail Kufr (disbelief)? Evaluating the Concerns of a Muslim Theologian

Nuh Ha Mim Keller, a contemporary Muslim theologian, argues against the compatibility of evolution and Islam. In this article we intend to critically evaluate his position in which he advances three separate arguments. First, he criticizes the science of evolution. Second, he demonstrates the metaph...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zygon
Authors: Malik, Shoaib Ahmed (Author) ; Kulieva, Elvira (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell [2020]
In: Zygon
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Islam / Theory of evolution / Unbelief
RelBib Classification:AB Philosophy of religion; criticism of religion; atheism
AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
BJ Islam
Further subjects:B Islam
B Kufr
B Evolution
B Human Evolution
B Nuh Ha Mim Keller
B Disbelief
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:Nuh Ha Mim Keller, a contemporary Muslim theologian, argues against the compatibility of evolution and Islam. In this article we intend to critically evaluate his position in which he advances three separate arguments. First, he criticizes the science of evolution. Second, he demonstrates the metaphysical problems with naturalism and the role of chance in the enterprise of evolution. Third, he contends that evolution and the creationist narrative in Islamic scripture is irresolvable. Given these points, Keller concludes that believing in human evolution takes one outside the fold of Islam (kufr). After reviewing each of these points we argue that his claims are unwarranted because of other possibilities which Keller may have not considered. In effect, we argue that believing in evolution doesn't necessarily or definitively entail kufr.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/zygo.12620