Expressing scientific truth

 

 

Said Nursi’s conclusion leads us to how science should express its discoveries and theoretical formulations. He suggests the language of the Qur’an as a model, on the grounds that since the Divine language guides all aspects of our social life, it should guide us in this matter as well.

According to him, in most cases the Qur’an speaks of certain scientific phenomena in an allegorical style, for it addresses all levels at all times and seeks only to make our Creator known to us through His creation and establish the pillars of belief and good conduct in minds and hearts.10 Thus it speaks in terms of our relationship to the Creator, whereas Western philosophy and science use language to encourage people to look at things only in relation to the things themselves. In addition, Western language is directed toward specialists, whereas the Qur’anic language addresses everyone and so must be general to ensure understanding.

For example, the Qur’an presents the universe as a huge kingdom, Earth as a palace, the sun as a lamp, the moon as a nightlight, and the stars as decorations. People are to reflect upon all of these to grasp what they can of their Creator. Western science and philosophy present the sun and other beings as things on their own and without an owner. It inspires awesome dread and fearful wonder, and gives the spirit no perfection of knowledge or moral lesson. Said Nursi considers such philosophy to be divorced from religion.

 

10 Ibid.