Islam vs. Evolution

2:43

8 Jul 2011

Evolution

This short video uses primarily still images and voice-overs to present how the video’s creator understands an Islamic conception of the creation of Adam and how it contrasts with the biological theory of evolution.

The video’s creator compares the creation of Adam as an adult to the process of human embryonic development.  He then compares this to a brief summary of how humans fit into the evolutionary process.  He suggests that where evolution conflicts with Islamic teachings (without specifically mentioning any scriptural references) is that evolution suggests random events.  He states that “Islam” is “against” the evolution of organisms into human beings.  He then suggests that other parts of evolutionary theory are acceptable.

It is unclear who the video’s original creator is.  The earliest copy we have found is on this, Marvel450’s channel, but most videos on this channel are clips, so it is possible that the video originated elsewhere.

Evaluation:

Most of the discussion of Islam, although not clearly rooted in scriptural material, is within the bounds of what Muslims have historically understood as acceptable.  However, the opening passage, that Adam was created in Adam’s image, seems to be a misunderstanding of the Biblical account (Genesis 1:26 or 1:27, where God creates Adam/humans in His own image).  The Qurʾānic material only suggests that God/Allah “gave you [Adam/humans] shape” (7:11), and that the shape is “good”. (See, for example verses 40:64, 64:3 or 82:7-8.)

Although brief, the rough presentation of evolution is correct in some aspects.  However, suggesting that evolution “ends” with humans is inaccurate; evolution as biologists understand it continues.  The video’s creator also suggests that species “learn” to adapt to their environments, suggesting some kind of conscious engagement.  Learning and biological evolution are not the same; biological evolution occurs when environmental change occurs and some members of a species are better suited for the changed environment through the random mutations that have occurred over time.

There is insufficient historical material on which to base an evaluation.