Hamza Tzortzis – Is Evolution a problem for Muslims?
4:50
10 Dec 2013
Evolution
Hamza Tzortzis
In this clip from an undated, casual interview, Hamza Tzortzis speaks about weighing science against the Qurʾān.
He suggests that when there is a difference between scientific theories and the Qurʾān, Muslims should put their faith in the Qurʾān, but that the scientific theory of evolution does not conflict with Islam.
He notes that the problem arises when Richard Dawkins starts presenting the theory as 100% truth.
Evaluation:
The material on Islam presented here is well within the bounds of what Muslims have historically understood as acceptable.
The representations of science are accurate, although he does not discuss any scientific topic in great detail.
The date Tzortzis gives for discovery of the expanding universe is a bit late. Consensus took some time to build, but by the late 1920s, early 1930s, the discussion was in full swing.
About Hamza Tzortzis
Hamza Tzortzis is of Greek origin, though he was born and raised in London, England. Raised in Hackney, a rougher part of London, Tzortzis became involved in gang life and never finished a university degree after a plagiarism scandal. Following his difficulties in academics, he pursued project management in the business field; however, after a few encounters with Muslim friends, Tzortzis became more and more interested in Islam.
Tzortzis is now well known for delivering controversial lectures, workshops, and courses at various universities across the world on Islamic thought, in addition to participating in various debates where he uses philosophy to defend Islam. His interests lie around Islam, politics, and philosophy. Tzortzis is in charge of the Islamic Education and Research Academy’s (iERA) research team, and is also an instructor for AlKauthar Institute, a proselytizing organization.
As of 2015, Tzortzis is active on social media networks, operating public Facebook and Twitter pages, each with thousands of followers. His personal website also hosts his collection of research, debates, and lectures.
Selected Bibliography:
The Deen Show: Hamza Andreas Tzortzis. Perf. Eddie Redzovic. The Religion of Islam. Clip from The Deen Show, n.d. Accessed 24 May 2015.
“Hamza Andreas Tzortzis.” Hamza Andreas Tzortzis RSS. N.p., n.d. Accessed 24 May 2015.
“Hamza Tzortzis.” AlKauthar Institute. AlKauthar Institute, n.d. Accessed 24 May 2015.
Tzortzis, Hamza. “Hamza Andreas Tzortzis.” Facebook. N.p., n.d. Accessed 24 May 2015.
Tzortzis, Hamza. Twitter. N.p., n.d. Accessed 24 May 2015.