Dr. Zakir Naik’s Scientific Miracles Claims Episode 4

27:22

8 Jan 2018

Miracles / I'jaz

Mohammed Hijab

Abu Safiyyah Mohammed Osman

In this video Mohammed Hijab and Abu Safiyya Mohammed Osman repeatedly reference “Arabic linguistics” to attempt to present several well-known topics in iʿjāz ʿilmii, or “scientific miracles”.  In most cases they do not mention the iʿjāz-based narrative.  Most of the references to Arabic are only to suggest whether or not Arabic “can contain” the meaning they are looking for.

The topics they cover are:  a hadīth stating God created Earth on “Saturday” (the sixth day), semen originating from the area between the backbone and the ribs (referencing Q86.7), mountains as pegs (referencing Q78.6-7), darkness in the ocean (referencing Q24.40), plants in pairs/sexes (referencing Q20.53), all animals fitting on Noah’s/Nūḥ’s boat (referencing Q11.40 or 23.27 or others), sending down iron and livestock (referencing Q57.25 and 39.6), and the gender of bees (referencing Q16.68-69).

Several times the pair suggest comparisons to the Bible in order to suggest that the Qurʾān is superior.  Their comparisons are superficial.

A critique of this video has been done by Stop Spamming.

Purpose

The pair suggest that they are trying to “make the most comprehensive library of … examples … of scientific miracles.”  Because they do not provide clear references to their sources, however, they are constructing themselves as the authorities whose word must be accepted rather than facilitating viewers’ efforts to learn for themselves.  Those who do not know Arabic will have a difficult time following the discussion, particularly as they almost never provide references for the Qurʾānic verses they discuss, or complete details about the tafsīr (exegeses of the Qurʾān) or ḥadīth (reports of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muḥammad).

THE SPEAKERS

Mohammed Hijab, like Subboor Ahmad and Hamza Tzortzis, has appeared in many videos debating in “The Speaker’s Corner” of Hyde Park in London.  They are active in iERA, a Muslim missionary group that dates to about 2009, founded by followers of Zakir Naik.  The video should be understood in this context of dawah, that is, calling people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to a specific understanding of Islam.

On one of his own channels, Abu Safiyyah Mohammed Osman gives his credentials as “Ustadh Abu Safiyyah graduated from Madinah Islamic University [in Saudi Arabia] with a BA Hons in Hadith & Islamic Sciences. The Shaykh has numerous Ijazat in various disciplines as well as a prominent list of teachers.  He currently resides in London, UK.”

SOURCES

The first clip of Zakir Naik is from 1 April 2000, “The Qur’an and the Bible in the Light of Science”, debate with William Campbell at Niles West High School in Chicago, Illinois.  The second clip is from 7 December 1996, “Qur’an and Modern Science: Conflict or Reconciliation?”, given at Saboo Siddik Ground, Mumbai, India.

Evaluation:

Islam:  The sources provided here are only those supporting the positions presented.  However, they generally are within the bounds of what Muslims have historically understood as acceptable.

Science:  This video makes no reference to science, beyond talking about iʿjāz as being somehow scientific.  Contemporary scientists do not consider this an appropriate use of the scientific method.

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