God, Nature, and the Cause: Essays on Islam and Science

“God, Nature, and the Cause: Essays on Islam and Science” by Basil Altaie offers a compelling exploration of the relationship between Islam, science, and philosophy. Published recently, this book fills a significant gap in the discourse on the intersection of religion and science by presenting insights from the Islamic intellectual tradition.

Altaie begins by acknowledging the longstanding philosophical conflict between religion and science, a topic that has captivated intellectuals and scholars from various religious traditions. However, he notes the relative absence of voices from the Muslim tradition in this discourse, prompting him to delve into the unique perspectives and insights that Islam offers on the subject.

Central to Altaie’s inquiry is the Islamic tradition of Kalam, a discipline of Islamic theology and philosophy that seeks to elucidate theological principles through rational inquiry and dialectical argumentation. Through a series of essays, Altaie explores the contributions of Kalam to the dialogue between Islam and science, examining its relevance to modern scientific developments and philosophical inquiries.

One of the key questions addressed in the book is the compatibility between Islamic belief and modern scientific understanding. Altaie investigates how Islamic theology and cosmology intersect with contemporary scientific theories, offering nuanced perspectives on topics such as creation, causality, and the nature of the universe.

Moreover, Altaie reflects on the implications of Islamic philosophical concepts for broader philosophical and scientific discourse. He explores the Islamic understanding of nature, causality, and the role of divine agency in shaping the natural world, inviting readers to reconsider prevailing assumptions about the relationship between God, nature, and the cause.

Overall, “God, Nature, and the Cause: Essays on Islam and Science” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the interface between Islamic thought and scientific inquiry. Altaie’s essays provide readers with valuable insights into the rich intellectual heritage of Islam and its potential contributions to contemporary discussions on religion, philosophy, and science. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between faith and reason in the Islamic tradition.