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Article
Does Belief in Human Evolution Entail Kufr (Disbelief)? Evaluating the Concerns of a Muslim Theologian
Zygon
  • Shoaib Ahmed Malik, Zayed University
  • Elvira Kulieva, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, College of Islamic Studies
ORCID Identifiers

0000-0001-5050-474X

Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2020
Abstract

© 2020 by the Joint Publication Board of Zygon Nuh Ha Mim Keller, a contemporary Muslim theologian, argues against the compatibility of evolution and Islam. In this article we intend to critically evaluate his position in which he advances three separate arguments. First, he criticizes the science of evolution. Second, he demonstrates the metaphysical problems with naturalism and the role of chance in the enterprise of evolution. Third, he contends that evolution and the creationist narrative in Islamic scripture is irresolvable. Given these points, Keller concludes that believing in human evolution takes one outside the fold of Islam (kufr). After reviewing each of these points we argue that his claims are unwarranted because of other possibilities which Keller may have not considered. In effect, we argue that believing in evolution doesn't necessarily or definitively entail kufr.

Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Disciplines
Keywords
  • disbelief,
  • evolution,
  • human evolution,
  • islam,
  • kufr,
  • Nuh Ha Mim Keller
Scopus ID

85088803843

Indexed in Scopus
Yes
Open Access
No
https://doi.org/10.1111/zygo.12620
Citation Information
Shoaib Ahmed Malik and Elvira Kulieva. "Does Belief in Human Evolution Entail Kufr (Disbelief)? Evaluating the Concerns of a Muslim Theologian" Zygon Vol. 55 Iss. 3 (2020) p. 638 - 662 ISSN: <p><a href="https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/issn/0591-2385" target="_blank">0591-2385</a></p>
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shoaib-malik/2/