Question: Why does the Qur'an not speak of beings in the same way as science and materialistic or naturalistic philosophy? It mentions some matters very briefly and others in an apparently simple and superficial way that is easy for ordinary people to understand.

Answer: Science and materialistic philosophy have strayed from the path of truth. The Qur'an is not a science book, and so does not need to dwell on cosmological matters. It mentions certain facts of creation to make known the Divine Essence, Attributes, and Names by explaining the meaning of the Book of the Universe so that its Creator may be known. Therefore it considers creation for the sake of gaining knowledge of its Creator. Science, on the other hand, considers creation for its own sake and addresses scientists in particular.

As the Qur'an addresses all people, most of whom are ordinary, and uses creation as evidence and proof to guide humanity, the presented evidence should be clear and obvious to ensure easy understanding. In addition, guidance requires that unimportant things only be touched on and that subtle points be explained through parables. To avoid leading people into error, it should not change things considered obvious in a way that confuses or even harms its audience.

For example, the Qur'an calls the sun a moving lamp because it is the "mainstay" of the universe's order and its system's center, and order and system are two means of acquiring knowledge of the Creator. When it says: And the sun runs its course (36:38), it suggests Divine Power's well‑ordered disposition in the revolutions of winter and summer, and day and night, and so implies the Maker's majesty. Thus the reality of this "running" does not harm the intended meaning—the observed order woven into the universe's structure.

The Qur'an also says: And He made the sun as a lamp (71:16). By depicting the sun as a lamp, it reminds us that the world resembles a palace containing the decorations, provisions, and other necessities prepared for humanity and other living creatures. The sun functions as a lamp to illuminate it, and therefore implies the Creator's mercy and bounty.

Now consider how science and materialistic philosophy describe the sun: "The sun is an enormous mass of burning gases. It causes the planets, which have been flung off from it, to revolve around it. It is of such‑and‑such size, and has such‑and‑such qualities." It gives no perfection of knowledge to the spirit, but only a terrible dread and bewilderment. It does not approach the matter as the Qur'an does. From this comparison, judge the value of the scientific and philosophical way of thinking, the former of which is outwardly splendid but inwardly hollow. So do not be fooled by the outward worth of scientific descriptions and become disrespectful toward the Qur'an's most miraculous style.

O God, make the Qur'an a cure for all sickness for us, a companion to us in life and after death, a friend in the world, a confidant in the grave, an intercessor on the Day of Judgment, a light on the (Bridge of) Sirat, a veil and a screen from Hellfire, a friend in Paradise, and a guide and a leader to all good deeds. By Your grace, munificence, beneficence, and mercy, O Most Generous of the generous and Most Merciful of the merciful. Amen.

O God, bestow blessings and peace on him to whom You sent the Qur'an, the Criterion of Truth and Falsehood, and on all members of his Family and his Companions. Amen.