Does Belief in Human Evolution Entail Kufr (Disbelief)? Evaluating the Concerns of a Muslim Theologian

ORCID Identifiers

0000-0001-5050-474X

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Zygon

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.

ISSN

0591-2385

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Volume

55

Issue

3

First Page

638

Last Page

662

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities

Keywords

disbelief, evolution, human evolution, islam, kufr, Nuh Ha Mim Keller

Scopus ID

85088803843

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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