Is Studying Evolution Permissible?

Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. I am a grade 10 student, and I am learning about evolution and natural selection. Are there some things in evolution (Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, humans evolving from monkeys) that I should not take seriously. What is the ruling between Islamic knowledge and scientific knowledge if they clash, and could it be possible for both of them to exist together?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

It is permissible to learn about evolution. Just be clear on the point that the Prophet Adam (Allah bless him and give him peace) did not evolve. He was created in his perfected form. The Theory of Evolution is not compatible with this reality.

Please refer to this answer for more details and information on recognized experts in various scientific fields who do not subscribe to this theory.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.