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Discourses on Science and Islam: A View from Britain

Unsworth, Amy (2019) Discourses on Science and Islam: A View from Britain. In: Jones, S.H. and Catto, R and Kaden, T, eds. Science, Belief and Society: International Perspectives on Religion, Non-Religion and the Public Understanding of Science. Policy Press, Bristol, UK, pp. 225-245. ISBN 978-1-5292-0694-4. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:72763)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided. (Contact us about this Publication)
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Abstract

In this chapter examining discourses on science and Islam, I first briefly highlight a dominant contemporary discourse among non-Muslims, which tends to cast Islam as a particularly backward and unintellectual religion requiring scientific enlightenment. I point out historical precedents for this viewpoint, before turning to examine a specific discourse on science and Islam among Muslims, in which the Qu’ran is deemed to be scientifically miraculous, a view that has its roots in the salafi reformist movement. Drawing on data from focus groups conducted with British Muslims of South Asian heritage actively engaged with institutions influenced by salafi reformism, I argue that these popular scientific interpretations of the Quran may hold particular appeal for Muslims in Britain who are, as members of a religious minority viewed with suspicion, frequently required to “explain themselves” and defend their religious beliefs and practices. I also discuss survey data examining views of science among Muslims, making suggestions for how such work could be refined and extended in the future.

Item Type: Book section
Uncontrolled keywords: Islam, science, evolution, scientific exegesis, Quran, scientific miracles, Bucaille, Dawkins, salafi
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Culture and Languages
Depositing User: Amy Unsworth
Date Deposited: 26 Feb 2019 14:59 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 14:03 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/72763 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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