Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 14, 2025.
Use science to reflect, not prove the Quran
“Science by nature is not final.”
In one sentence
The Quran is a book of guidance that shapes human nature and purpose, while science is a changing human endeavor that can deepen reflection on revelation but should neither prove it nor dictate its meaning.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- The Quran presents lunar phases as practical tools for timekeeping and religious observance, not as an astronomy lesson.
- The Quran’s purpose is guidance: shaping creed, character, relationships, and humanity’s purpose while leaving scientific discovery to human intellect.
- Scientific knowledge changes, whereas Quranic truth is final; therefore science should not be used to prove or disprove the Quran.
- Three errors are identified: placing science above revelation, misunderstanding the Quran’s formative role, and forcing verses to match current theories.
- Scientific discoveries can deepen contemplation of Quranic signs without establishing definitive interpretations.
- Believers should ask knowledgeable people and consult scholarly books rather than rely entirely on Google or AI.
- The sermon closes by reiterating that believers should ask, treat Quranic truth as final, and use science to deepen understanding.
Try this week
Ask knowledgeable people when unsure about matters of faith.
Consult books written by earlier scholars.
Do not rely entirely on Google, AI, or computers for religious answers.
Use scientific discoveries to deepen understanding of Quranic signs, not to prove or disprove the Quran.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Used to show that the moon’s phases serve practical purposes such as timekeeping, fasting, Hajj, and contracts.
Surah 41Used to explain that signs in the universe and within people deepen recognition of the Quran’s truth.
Surah 25Used to connect scientific contemplation of creation with appreciation of Allah’s precise ordering.
Surah 36Used to state that the sun travels along an orbit while cautioning against claiming a final scientific interpretation.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“It is a book of guidance. So whatever is in the Quran is geared towards man himself, how to perfect this human being how to lead this human being to a Happy and eternal life.”
“Science by nature is not final. Science is whatever we know today. Tomorrow, new discoveries could upend whatever we know today to be the truth, scientifically, it could be something totally different.”
“We use science to deepen that understanding of what we know is the truth.”
“A believer always asks. When you're not sure of anything, especially in matters of faith, you ask.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah taught that the Quran is primarily a book of guidance, not a science textbook. It helps us understand who we are, why we exist, and how to live well with Allah and other people. Science is valuable, but scientific ideas can change as people discover more. We can study creation to deepen our appreciation of the Quran, while asking knowledgeable people and consulting trusted books for religious understanding. The Quran does not need science to prove that it is true.
- What is one question about faith that you should ask a knowledgeable person?
- How can science help us appreciate creation without replacing guidance?
- Why might relying completely on Google or AI be risky for religious questions?
Where it was given
The masjid
Islamic Center of Western Suburbs (ICWS)28W774 Army Trail Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185Jumu'ah “Khutbah 1 | 1:05 | pm; Jamaat 1 | 1:25 | pm; Khutbah 2 | 1:35 | pm; Jamaat 2 | 1:55 | pm” (Bartlett location). “Khutbah | 1:15 | pm; Jamaat | 1:35 | pm” (West Chicago location).ArchiveAll khutbahs at Islamic Center of48 khutbahs
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