Dear questioner,
Master Ali Saei
Does Islam endorse the theory of evolution?
If not, how does Islam explain the development of the earliest living beings—humans and animals—into their present-day forms?
Question No. 3049
31 August 2022
Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified
Content level: Intermediate
Does Islam Endorse the Theory of Evolution?
Verified answer
Documented and evidence-based
The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)
From an Islamic perspective, Darwin’s theory of evolution is false. The development of living beings is shaped by choice, free will, and servitude to God, and may lead either to decline or to spiritual elevation. The metamorphosis of beings and transformations in their inner nature are of the same kind.
Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)
Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural CenterThe theory of evolution based on Darwinian and quasi-Darwinian theories is invalid from the Islamic perspective.
From the very beginning of the movement and journey of the world’s creatures, all beings, competing in obedience, worship and servitude under equal conditions, have had their outward and inward form, structure and constitution determined by their choices, freedom of will and the way they act. In reality, beings at the highest levels of perfection are those very creatures who have graduated with distinction from the school of servitude.
This course of evolution changes according to the goodness or evil of one’s choices, intentions and deeds. The course of evolution may well turn toward decline—and vice versa.
The transformation of creatures is of this kind, as is the transformation of their inner structure.
Did you find this answer illuminating?
Your feedback helps us refine our responses and organize future sessions.
Audio attachment: This question currently has no audio file; the answer is provided in written form, with supporting arguments.
Related questions
Official answers
Question #3100
How Can Food-Based Sorcery Be Undone?
Critique of Doubts
•
31 August 2022
Question #3099
How Can We Visit the House of God from Afar?
Jurisprudence and Rulings
•
31 August 2022
Question #3101
A Critique of Steven Weinberg’s Statement on Religion and Wrongdoing
Critique of Doubts
•
31 August 2022
Question #3424
Does the Hadith on Withdrawing from People Conflict with Maintaining Family Ties?
Ethics and Spirituality
•
2 November 2023
Question #3397
Is the Third Rakʿah of the Maghrib Prayer an Expression of Gratitude for the Birth of Lady Fatima (SA)?
Jurisprudence and Rulings
•
2 November 2023
Question #3166
How Does God Respond to Those Who Cause Harm?
Ethics and Spirituality
•
31 August 2022