Does religion hate science?

الٓمٓ ١

Alif-Lãm-Mĩm.

— Qur’an 30:1

29 chapters of the Qur’an begin with these “unknown letters”.

They don’t form a word, they’re disconnected and their meaning is hidden. We will never know what they mean.

Scholars have posited many theories for these mysterious letters. Ultimately however, even though the rest of the Qur’an is sent in a clear Arabic language — these letters and their meanings remain hidden.

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ قُرْءَٰنًا عَرَبِيًّۭا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ٢

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand.” — Qur’an 12:2

The meaning of these hidden letters is known only to God. This in itself is a message from God: a message humbling us; reminding us that we will never understand the entirety of the universe.

All of our literary analysis and scientific endeavours help us to make sense of the world and to live more enriched lives.

As science slowly uncovers the inner machinations of the universe it can enlighten us on how God operationalises his power throughout this world.

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ١٩٠

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of understanding.”—Quran 3:190

We strive to understand the nature of the universe, but we acknowledge that we will never know everything… As intelligent as we are, the hidden letters will always be a secret known only to God.