Recently, I was asked by my teacher to engage in a discussion with a student from Iran who had openly left Islam. Curious and eager to understand her perspective, I referred her to Dr. and requested an appointment. Our meeting took place, and as soon as she realized that we would be discussing matters related to Islam, she expressed her skepticism. However, I assured her that I wanted to explore the Islam depicted in the Quran, rather than the interpretations prevalent in Iran or Saudi Arabia. Intrigued, she agreed to continue our dialogue.
The Accident of Existence:
During our conversation, she revealed her belief that her existence on Earth was a mere accident. I accepted her perspective momentarily, but urged her to consider the universe and the signs within us that the Quran asks us to reflect upon. Although she remained unconvinced about the existence of Allah, she agreed to proceed further.
Acknowledging Life as a Blessing:
I then asked her if, despite considering her life an accident, she saw it as a blessing. To my surprise, she admitted that she did indeed view her life as a blessing. Encouraged by this, I suggested we count this blessing together.
Appreciating the Blessings:
We began by discussing the significance of water, one of the essentials of life. I explained how the properties of water, such as the ozone layer, enabled life to flourish on Earth. Furthermore, I pointed out the interconnectedness of various natural systems that protect life. Astonished, she acknowledged the intricacy of these accidents that sustain life on Earth.
Expanding Universe:
Moving on, we discussed how the Quran had mentioned the expansion of the universe, a concept confirmed by modern science. Additionally, I explained how various factors, like the Earth’s rotation and inclination, were finely tuned for life to thrive. As she absorbed this information, I could see her starting to question her previous convictions.
The Wonders of the Human Body:
To emphasize the complexity of creation, I highlighted the human body’s intricacies. From the human eye, with its highly advanced camera-like function, to other complex systems, these accidents demonstrated a grand design. She listened intently, becoming more open to the idea of a Creator.
The Quran’s Foreknowledge:
I then drew her attention to the Quran’s references to various natural phenomena, like the return of the sky and the rotation of planets. Astonished, she wanted to know the specific verses, and I gladly showed her the relevant passages.
The Quran and Honey:
To further demonstrate the Quran’s prescience, I asked her to find any mention of the female bee in the Quran. After researching, she confirmed that the Quran had indeed referred to the female bee. This revelation solidified her belief that the Quran was no ordinary book.
Conclusion:
Our conversation had a profound impact on her, and she agreed to accompany me to the mosque. I understood that my purpose was not to convert her but to engage in honest dialogue and encourage critical thinking. By exploring the Quran’s verses and connecting them with scientific discoveries, I hoped to inspire her to contemplate her beliefs further. This encounter reinforced my belief that faith and reason can coexist, and respectful discussions can bridge the gap between different perspectives.