Aligarh: The K.A. Nizami Centre for Qur’anic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised two insightful lectures as part of its ongoing “Qur’an Extension Lecture Series: Creative Wonders of Allah in the Qur’an – A Scientific Study Series.”
Professor Syed Ziaur Rahman from the Department of Pharmacology spoke on “The Qur’an and Pharmacology.” He explored Qur’anic references to natural remedies, medicinal plants, and healing substances, emphasising their alignment with modern pharmacological research. He highlighted how the Qur’an mentions various natural elements – such as honey, herbs, and fruits – as sources of healing, encouraging further scientific inquiry into their medicinal benefits.
In another thought-provoking session, Dr. Hifzur R. Siddique, Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, delivered a lecture on “The Qur’an and the Animal World.” He highlighted the Qur’anic references to various animals and their roles in maintaining ecological balance, discussing how modern zoological research aligns with the Qur’an’s descriptions of biodiversity, migration patterns, and species interactions. He emphasised that the Qur’an’s acknowledgment of animal behaviour and instincts reflects scientific truths that contemporary research continues to uncover.
Presiding over both sessions, Professor A.R. Kidwai, Director of the Centre, underscored the scientific wisdom in the Qur’an. He noted that the Qur’an not only presents animals as signs of divine creation but also acknowledges their significance in ecological balance and human learning. Reflecting on the Qur’an’s reference to the bee, he remarked that its ability to produce healing substances is a profound example of divine wisdom, reaffirmed by modern scientific discoveries.
Both programmes were conducted by Dr. Arshad Iqbal, Assistant Professor at the Centre. Adeeba Taj, a research scholar, proposed a vote of thanks for the first session, while Sania Shawkat, a first-year master’s student in Qur’anic Studies, concluded the second session with a vote of thanks.
