Welcome to the Deen Research Center. We represent a Think Tank that focusses on the workings of the universe and how mankind fits into this design.
Mankind has developed several worldviews and systems that have controlled our past and is controlling our present and future.
Mankind has developed countless religions that represented their worldview and was a set of thoughts that tried to explain the questions pertaining to mankind’s position within the universe. It was their interpretation of reality and how do deal with it. Next to religion, mankind has developed several ruling systems to govern society. From tribal ruling to monarchy, theocracy, nationalism, fascism, dictatorship, democracy and secularism. Also over time has man perfected their ways to dissect reality and try to understand the universe and its workings. This we call science and philosophy.
Although 95% of the world population is religous and belongs to a certain religious tradition, this approach to reality has started to conflict more and more with the prevelant ruling system of secular democracy and especially with the outcomes of scientific research. Many religions represent the worldview created several hundreds or thousands of years ago, in times when man had not perfected their research abilities and thus came to very limited interpretations of reality.
You have many worldviews that are an outcome of history or science. The dominant ones are:
1) Atheistic thought that denies a god or gods or purpose in the universe.
2) Agnostic and deistic thought about there being something in the universe but what exactly is difficult to define but it has nothing to do with a god or gods of the religions or they are not convinced yet by any religion. This also is called natural theology.
3) People from different sorts of religions that hold on to a religion that is focused on worship and upholds supernatural beliefs or see everything as metaphorical or see merit in the ethical side of their religion. From this group the majority seperates science from religion, seeing them as seperate professions and worlds.
4) The religious people who only uphold supernatural beliefs and in modern times try to use scientific language to let their mythological belief system come across as being in line with the current scientific evidence. From this group the majority are what are deemed creationists.
5) The religious groups who do not believe in reason or science at all, their minds cannot go beyond their traditions or beliefs of their ancestors. Many of these are anti-modernism and anti-scientism.
Which of these groups are scientific, or rather, use the scientific method? What is the scientific method? The scientific method is to base an understanding on a theory that is proven by verifiable empirical evidence. It means a certain knowledge is thoroughly researched before it is accepted and then a conclusion is made on its effect on mankind. This knowledge is not merely accepted because it is written in a book or that it come down to us via ancestors. So which groups uphold the scientific method?
The first 2 groups draw their conclusions based on the facts that are presented and see a completely different view on the universe then given by the religions and are the most objective in their observation. The third group is in a sense schizophrenic or hypocritical in their mind set or tries to overcome the philosophical paradoxes that are created though believing in the scientific method and still upholding supernatural beliefs. They say faith and science are separate worlds, religion does not intervene with science and vice-versa as if there are 2 seperate realities in the universe. Or they see many subjects, as for example the ascension of Jesus in the Bible, as metaphorical, but this raises the issue of why to believe in the scripture at all in the form of a religion.
Then you have the 4th group which does not uphold the scientific method, but rather abuses it to come to farfetched conclusions, as long as they coincide with their scripture or interpretation thereof. These are the creationists. A selective reading of the evidence is used to create a theory that confirms the mythological beliefs inherited by their religion. The last group does not believe in science, in reason or any reason to research nature around them, or more simply they do not understand or know the concept, they stick with the beliefs of their forefathers and are happy, or rather, do not want to change their beliefs they have inherited. Many of these see science and modernism as threats to their culture and belief system, and as the cause of immorality.
All of the above groups have one thing in common: All of them uphold a belief or conclusion as a result of experiencing reality around them. Their belief, religious or non-religious, is a reaction and interaction between their minds and reality. This includes us and you, the reader. But each let their approach to reality be determined by their culture, history, religion and philosophy. And of these only the first 2 are the most objective in their interaction between their mind and reality.
So in which group do we fit in? None of the above. We would rather create a whole new group. One that upholds the scientific method to the letter, meaning being objective towards the research and evidence on the universe and life, we do not believe in a god as seen by the mainstream within the religions, nor believes in the supernatural nor trying to make myths metaphorical in the scriptures as an excuse when they were written down as truths, nor believes in worship, rituals or personal salvation. We would not believe in a scripture that has no internal evidence of the origins it claims to have. We believe in a god, or rather a force that is beyond comprehension, has no form or position, nor has any personal interests in the results of the universe. We do not believe in scriptures that proclaim worship or the supernatural, nor would we make excuses if we find nonsensical things in a scripture. There must a good reason behind everything, every belief, every conclusion.
We have found this rational position within the Quran after a long research in all beliefs, religions, scientific opinions, be it believing or atheist, philosophers, deists, agnostics and scripture research.
We found the universe having a direction, having a momentum towards further development, what goal it has, its specific goal, is not completely clear, but there is a form of progress to be seen. The first-cause cannot be avoided, but this first-cause seems not to intervene in the universe, nor is it logical it demands acknowledgement in the form of worship and rituals, nor is it logical it creates the universe wherein a species would emerge that needs to strive for salvation as its ‘sins’ against the first-cause. A first-cause would not have emotions as it has no needs, as it already existed before the universe was created, and so it does not need acknowledgement for itself or us.
The universe is static in its workings and laws, we see no deviation within this system as far as we understand it. To break these laws to show the power of a deity is illogical in itself again, as why show power through breaking the laws, while this same power was used to develop these laws? So the belief in the supernatural creates a paradox in our eyes. So it seems it is a non-intervening, non-emotional, first-cause and designer of laws.
We do not believe worship is needed. One of the main reasons people worship is to acknowledge their god of its supreme position which they believe is necessary to earn the favor of their god or earn salvation or reward as a paradise. People also pray for support and hope, to relieve tensions and as a reflection moment. There are multiple reasons people pray or perform rituals, but the main reason for rituals is the first given, to acknowledge the supreme position of their god in their lives and their worldview to please their god and earn salvation and reward. This form of worship we reject as in our eyes, this is an illogical reason for a first-cause to create the universe and intelligent beings, plus this gives god a more human mind as it seeks acknowledgement before rewarding. This view on god are the remnants in the human mind when they were subdued by kings and emperors and viewed their god or gods in almost the same way as they viewed their rulers, the only difference was that these divinities ruled the universe or parts of the universe, but their way of behaviour was similar to that of human rulers. When mankind mostly lived in tribes shamans and chiefs ruled their thinking and their social order, when these turned into priests and kings the worldview changed with them. You had to strive to earn the favor of the deity or deities in forms of worship and believed they were at the mercy of their god(s) at all times, as it was by the grace of the deity people were redeemed, not by their works. The rituals and religion many times reflected the political position or power a society was in. The concept of worship is irrational and seems completely purposeless except that it creates a community-feeling within that specific group and keeps them occupied with personal salvation. In many nations this is still a way to separate the people from interfering and rebelling against their low social status, as Marx said, religion is opium to the masses. A way for the elite to control the people. People are fixed in a mental slavery to appease their god or gods. We do not object to rituals when it has a positive social purpose or it is used to gain inner peace, but when it performed because they believe this is demanded by their deity or to redeem themselves, the whole focus changes.
It does not serve mankind as every person is busy with their own personal salvation, a selfish goal.
Man has free will within the universe, it can choose from every possibility it is presented within the universe. So the question then arises if mankind needs any guidance in their development as a species; animals are guided by their instinct which guides them as a species. But when the environment changes too drastically, the species will die out as its internal program cannot adapt to the radical changes. Man has developed a fast processor so it can adapt quickly to the changes of its environment, why would this processor have the need for an external agent to help with its adapting? Is there such a need? Religions do give guidelines for moral and a sense of purpose for mankind, but when it comes to government, freedom and social economy, man is left by itself or it is stuck in a mix of religion and a oppressing ruling system. So for us the question arose, is moral enough or would God send us guidance concerning politics, law and economy? As we certainly believe there is a need for guidelines for mankind on what to focus in this world and how to interact with each other on a social and economic level.
All of these principals:
- A non-intervening, non-emotional, needless, designer of laws, first-cause of the universe.
- A self-assembling, self-creating, self-developing universe with fixed laws.
- A rejection of worship and personal salvation.
- A denial of the supernatural.
- The acknowledgement of man’s free will.
- Guidance with man’s social-political and economic issues.
- The equality of all mankind.
- The need for them to unite under a secular, socialistic political system wherein man can find peace and is focused on benefiting the species as a whole.
These we have all found in the Qur’anic message. After a long research we, and many scholars before us, have come to the conclusion that the Qur’an does not represent a religion as it is understood by the majority, but a secular socio-economic system which lays down the principles for a social secular society wherein all man are equal and will have equal opportunities. But how do we know the Qur’an is communication between man and the first-cause? First proof a first-cause. Prove the need for guidance. Set up a list of requirements which a message much follow to make it a logical communication between man and the first-cause. Prove the Qur’an cannot be the result of man by its message not contradicting with science and the list of requirments. Prove the Qur’an does not uphold a religion, rejects the supernatural, does not demand worship or rituals. Prove the Qur’an presents a logical scientific version of god. Prove the current version of Islam deviates from the Qur’anic message. Prove how this understanding was replaced by a religion.
We hope to prove all of these issues in the information you will find on this website. As the famous cosmologist Carl Sagan said:
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
So we will try our best to explain our thoughts, our beliefs and our conclusions. Maybe then we have earned a new place within the above mentioned groups, position 2 and a half, that of the ethical deist believing in a socio-political and economic, scientific interpretation of the Qur’anic message that rejects the supernatural, worship, concept of salvation, and a unrealistic god. A group that only accepts reason and the scientific method in its beliefs and conclusions and beliefs the reason for mankind’s excistence is to develop itself and be part of the evolution of the universe.
The major essays that explain our above viewpoints are:
Quranic Cosmology; A short modern introduction by Arnold Yasin Mol
and
Islam: A Challenge To Religion by G. A. Parwez
and
The Bible, Quran and Science by Dr. Maurice Bucaille
and
The Heavens, the Earth and the Quran by Dr. Sayed Abdul Wadud [d. 2001]
These 4 essays set out the scientific sociological approach to the Qur’anic purpose and message that is presented on this page and by our organisation.
We call ourselves the Deen research center. So what is Deen? Deen is an Arabic word that is used in the Qur’an to describe 2 systems. The system that controls the universe and the system which is laid out in the Quran which mankind can create to govern their societies. In this way can mankind develop themselves further and overcome their inner conflicts that have stopped us from creating a stabile and fair system on earth where all man are equal and all humans have access to the basic needs and protection.
Let’s see the Arabic defintion of the word from the Classic Arabic dictionaries and how it is used in the Qur’an as explained by scholar G.A.Parwez:
Deen - (Dal-Ya-Noon) د-ي-ن
This word has been used in various forms and meanings, e.g., power, supremacy, ascendancy, sovereignty or lordship, dominion, law, constitution, mastery, government, realm, decision, definite outcome, reward and punishment. On the other hand, this word is also used in the sense of obedience, submission and allegiance (Taj / Moheet). The author of Lat’aif-ul-Lugh’at states that its meanings are accountability, supremacy, plan or habit. In Kit’ab-ul-Ishtiq’aq its meanings are given as obedience, habit, etc. In the Quran this word is used in almost all the above meanings in as many as 79 verses.
Deen also means a repetitive habit, so rain which always falls at a particular place is called Deen (Taj). Ad-Deen is to surrender before that Supreme Authority Which provides nourishment to the entire universe and lays down the laws and the code (2/131- 132); at another place it is called Islam. Verse (56/86) mentions about the people who are not under any command and authority “Ghaira Madeen.” In verse (12/76) Deen-ul-Malik is mentioned as “law of the king” and in (24/2) Deen-Illah is mentioned as “Law of Allah (God).” However, in verse (24/25) it is mentioned in the sense of reward and punishment. It can also mean accountability (Ibn-e-Qutaiba).
In verses (82/17-19), the Quran itself explains its meanings by putting a counter question: “‘The Day of Deen,’ and what do you understand as to what is the ‘Day of Deen?’ The ‘Day of Deen’ is when no man has any power over another man and all the affairs of mankind would be decided according to the Law of Allah.” Verse (1/3) also gives reference to this Day, period or stage of history when mankind would lead their lives according to the law of God on their own free will. The fundamental and basic quality of this period would be that no man would have any authority, power or supremacy over the other. Supremacy, authority and power would only be to the Laws of God. That is one of the meanings of “M’alike Yaum-id-Deen.”
These Laws of God in their final and complete form are given in the Quran, and are called Ad-Deen. To regulate our lives according to these Laws is Al-Islam. In fact, there are various terms prevalent in the world, e.g., social system, code of life, law of the government, constitution of the state etc., but the Holy Quran has used only one all-comprehensive word, “Ad-Deen.” This is the social order, the code of life, and the constitution prescribed by God. According to this constitution, it is God alone who has the power and the authority to impose any restrictions, or draw boundaries regulating human freedom, and no one else. Therefore, in Ad-Deen the ultimate Sovereignty rests with Allah alone and this Sovereignty is exercised through His Book. An Islamic State is the agency which enforces these Quranic Laws, and therefore, its constitution contains the unalterable Laws of the Quran. The entire functions of such a state are carried out within the boundaries drawn by these laws. The object is to maintain an ideal balance in this system of justice and equity. This, in other words, is Ad-Deen.
The Quran has described Islam as Ad-Deen which is generally translated in English as religion. In the light of what has been stated above, it should be clear that this supposed English equivalent is not only incorrect but distorts and vitiates the true significance of Deen. According to the Quran, Islam is Deen which means a Code of life, a social system, a polity (3/18, 5/3). This is the Deen which Muhammad Rasool-Allah brought (9/33) and would ultimately triumph over all other ways of life.
The word “Mazhab” has not been used anywhere in the Quran. It is, therefore, not proper to term Islam as religion or “Mazhab.” Mazhab, in the literal sense, means a passage or path made by man, and Deen is that code, law or system which one gets from God. That is why there are so many different sects in Mazhab, but none in Deen, and whoever indulges in sectarian feelings is called Mushrik, one who upholds authorities next to God. Deen revealed by God was and is One and there is no room for any sect in it. Sects are made by man not by God. Earlier too, God had given His Deen to mankind from time to time through various appointed messengers, but after their demise people forgot the Divine Books and instead devised their own ways. In this way they lost their Deen, and replaced it by man-made religions. Ultimately God gave His last Deen to mankind in the Quran and took upon Himself the responsibility of preserving it for all times. This was the Deen, the social system, which became the Code of life and the constitution in the life-time of Muhammed. Unfortunately, Muslims too set aside the Book of God and started following man-made laws, thereby replacing Allah’s Deen with religion. As a result, now the Muslims also are, in a way, at par with the followers of other religions. However, the Book of God, the Quran is still with them in its original form and can be adopted if anyone wants to recapture the old glory of Islam, the secular socio-economic system of the Quran.
