Book Review: An Essential Guide to Islam & Evolution by Mufti Zameelur Rahman

 Book Review: An Essential Guide to Islam & Evolution    

Publisher: As-Subah Publications, London, England

First Published: November 2024 | Jumad al-Ūlā 1446

Author: Mufti Zameelur Rahman

Reviewer: Mufti Abdullah Moolla

Review:

أبدأ بالحمد مصليا على محمد خير نبيا أرسلا

The theory of evolution has, for the last century, been a very problematic issue for genuine Muslims, and scholars who understand its intricacies, as well as the danger it poses for not only Muslims, but humanity at large. There is an entire corpus of literature that discusses the topic and aptly deals with it too. However, it persists in society, continues to be taught in schools and universities, and is widely promoted by media as a genuine and worthy concept that must be embraced and accepted. 

Alḥamdulillāh, Mufti Zameelur Rahman, has very ably and expertly put together the essential arguments and critiques to deal with evolution. He guides the Muslim to swim through the Darwinian tribulation and establishes the explicit position on the creation of the first human, Sayyidunā Ādam ‘alayhi as-salām. May this magnificent work be appreciated and understood around the world by the grace and mercy of Allāh Ta’ālā. 

The book begins with THE DESIGN ARGUMENT, which, essentially, is a silencing response to evolutionists. The author continually references the classical scholars of Islam, like Al-Ghazālī, As-Sanūsī, Abū Manṣūr al-Māturīdī, and then latter day masters like Shaykh Muṣṭafā Ṣabrī raḥimahumullāh. This strengthens the belief of a Muslim, answers evolutionists, and sets the tone to dissect the arguments of Darwin. 

The second part is on EXPLORING EVOLUTION. This chapter forces the Muslim – layman and scholar alike – to think deeper, and look beyond the surface arguments posited by evolutionists. I cannot be more grateful for having read and studied this section, for it opened a new dimension of research and scholarly critique to me. The flaws of science are uncovered and the persistence of modernists with evolution is called into serious question. This chapter provides guidance on methodological naturalism, the framework under which scientists work. This is, for all practical purposes, the paradigm to exclude any divine role in creation and the running of the universe. This section quotes scientists and atheists, and provides compelling arguments for them to understand the reality of what they argue.  

The third part covers MUSLIM BELIEF & BIOLOGICAL ORIGINS. The belief of a Muslim with regards to Sayyidunā Ādam ‘alayhi as-salām is covered, with references from the Noble Qur’ān. It came as a refreshing surprise to note the shī’ī source of the ‘Adamic Exceptionalism’ theory – another serious and contentious issue that requires intense scrutiny for its outward ‘validity’.

Concluding Notes are drawn from the works of Shaykh-ul-Islām Muṣṭafā Ṣabrī, Mawlānā Ashraf ‘Alī Thānawī, and ‘Allāmah Anwar Shāh Kashmīrī raḥimahumullāh. These great scholars of Islām laid the foundation for later ‘Ulamā’ to deal with the issue of evolution. May Allāh Ta’ālā reward them abundantly for setting the record straight for Muslims to follow and build on. Āmīn

This book must be studied in-depth by ‘Ulamā’, Imāms, scholars, and teachers, in order to guide their communities out of the whirlpool of evolution. The arguments in this book should be summarized and presented to students of Madāris, schools, and universities in order to counter the flood of irreligionism that has fallen upon the world. 

ربنا تقبل منا إنك أنت السميع العليم ، ربنا لا تزغ قلوبنا بعد إذ هديتنا وهب لنا من لدنك رحمة إنك أنت الوهاب

16 Dhū al-Qa’dah 1446 | 15 May 2025

Azaadville, South Africa