5.5.1 PHYSICAL LAWS

Phenomena in the universe are related in a causal way. The relations are not haphazard. The universe is ordered and is coordinated. Complex phenomena can be explained by a few simple mathematical equations that summarize physical laws. The physical l accurately describe phenomena that appear complicated and very detailed. They serve as a reminder that the empirical world is simple and straightforward running on a few basic principles and paradigms. The physical laws according to which the universe is ordered are what the Qur’an calls sunan al llaah. The sunan are among the signs of Allah, ayat al allaah. They are fixed and are characterized by stability, thabat al sunan. They therefore serve as a basis for predictability of empirical phenomena. They explain the consistency, repetition, parity, symmetry, harmony, co-ordination, and purposive ness of physical phenomena in the universe. Even apparent differences and exceptions follow some fixed laws.

5.5.2 ORDER

The universe is orderly, systematic, harmonious, and predictable. The order reflects Allah's will, is the best logical manifestation for one sole creator, and is open book and proof of tauhid al rububbiyyat. The human body in its gross and microscopic anatomy is a reflection of a high level of order. There is organizational order in all physiological functions. Existence of orderly relationships is the basis of medical treatment. If the chemical reactions were not predictable and orderly, each instance of disease would require new research to discover the right medicine for it. Scientific research would not be possible if there was no order in the universe. There are physical laws that describe and summarize this order. The purpose of all scientific investigation is to find these laws, understand them, and use them for the benefit of humans. The universe has a stable state to which it returns after temporary disturbances. This state is referred to as homeostasis in physiology. Negative feedback maintains homeostasis. Compensatory mechanisms in normal physiology assure return to the normal resting state. In patho-physiological situations, corrective mechanisms fail to restore order after disturbances and this results eventually into definitive pathological changes and disease.

5.5.3 CHANGE:

Only Allah is permanent. Everything else changes continuously. The physical laws are also permanent but their application in different circumstances produces different results. Change is a constant phenomenon in the in nature. The miracle of Allah’s creation is that changes are regulated and are co-ordinated. They follow a system. Such phenomena can occur only occur in a situation in which there is one powerful creator for the universe. One of the major discoveries in science is that matter and energy are inter-changeable. Day and night follow each other in a predictable way. The sun and the moon move in fixed orbit and move according to accurate and predictable reckoning. Climate or weather is one of the manifestations of constant change. Periods of rapid growth in infancy and adolescence are periods of major and rapid biological change. This change is not chaotic. It follows a fixed predictable order. This biological clock operates on a daily basis i.e. hours of sleep and wakefulness. It also operates on a monthly basis for female menstruation. Physiological reactions and processes are in a state of constant change. The change is according to a definite order and is not chaotic.

5.5.4 THE SEEN, shahadat, & THE UNSEEN, al ghaib

The world of the unseen has two components: the absolute, ghaib mutlaq, and the relative, ghaib nisbi. The nature of the ruh, knowledge of the time of the last day, time of human death, are ghaib mutlaq. Examples of ghaib nisbi are: knowledge of the past and knowledge of contemporary events. Most phenomena in the physical universe are ghaib nisbi. Humans through research or just waiting for long enough can get to know things that were unknown before. The Qur'an and sunnah provide humans with sufficient knowledge of the ghaib mutlaq for them to conduct their affairs.

5.5.5 BALANCE and EQUILIBRIUM