القمر بين العلم والقرآن. مع الدكتور سليمان بركة
The moon between science and religion with Dr. Sulaeman Baraka
Dr. Sulaeman Baraka is the Senior Research Scientist of Astrophysics and Space Plasma Kinetic Simulation at the National Institute of Aerospace-NASA. He served as the Founder and director of center for astronomy and space sciences at AL-Aqsa University Gaza before his retirment and now works with Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas with Dr. Olivier Le Contel.
We were blessed last night to have a wonderful lecture from esteemed physicist Dr. Sulaeman Baraka speak on the significance of the moon in astrophysics and the Quran. Showing us that science does not detract from our faith but adds to the majesty with which we can understand the world Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ has created for us.
Abu Fadi began the lecture by reminding us that it is not how many are in our congregation but the quality of those present. We were happy to see however the al Nahda center full last night with community and family.
Dr. Sularman Baraka throughout his lecture reinforced for us that the Moon is not only a celestial body or a symbol of our faith but serves as a link between the understanding of science and the practice of faith. The moon, its phases and formation serves as a foundation for us from which science can theorize and help us to understand what the moon in and how it was formed. Critically the Quran gives us insight into life over all and gives us the reason of life behind everything which is Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ vision for humanity.
The giant impact theory for the creation of the moon is even codified in the Quran. Although the Quran is not a scientific text, it is elevated above science, science finds itself justified in the Quran because the Quran shows us all things in life. Science is merely a tool with which humanity seeks to better understand Allah’s creations.
The science which Dr. Sulaeman Baraka has dedicated his life to has given him tools to ask questions about the world and to question everything for the sake of knowledge. The Quran encourages this dedication and hunger for knowledge. Dr. Sulaeman Baraka serves as a role model for our community not only as an accomplished scientist but as a what it means to be a leader, to question the world around you, to always seek truth, to dedicate your life to something bigger than yourself and to work to bring that knowledge back to you community.