Einstein’s famous quote on the universe and human stupidity from an Islamic perspective
The quote is commonly attributed to Einstein, but there is no definitive evidence that he actually said it.
However, Allah says,
إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ
- "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding." (3:190)
This verse invites those who have understanding to ponder on the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, which are some of the fundamental topics of cosmology and astronomy. Cosmology is a branch of astronomy that studies the origin and evolution of the universe, while astronomy focuses on the solar system and galaxy. Both fields rely on observation and analysis of the heavens and the earth, and both fields recognize the complexity and diversity of the cosmic phenomena.
The Quran also acknowledges that human beings have been endowed with intelligence and free will, but they are also prone to error, forgetfulness, and transgression. For example:
إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ خُلِقَ هَلُوعًا
Indeed, mankind was created anxious:
إِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ جَزُوعًا
When evil touches him, impatient,
وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلْخَيْرُ مَنُوعًا
And when good touches him, withholding [of it],
(70:19-21)
The Quran also advises human beings to seek knowledge, wisdom, and guidance from Allah, and to avoid arrogance, ignorance, and folly. For example:
يُؤْتِى ٱلْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤْتَ ٱلْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِىَ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ
- "He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding." (2:269)
This verse expresses a view of wisdom as a gift from Allah that entails both moral and intellectual excellence. Wisdom also implies a certain degree of humility and awareness of one’s limitations, as only those who have understanding will remember and appreciate Allah’s favors.
Knowledge is not something that one can pursue blindly or recklessly, but rather something that requires careful and honest inquiry based on reliable sources of evidence. Evidence is not something that one can ignore or distort, but rather something that one has to respect and account for.
وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْبَصَرَ وَٱلْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْـُٔولًا
- "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned." (17:36)
The verse warns against the dangers of basing one’s beliefs or actions on ignorance, speculation, or prejudice, and reminds us that we will be held accountable for our use or misuse of our cognitive faculties.
Learning requires humility, as it involves recognizing one’s own limitations, being open to new information and feedback, and appreciating the contributions of others. Humility also prevents one from becoming arrogant, boastful, or dismissive of others, which can hinder one’s learning and harm one’s relationships.
وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخْرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضَ وَلَن تَبْلُغَ ٱلْجِبَالَ طُولًا
- "And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height." (17:37)
Similarly, some hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasize the importance of learning, thinking, and acting wisely. For example:
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim, and he who imparts knowledge to those who do not deserve it, is like one who puts a necklace of jewels, pearls and gold around the neck of swines."
طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ وَوَاضِعُ الْعِلْمِ عِنْدَ غَيْرِ أَهْلِهِ كَمُقَلِّدِ الْخَنَازِيرِ الْجَوْهَرَ وَاللُّؤْلُؤَ وَالذَّهَبَ
This hadith emphasizes the value of knowledge and the need to preserve it by only sharing it with those who will appreciate and benefit from it.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The believer should not be stung from the same hole twice.’
لاَ يُلْدَغُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مِنْ جُحْرٍ مَرَّتَيْنِ
This hadith offers insights about the human experience and encourage individuals to be thoughtful and reflective in their actions and thinking.
لاَ عَقْلَ كَالتَّدْبِيرِ وَلاَ وَرَعَ كَالْكَفِّ وَلاَ حَسَبَ كَحُسْنِ الْخُلُقِ
This is a hadith (a saying of Prophet Muhammad) that means: "There is no wisdom like reflection, and no honor like good manners, and no piety like restraint." The hadith is reported by Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, a companion of the Prophet, and narrated by al-Bayhaqi in his book Shu'ab al-Iman. The hadith teaches the importance of three qualities: reflection, manners, and restraint. Reflection is the ability to think deeply and plan wisely. Manners are the way one behaves with others in a respectful and courteous way. Restraint is the ability to control one's desires and avoid what is forbidden or harmful. These qualities are signs of intelligence, dignity, and piety in Islam.
Therefore, while Einstein's quote may appear to be a cynical reflection on human nature, from an Islamic perspective, it serves as a reminder of the need for humility, self-reflection, and a continuous pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Only by acknowledging our limitations and seeking guidance from Allah can we hope to overcome the obstacles of human stupidity and ignorance, and appreciate the infinite wonders of the universe.