What is the opinion on employing modern scientific discoveries to interpret Quranic verses, taking into account that science changes while the Quran is constant, and to avoid affecting the faith of the weak when the opposite of these discoveries is proven?

Regarding the scientific inimitability (i'jaz 'ilmi) in the Qur’an and Sunnah, a balance must be struck between excess and deficiency. It is incorrect not to utilize the facts of modern science in understanding cosmic verses, and it is equally incorrect to exaggerate and burden the verses with interpretations they cannot bear, or to present hypotheses as established theories. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen states that extremism in scientific inimitability may lead to linking the Qur’an to theories that might prove false, thereby affecting the sanctity of the Qur’an. He emphasized that the Qur’an was revealed primarily to explain acts of worship and transactions, not to detail cosmology.

Researchers have set guidelines for reaching sound conclusions in this field, the most important of which are: 1. The text must be authentic and sound, especially in Hadith. 2. The scientific fact must be conclusively proven, such that it is a scientific law and not merely a hypothesis. 3. The scientific indication in the Qur’anic or Hadith text must be clear.

When studying, the following should be observed: 1. Gathering all texts related to the topic. 2. Collecting different readings and narrations. 3. Knowing the reasons for revelation (asbab al-nuzul) and abrogation (naskh). 4. Understanding the text according to the comprehension of Arabs at the time of revelation, and observing linguistic and usuli (jurisprudential principles) rules. 5. Clearly demonstrating the aspect of inimitability. 6. Not delving into matters of the unseen or ambiguous verses (mutashabihat). 7. Not relying on Israelite traditions (Isra'iliyat) or weak narrations. 8. Relying on accredited sources. 9. Avoiding belittling the opinions of the predecessors (Salaf). 10. Limiting the study to what can be understood and proven. 11. Believing that the words of Allah and His Messenger are truth and do not contradict any scientific fact. 12. Striving for truthfulness and sincerity in intention, and remembering the seriousness of speaking about the Qur’an without knowledge. 13. Possessing patience, scientific competence, and objectivity.