How can we reconcile the apparent contradiction between modern science and some rulings of Islam, such as the ruling on music and the niqab, taking into consideration the medical benefits of music and the health harms of the niqab?

Islam does not hinder the development of beneficial knowledge; rather, it encourages it and affirms that a contradiction between empirical science and revelation is impossible, for both originate from Allah, and truth does not contradict itself. Any correct knowledge from a reliable source does not contradict another, and any perceived contradiction is due to human understanding or the extent of the evidence’s validity. Evidence is of four types: definitive in authenticity and meaning (like the Qur’an), speculative in authenticity and meaning, definitive in authenticity but speculative in meaning, and definitive in meaning but speculative in authenticity. Correct evidence must be reconciled, and the definitive should take precedence over the speculative when reconciliation is not possible. Issues related to music, niqab, and vitamin D do not show a real contradiction between science and Islam. Prohibited things like alcohol have benefits, but their harm is greater, and the niqab does not prevent exposure to the sun to obtain vitamin D. The contradiction lies in an inaccurate understanding of the scientific issue.