Is the deterioration of science in Muslim lands due to prioritizing transmitted knowledge (naql) over reason (aql), especially the belief held by some that all knowledge is contained in the Quran and Sunnah, which consequently deters them from studying other sciences?

Sciences are of two types: religious and worldly. Religious sciences, such as beliefs (aqeedah) and jurisprudence (fiqh), are derived from the Sacred Law (Sharia), and in them, transmitted knowledge (naql) must be given precedence over intellect (aql). There is no contradiction between sound transmitted knowledge and clear intellect; if an apparent contradiction is found, the fault lies in the intellect's understanding. Worldly sciences, such as medicine and engineering, have had their details left by the Sharia to intellect and experience, while general guidelines have been set for them. The Prophet, peace be upon him, alluded to this by saying: "You know best about the affairs of your worldly life."

The Quran and Sunnah do not contain the details of all worldly sciences, and denying this is incorrect; it was denied by ancient scholars like Al-Shatibi.

The backwardness of Muslims is not due to their turning away from worldly sciences; rather, it is a result of their abandonment of the means of scientific strength and the weakening of their adherence to their religion. Muslims were leaders of the world, scientifically and morally, for many centuries when they were steadfast in their religion.