SCIENCE VERSUS MIRACLES — Authentication of Religious Truths

Muhammad the Prophet of Islam received his prophet-hood in 610 AD in Makkah. All the Prophets before him followed the method of demonstrating supernatural miracles as evidence towards the truthfulness of their message. But with the Prophet of Islam, who was the last link in the chain of Prophets, the method of supernatural miracles came to an end (THE QURAN 17: 59). The original text of the prophetic religion is preserved and the language in which this original text was revealed is also preserved. After the Prophet of Islam, the system of prophethood together with the supernatural miracles they demonstrated was abolished. There will be no further Prophets. Now the prophetic task is continuing through the followers of the Prophet. This is because after the Prophet of Islam, the divine religion in its original form became a completely preserved religion; so much so that now, there is no question of any distortion or changes to this divine message. Now the original text of the prophetic religion is preserved and the language in which this original text was revealed is also preserved. Now the question is, what is the substitute for the miracles of the Prophets of earlier times? In the earlier days, the truth of the prophetic message was authenticated through miracles. Now, what are the means of authenticating the Prophet's message? The answer to this question is modern scientific knowledge. Present day Science is the replacement for the miracles of ancient times. Now, Science plays the authenticating role that in earlier times was provided by miracles. These two periods of authentication of the divine message of religion have been clearly mentioned in the Quran. Regarding the first period of authentication the Quran says: We sent our messengers with evidence ... THE QURAN 57: 25 The second period of authentication is mentioned in the Quran in the future tense. In this regard the Quran says: In time we shall show them Our signs in the Universe and within themselves so that it will become clear unto them that this [revelation] is indeed the truth. THE QURAN 41: 53