Scientific Authority of the Quran: Perspectives from Shiite and Sunni Exegetes

The notion of the Quran’s scientific authority has long been ingrained in Muslim thought, though not always explicitly articulated in Islamic scholarship. Throughout history, scholars within the Islamic tradition have engaged in extensive debates surrounding this concept. It is evident that Quranic exegetes, whether overtly or implicitly, grappled with the idea. In today’s context, marked by technological and scientific advancements alongside increasing skepticism towards Islam, there exists a noticeable deficiency in both Muslim and non-Muslim knowledge structures—a neglect of engaging with the Quran for knowledge evaluation and alignment. There is a glaring absence of knowledge derived directly from the Quran. While Quranic exegetes acknowledge the Quran’s scientific authority, questions persist about the extent of its applicability across all fields of knowledge and sciences. Some ponder whether the Quran encompasses all the intricacies of every discipline or if it primarily offers general guidance for humanity, without engaging in the specifics. As a result, diverse perspectives have emerged on the scientific authority of the Quran. This study employs both field and library research methods, consulting exegeses from Shiite and Sunni scholars to explore, elaborate upon, and evaluate their respective views on the nature of the Quran’s scientific authority. Through this analysis, it aims to advocate for the most cogent position on the issue.