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This course addresses a crucial challenge for believers (and anyone open to belief): it seems as if modern science explains nature without needing any transcendent source of power, knowledge or compassion.
For several generations, many believers, including Muslims, ignored the naturalist & materialist discourse of modern science. They said:
“Study biology, just ignore modern biology’s assumption that cells, organs and living beings are the result of accidents.
Study physics, make proper calculations about speed of objects, etc., but ignore the assumption that laws of nature are creators of events.
Study astronomy as if the orbits emerge on their own, but at the same time believe in God who sustains them.”
But, unfortunately, in the long run, such an attitude isn’t feasible because we end up unconsciously falling into the materialist way of seeing the world.Despite the fact that we know more details about nature, including our cells, the DNA, organs, different species, climate, galaxies, atoms, quarks etc… our appreciation and wonder of the Creator does not seem to increase. On the contrary, it seems to decrease. For many of us, the more we study science, the more we seem to move away from feeling the presence of an All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Merciful Rabb/Sustainer.
Clearly, it is not enough to simply ignore the ideological baggage of modern science.
So, instead of putting a band-aid over this wound, this course will help you treat it.
The aim of this course is to replace the skewed materialistic view of nature with an enlightened & awakened vision that sees how the universe is a meaningful text filled with signposts disclosing the Beautiful Names of God.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The course includes three main components: self-paced online instructional content, interactive live sessions with Dr Yamina Bougueneya, and an end-of-course project presented by participants during the final live session.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Six Week Online Course
The online course consists of the following modules:
Module 1:The relationship between Islam & Science
Why do we need to question modern science?
Recognize the underlying tension between the Quranic worldview and the materialistic assumptions of modern science. While Islam historically encouraged the study of nature and inspired major scientific achievements, modern science often interprets the universe as purposeless, reducing nature and humanity to blind physical processes. In contrast, the Quran presents the world as a meaningful creation filled with signs (āyāt) pointing to God’s power, wisdom, and compassion. Understand the task in this course: rather than rejecting modern science, we shall examine its hidden ideological baggage and learn how to transform it into nurturing wonder and true knowledge.
Module 2: Shahadah (Witnessing) & Why It Matters
How is rethinking modern science related to life and iman?
Understand how misinterpretation of nature is not unique to modern scientific approach but rather related to ghafla/heedlessness that permeates our everyday perception. The Quran invites humanity to see the meaning of life through witnessing one God, aka shahada . Analyze how one can access grounded belief in God through seeing signposts (ayat) pointing to God in nature. Recognize the broader value of engaging with modern science for our lives.
Module 3: Questioning Modern Science
What are the Problems with Modern Science?
Explore definition and the scope of modern science. Note the distinction between science and scientism. Evaluate both the importance and pitfalls of empirical method. Discuss the ways in which naturalist assumptions of modern science can distort empirical data.
Module 4: On Natural Causes
A major source of confusion in science (and popular understanding) is the concept of natural causes. In this module, critically engage with natural causality and learn how to recognize the logical problems with naturalist thinking. Gain skills to lift the veil “natural causes” to see their indications to divine agency, divine wisdom and other divine names (asma al-husna).
Due to its importance, this module will be discussed in two sections, with two corresponding interactive sessions.
Module 4 part A:
Taking the example of photosynthesis, explore the problems in modern science’s interpretation of natural order. Learn why such major mistakes are made and explore how natural causes cannot be true agents of events.
Module 4 part B:
Learn how the Quran offers important cues for clearing away the ‘veil’ of natural causality. Gain effective tools to apply to modern science and to see how natural order is a sign to Transcendence.
Module 5: On Laws of Nature
Can Laws of Nature Cause Events?
Another major source of confusion in science (and popular understanding) is the concept of laws of nature. In this module, we discuss the concept of “laws of nature” and how it is mistaken as an explanation of events. Also recognize how laws of nature cannot be proven to be without exception.
Interactive Live Sessions
There will be weekly online sessions each for 90 minutes, hosted by Dr. Yamina Bougueneaya and at least one other host instructor. These sessions will enable you to ask your questions regarding the module contents and assignments. Each participant is expected to engage with active listening and sharing. Each will also be assigned a particular week to offer an opening reflection. All participants must have their cameras on during meetings. Brief interruptions to deal with things happening offscreen are fine. If your personal circumstances make this difficult, please write to us at [email protected]
End-of-Course Presentations
In the final interactive live meeting, participants will present a short application project, showing how the course content can be integrated into their own professional, academic, or personal interests. The aim is to explore how modern scientific perspectives can be reframed as tools for spiritual understanding and shahada. These presentations are intended to be brief and reflective, rather than large or time-consuming projects.
This final session will also allow for networking and planning next steps for transmuting modern science to a tool for getting to know the Divine source [ma’rifatullah].
Format and Time Commitment
The weekly module contents are to be completed asynchronously. Online interactive sessions led by instructors provide space for exchange, where participants can ask questions, share challenges, and explore issues relevant to the weekly content. Facilitators also provide feedback on optional assignment submissions.
Time commitment/expectations:
How much time you spend and how deeply you engage is up to you, but as a guide:
Reviewing weekly content only: approximately 2 hours per week
Participating in online discussions: an additional 2 hours per week
Completing optional weekly assignments : approximately 1 hour per week. These assignments provide an opportunity to further engage with and apply the ideas explored each week.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in re-envisioning nature beyond a purely materialistic lens and learning to read the universe as a meaningful book of signposts. It is ideal for:
Course Dates
The first iteration of the course will start on one of the following dates. Select the date(s) that you can attend on the registration form. If both start dates work for you, select both.
The first offering of this course is *free* and offers a special opportunity for live interaction with Dr Yamina Bougunenaya. In future iterations, the course may have no live meeting component. Please kindly complete your registration before Jan 9th.
You will be notified by Jan 10th regarding your application result and the course start date.
For several generations, many believers, including Muslims, ignored the naturalist & materialist discourse of modern science. They said:
“Study biology, just ignore modern biology’s assumption that cells, organs and living beings are the result of accidents.
Study physics, make proper calculations about speed of objects, etc., but ignore the assumption that laws of nature are creators of events.
Study astronomy as if the orbits emerge on their own, but at the same time believe in God who sustains them.”
But, unfortunately, in the long run, such an attitude isn’t feasible because we end up unconsciously falling into the materialist way of seeing the world.Despite the fact that we know more details about nature, including our cells, the DNA, organs, different species, climate, galaxies, atoms, quarks etc… our appreciation and wonder of the Creator does not seem to increase. On the contrary, it seems to decrease. For many of us, the more we study science, the more we seem to move away from feeling the presence of an All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Merciful Rabb/Sustainer.
Clearly, it is not enough to simply ignore the ideological baggage of modern science.
So, instead of putting a band-aid over this wound, this course will help you treat it.
The aim of this course is to replace the skewed materialistic view of nature with an enlightened & awakened vision that sees how the universe is a meaningful text filled with signposts disclosing the Beautiful Names of God.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The course includes three main components: self-paced online instructional content, interactive live sessions with Dr Yamina Bougueneya, and an end-of-course project presented by participants during the final live session.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Six Week Online Course
The online course consists of the following modules:
Module 1:The relationship between Islam & Science
Why do we need to question modern science?
Recognize the underlying tension between the Quranic worldview and the materialistic assumptions of modern science. While Islam historically encouraged the study of nature and inspired major scientific achievements, modern science often interprets the universe as purposeless, reducing nature and humanity to blind physical processes. In contrast, the Quran presents the world as a meaningful creation filled with signs (āyāt) pointing to God’s power, wisdom, and compassion. Understand the task in this course: rather than rejecting modern science, we shall examine its hidden ideological baggage and learn how to transform it into nurturing wonder and true knowledge.
Module 2: Shahadah (Witnessing) & Why It Matters
How is rethinking modern science related to life and iman?
Understand how misinterpretation of nature is not unique to modern scientific approach but rather related to ghafla/heedlessness that permeates our everyday perception. The Quran invites humanity to see the meaning of life through witnessing one God, aka shahada . Analyze how one can access grounded belief in God through seeing signposts (ayat) pointing to God in nature. Recognize the broader value of engaging with modern science for our lives.
Module 3: Questioning Modern Science
What are the Problems with Modern Science?
Explore definition and the scope of modern science. Note the distinction between science and scientism. Evaluate both the importance and pitfalls of empirical method. Discuss the ways in which naturalist assumptions of modern science can distort empirical data.
Module 4: On Natural Causes
A major source of confusion in science (and popular understanding) is the concept of natural causes. In this module, critically engage with natural causality and learn how to recognize the logical problems with naturalist thinking. Gain skills to lift the veil “natural causes” to see their indications to divine agency, divine wisdom and other divine names (asma al-husna).
Due to its importance, this module will be discussed in two sections, with two corresponding interactive sessions.
Module 4 part A:
Taking the example of photosynthesis, explore the problems in modern science’s interpretation of natural order. Learn why such major mistakes are made and explore how natural causes cannot be true agents of events.
Module 4 part B:
Learn how the Quran offers important cues for clearing away the ‘veil’ of natural causality. Gain effective tools to apply to modern science and to see how natural order is a sign to Transcendence.
Module 5: On Laws of Nature
Can Laws of Nature Cause Events?
Another major source of confusion in science (and popular understanding) is the concept of laws of nature. In this module, we discuss the concept of “laws of nature” and how it is mistaken as an explanation of events. Also recognize how laws of nature cannot be proven to be without exception.
Interactive Live Sessions
There will be weekly online sessions each for 90 minutes, hosted by Dr. Yamina Bougueneaya and at least one other host instructor. These sessions will enable you to ask your questions regarding the module contents and assignments. Each participant is expected to engage with active listening and sharing. Each will also be assigned a particular week to offer an opening reflection. All participants must have their cameras on during meetings. Brief interruptions to deal with things happening offscreen are fine. If your personal circumstances make this difficult, please write to us at [email protected]
End-of-Course Presentations
In the final interactive live meeting, participants will present a short application project, showing how the course content can be integrated into their own professional, academic, or personal interests. The aim is to explore how modern scientific perspectives can be reframed as tools for spiritual understanding and shahada. These presentations are intended to be brief and reflective, rather than large or time-consuming projects.
This final session will also allow for networking and planning next steps for transmuting modern science to a tool for getting to know the Divine source [ma’rifatullah].
Format and Time Commitment
The weekly module contents are to be completed asynchronously. Online interactive sessions led by instructors provide space for exchange, where participants can ask questions, share challenges, and explore issues relevant to the weekly content. Facilitators also provide feedback on optional assignment submissions.
Time commitment/expectations:
How much time you spend and how deeply you engage is up to you, but as a guide:
Reviewing weekly content only: approximately 2 hours per week
Participating in online discussions: an additional 2 hours per week
Completing optional weekly assignments : approximately 1 hour per week. These assignments provide an opportunity to further engage with and apply the ideas explored each week.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in re-envisioning nature beyond a purely materialistic lens and learning to read the universe as a meaningful book of signposts. It is ideal for:
- Science-aligned professionals and students interested in re-examining and transforming modern science
- Parents and educators nurturing wonder and thoughtful engagement with the world
- Writers, artists, and creatives who draw inspiration from nature and seek a more conscious way of seeing
- Seekers and members of the general public who are perplexed by the dominant scientific worldview and long for a vision of nature that restores meaning and purpose
Course Dates
The first iteration of the course will start on one of the following dates. Select the date(s) that you can attend on the registration form. If both start dates work for you, select both.
- Saturdays 10am (EST) Jan 17-Feb 21 (last session during Ramadan)
- Saturdays 10am (EST) March 28-May 2
The first offering of this course is *free* and offers a special opportunity for live interaction with Dr Yamina Bougunenaya. In future iterations, the course may have no live meeting component. Please kindly complete your registration before Jan 9th.
You will be notified by Jan 10th regarding your application result and the course start date.
