The Evolution of Mankind in the Qur’an: Study of Muḥammad Syaḥrūr interpretation on Surah az-Zumar/39: 6

Abstract

This paper discusses Muḥammad SyaḥrÅ«r’s interpretation of Surah az-Zumar/39: 6 on the origin of living things, paticularly on the origin of human creation. In connection with this study, most interpreters believe that human creation was started from nafs wÄḥidah (one soul) which was interpreted as Adam, and zaujahÄ (his partner) as ḤawÄ’. But, SyaḥrÅ«r’s interpretation concludes that the human creation (as well as other living beings) begins from a single-celled organism, namely nafs wÄḥidah (one soul) that then develops through sexual process after a long phase of evolution. This concept is taken from the interpretation of ṡumÄ ja’ala minhÄ zaujahÄ (then We create from the soul its partner). This interpretation is interesting to observe critically, because besides unique, it can answer the accusation of the proponents of creationism tending to put theory of evolution in contrary with the faith in God.

Keywords:

Muḥammad Syaḥrūr, human creation, Qur’an, evolution.