Normally, one does not need to comment on the preface of a book. However, this is an exception. Science in general, and the philosophy of Positivism in particular, respects knowledge that is gained from structured experimentation and observation of natural phenomena. The "father" of Positivism, Auguste Comte (1798-1857) believed that speculative thinking passed through three stages: the theological, the metaphysical, and the positive. During the theological and metaphysical stages, Comte believed that all deductions made by man are based on either superstition or hypothetical data which are completely worthless. Human knowledge can only be worthwhile when it is founded on positives.

Science is a search for the truth. First, a hypothesis is formed and then it is tested. If the data do not fit the hypothesis, the hypothesis is abandoned and a new model is sought to explain the phenomena in question.

I am both a Christian and a scientist (holding advanced degrees in both social and natural sciences). When I approach a problem, I do not look for evidence that fits my pre-conceived conclusion and ignore evidence that does not. I look at my research hypothesis and determine if the facts fit the model. If the facts do not fit my model, I either modify or completely discard my hypothsis and attempt to formulate a better one. Science did not destroy my faith in Jesus. In fact, I came to Christ while attempting to discredit Him and the Bible using scientific and historical arguments and methodologies.

Abdullah M. Al-Rehaili's preface, along with this entire website, are a conclusion in search of an argument. For example, the preface establishes those who believe the arguments of this site as "experts and authorities of science"

When those experts and authorities of science acclaim these facts, they actually demonstrate a proof of the truthfulness of Islam in front of their fellow scholars and to those endowed with less knowledge among their own people. They are actually opening closed doors and paving the road to the true faith in Allah, the Lord of the universe. What then, is the excuse of those who turn away from faith after these proofs and the testimonies of those scientists?

But what about those of us who are not convinced that the Qur'an is scientifically accurate?

Allah said to them in the Qur'an: Say: Do you see? If (this teaching) be from Allah, and you reject it, And a witness from among the children of Israel testifies to its similarity (with earlier scripture), and has believed while you are arrogant (How unjust you are!) Truly, Allah guides not a people unjust. (Qur'an 46:10).

Not only are we "arrogant", God will not guide us. Therefore, after beginning with the a priori assumption that the Qur'an is true, this site only seeks to twist the text to imply that there are accurate scientific statements in the Qur'an while completely ignoring the many scientific errors in the Qur'an. To make matters worse, those of us who are skeptical of the Qur'an's claims will not be guided and, therefore, will never find the truth!

But things get even worse!

Allah also said in the Qur'an: Those whom Allah wills to guide, He opens their breast to Islam; Those whom He wills to leave straying, - he makes their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus does Allah lay abomination on those who refuse to believe. (Qur'an 6:125).

So, God closes the "breasts" of some people and then condemns them for not believing! This is an amazingly cruel form of predestination from a God who is supposed to be just!

We will accept the argument of our Muslim friends (that the Qur'an contains only accurate scientific statements) as our research hypothesis.

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