By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam
28 June 2024
The Principles of Chaos Theory That Govern the Universe Could Explain Why the Qur’an Advises Muslims to Always Include the Phrase “If Allah Wills (Insha’Allah)” When Making Plans for The Future. In Chapter 18, Verses 23-24, This Instruction Serves as A Reminder of the Unpredictable Nature of Events and The Importance of Acknowledging the Influence of Divine Will in All Our Intentions and Actions
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Numerous individuals may not always follow through with their good intentions because they underestimate the impact of their actions. However, scientific evidence proves that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect and lead to significant positive outcomes. This theory is supported by chaos theory, which demonstrates how small changes can have large and unpredictable effects on complex systems. So, next time you doubt the power of your actions, remember that even the smallest gesture of kindness can make a big difference in the world.
What is the Chaos Theory?
Chaos theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions, a phenomenon popularly referred to as the “butterfly effect” somewhere in the universe causing a storm in Texas. Small differences in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes, making long-term prediction difficult or impossible. Evidence for chaos theory comes from both theoretical foundations and experimental observations across various fields.
Chaos theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions, a phenomenon popularly referred to as the “butterfly effect.” Small differences in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes, making long-term prediction difficult or impossible. Evidence for chaos theory comes from both theoretical foundations and experimental observations across various fields. Here are some key pieces of evidence and examples:
Imagine you’re trying to predict the weather on your farm. You know that weather patterns often follow certain rules and can sometimes be predicted based on past experiences. However, you also know that weather can be very unpredictable and can change suddenly in ways that are hard to foresee. The Lorenz Attractor is like a map of how weather patterns can behave. It’s based on some mathematical rules that describe how weather changes over time. Even though these weather patterns follow specific rules (they’re deterministic), small changes in initial conditions (like a slight difference in temperature or wind) can lead to vastly different outcomes. This means that while the system follows a predictable path, it becomes very hard to predict exactly where it will go in the long run. The discovery of the Lorenz attractor showed scientists that even systems that follow clear rules (like the weather or plant growth) can be very unpredictable. This was the first clear evidence that systems could be both orderly and chaotic at the same time.
Chaos theory is supported by a robust body of theoretical work, experimental evidence, and practical applications across various fields. For example, it is used Engineering and Control Systems and techniques have been developed to control chaotic systems, making them behave in a predictable manner. Chaos theory helps in understanding complex biological processes and diseases, including cancers, heart arrhythmias and brain activity patterns in epilepsy.
The principles of Chaos Theory that govern the universe could explain why the Qur’an advises Muslims to always include the phrase “if Allah wills (Inshah Allah)” when making plans for the future. In chapter 18, verses 23-24, this instruction serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of events and the importance of acknowledging the influence of divine will in all our intentions and actions. By recognizing the role of Chaos Theory and submitting to Allah’s ultimate control, Muslims are encouraged to approach their plans with humility and a sense of surrender to the greater forces at play in the universe.
One compelling example for the Chaos theory from Indian history that illustrates chaos theory and the butterfly effect is the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. Rosa Parks’ seemingly small act of defiance of refusal to give up her bus seat to a white man illustrates another example of the profound impact that individual actions can have on society. Her courage and determination not only changed the course of her own life but also sparked a major social movement that led to significant legal and societal changes in the United States.
The Chaos Theory can serve as a source of inspiration for Muslims, as it illustrates how small acts of righteousness can have far-reaching and significant impacts in the world. By understanding the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for even the smallest actions to create massive goodness, Muslims can be encouraged to continue their efforts towards making positive change. Just as a small flap of a butterfly’s wings can create a hurricane on the other side of the world, a single act of kindness or righteousness can lead to unimaginable goodness and blessings for all.
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T.O. Shanavas is a native of Kerala, but is now based in the USA. He is the author of “Islamic Theory of Evolution The Missing Link Between Darwin and The Origin of Species.” Co-author of the book, And God Said, “Let There Be Evolution!”: Reconciling The Book Of Genesis, The Qur’an, And The Theory Of Evolution. Edited by Prof. Charles M. Wynn and Prof. Arthur W. Wiggins.
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