Science and Islam

Resolution: The scientific statements in the Quran cannot be proven wrong.1) The topic of the debate/ClarificationThe debate is simply about the scientific accuracy in the Quran. The burden of proof for Con will primarily be to make evident that the science in the Quran can be proven wrong. This is not a debate about whether or not the scientific statements in the Quran can be proven right. As long as we cannot directly prove anything in the Quran wrong through science, we thus assume that there are no scientific discrepancies.2) Debate Properties4 rounds8000 characters3 days72 hours to argue1 month voting period. 5) Structure Round 1: Opening ArgumentsRound 2: Rebuttals Round 3: RebuttalsRound 4: Closing statements-------->OPENING ARGUMENTS<---- Thank you for graciously challenging me to this debate.I. The Qur'an and Astronomy A. The Qur'an and the sun [1] "When he reached the setting place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring and found a people thereabout. We said: ‘O Dhul-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness"’ (Surah 18:86).Obviously this is wrong on several accounts: The sun does not set in a muddy spring; The earth is not larger than the sun; and Humans would not be able to be around the sun as close as the Qur'an has us believe. Some Muslim apologist maintain that the Qur'an is making an idiom. However, the explanation does not agree with the Hadith nor the commentaries."Abu Dharr (one of Muhammad’s close companions) was with Muhammad during the sunset. Muhammad asked him: ‘Do you know, O Abu Dharr where this sets?’ He answered: ‘God and His apostle know better.’ Muhammad said: ‘It sets in a spring of slimy water"’ (3rd Edition, Volume 2 p. 743,1987).B. North and South Poles "It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit." (36.40)The sun does not orbit the moon. Rather, the moon orbits the earth and the earth orbits the sun. The sun orbits the center of the milky way galaxy. [2] II. Biology A. Asexual Organisms "And of every thing We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction." (51.49)This is not true for several accounts accounts: Some organisms are sexless [3]; Some organisms reproduce asexually [4]; It leaves out the possibility of parthenognetic organisms [5]; It leaves out the possibility of Schizophyllum organisms that have at least 28K sexes! [6] B. Sperm reproductionI noticed several have brought this idea up in other debates you had with them. I will attempt to defend this possible error. "Now let man but think from what he is created! He is created from a drop emitted-Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs," (Qur'an 86:5-7)We know that it is false. Rather, sperms form within the testicles which is far below the chest. Conclusion Scientific statements in the Qur'an have been proved wrong. Negated.____________Sources 1. http://answering-islam.org...;2. http://hypertextbook.com......;3. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com......4. http://en.wikipedia.org......;5. A parthenogenetic organism is an organism that the ovum develops into a new individual without fertilization. Natural parthenogenesis has been observed in many lower animals (it is characteristic of the rotifers), especially insects, e.g., the aphid. In many social insects, such as the honeybee and the ant, the unfertilized eggs give rise to the male drones and the fertilized eggs to the female workers and queens. See: http://wikiislam.net......;6. Yes, that is correct. Over 28,000 distinct sexes! See http://botit.botany.wisc.edu......;