In the name of Allah the Gracious the Merciful
HOLY QUR’AN AND SCIENCE CONFERENCE, September 26, 2015 Presenter Dr. Altaf Qadeer Granada University, Spain Dr. Zia Shah Editor-i-Chief, The Muslim Times, Washington Dr. Munir Mohammad Hasan Ex Vice Chancellor, NED University, Karachi Dr. Redouane Fakir Founder, Space Launch Canada Muhammad Afzal Mirza Missionary, Jamaʻat Ahmadiyya Canada Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Khan Post Doc Fellow at St. Michaels Hosp. & U of T Dr. Sohail Zakiuddin Husain Assoc. Professor at University of Pittsburgh Mahmood Akbar Geologist Farhan Khokhar Vice President AMJ Canada Qasim Rashid Author Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baten
Title of Presentation Inspiring Pathways to Human Creativity with Insights from the Holy Qur’an and Social Neuroscience Biological Evolution: Christianity and Islam
e-mail altafqadeer@yahoo.com
The Importance of Believing in Allah—A Scientific Interpretation CANCELLED
munirhasan@hotmail.com
Scientific Language of the Holy Qur’an
Mamirza51@gmail.com
Honey, A Cure for Mankind—Directions from the Holy Qur’an The Qur’an on the Molecular Switches that Turn on Pancreatic Regeneration Qur’an and Cracked/Fractured Earth
tauseef.khan@gmail.com
End of Life Decisions—The Conflict Between Science, Faith and Geography CANCELLED
fkhokhar@gmail.com
Marine Biology and the Holy Qur’an
abdulmbaten@gmail.com
ziashah@hotmail.com
director@spacelaunch.ca
sohailzhusain@gmail.com akbarm2@gmail.com
qasim.rashid@gmail.com mohammad.baten@abmcollege.com
Dr. Aslam Daud Chairman Humanity First Dr. Hameed A. Mirza Professor, York University
The Human Pathophysiology in the Holy Qur’an
aslamdaud@gmail.com
Reconciling the nature of chirality from the Qur'an
hmirza1993@gmail.com
HOLY QUR’AN AND SCIENCE CONFERENCE Sep. 26, 2015
ABSTRACTS & PROFILES OF PRESENTERS
Status as of September 21, 2015 at 10:00 am
Inspiring pathways to human creativity with insights from the Holy Quran and social neuroscience—examining research nets from the Holy Quran, social neuroscience and cognitive strategies by Dr. Altaf Qadeer
Abstract Holy Quran provides multiple dimensions and living pathways to inspire human creativity and enrich human intellectual powers. From thought experiment ways of analysis to exemplars to forming new ideas—a range of cognitive and spiritual journeys are elaborated. Research in cognitive neuroscience and social neuroscience provides scientific evidence in relation to some of these dimensions. This short presentation regarding some innovative approaches and scientific evidences links previous research work in this field and demonstrates possible research pathways to apply them in the future scientific studies. There are also real life applications such as data collection through various research methods as microgenetic designs, empirical studies, experimental research methods and narrative inquiry.
Profile: Dr. Altaf Qadeer is a Member of ESERA (European Science Education Research Association). He has served as Adjunct Professor and Site-Coordinator at York University (for teacher practicums). Dr. Altaf Qadeer is currently working as a researcher at Department of Science Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, and Granada University, Spain. He has worked as an educator for a long period in various parts of the world. Dr. Altaf Qadeer has recently written a book with some innovative approaches about cognitive-net, inspiring creativity and innovation.
Biological evolution: Christianity and Islam by Dr. Zia Shah M.D. Editor-in-Chief of the Muslim Times Washington USA
Abstract
Profile
THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEVING IN ALLAH - A Scientific Interpretation by Dr. Munir Mohammad Hasan Former Vice Chancellor, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi Pakistan
Abstract
Profile
Profile and Brief Introduction of Prof. Dr. (Capt.) Munir M. Hasan Education PhD – University of Sheffield, UK MSc – University of Nottingham, UK BSc Engineering (Electrical) - University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore Former Regular Positions Professor & Vice Chancellor, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi Advisor to Chancellor, Sir Syed Engineering University, Karachi Director, Usman Institute of Technology, Karachi Founder Principal, Riphah University Engineering College, Islamabad Executive Director, Sir Syed Institute of Technology, Islamabad Rector, Iqra University, Karachi Dean Engineering, Bahria University, Karachi Former Honorary Positions Chairman, Institution of Electrical Engineers, Pakistan, Karachi Centre Chairman, Institution of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, Pakistan, Islamabad Centre Chairman Sectional Committee for Rotating Machines, Pakistan Standards Institution Vice President, Institution of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, Pakistan Member Board of Governors, Institute of Material Sciences, Pakistan Steel, Karachi Member Advisory Board, PERAC Research & Development Foundation, Karachi Member Executive Committee, Pakistan Engineering Council Member Qualifications Equivalence Committee, Pakistan Engineering Council Member, Hamdard Majlis-e-Shoora (Founded by Hakim Mohammad Saeed) Managing Trustee, Trust for Scientific Research in Qur’an (TSRQ) Professional Experience in the Corps of EME, Pakistan Army Technical Adjutant in an EME Battalion : Trade Testing Officer in EME Centre, Quetta : LAD Commander in an Armoured Regiment, during 1971 war Professional Affiliations
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Life Fellow, Institute of Engineers, Pakistan Life fellow, Institution of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, Pakistan Life Member, Pakistan Engineering Council Publications An Engineering Textbook, Books on Qur’an & Science, Autobiography, Some Other Books, Research Papers, Scientific & Medical Articles, and Other Articles of General Interest Published in the Newspapers. Distinctions Pioneer of Biomedical Engineering Education and Research in Pakistan Proposed a New Model for the Treatment of Cancer Contacts
Tel: 647-260-0513 e-mail: munirhasan@hotmail.com
Scientific Language of the Holy Qur’an by Muhammad Afzal Mirza
Abstract Unlike other scriptures, the Holy Quran not only claims Divine origins, but also uses actual words of the author - Allah. The presentation will attempt to show that the scientific language of the holy Quran, through allegories, similes and multi-layer meanings is beyond the regular human dimension and that it challenges humanity to look into the depth of the text to find hidden truths in verses of the holy Quran.
Profile Muhammad Afzal Mirza is a learned scholar of world religions. He has a keen interest in youth welfare. He regularly hosts a live phone-in radio program explaining contemporary Islamic issues in Toronto. After dedicating his life, he graduated from the Islamic University completing his studies in 1976. He worked as a Missionary in various cities in Pakistan during 1976-81 He also worked as an Islamic Missionary in United States of America including California, Illinois and Michigan during 1981-1999. Since 2001 he has been serving the community as Missionary in Canada. He also represented Islam in the United Nations Habitat form in British Columbia in 2005. He has presented at numerous World Religions Conferences across Canada. He is married and has three children. For the last two years, Afzal Mirza was the Vice President of the Institute of Islamic Studies in Mississauga. At present he is Missionary appointed to the Peel region.
Honey, a cure for mankind – directions from the Holy Quran By Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Khan
Abstract Honey has been mentioned in the Holy Quran as a cure for mankind which means that within honey are cures for human diseases. However, except for wound healing, cough relief in children, and post-chemotherapy to treat ulcers, honey is not used to treat any major human disease. In this talk I will discuss the current state of research on honey, and the future directions which the Holy Quran has opened for us in the two verses of Surah Al-Nahl. I will also show that by pondering over these verses and following the guidance and direction given by the Holy Quran in our research, we can find the secrets of honey and its curative potential.
Profile Dr Tauseef Ahmad Khan is an Epidemiologist and currently is working as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St Michael’s hospital and the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto. His research is on the investigation of the sources of sugar including honey and their affect on human cardiometabolic diseases using prospective cohort and clinical trial data.
The Quran on the Molecular Switches that Turn on Pancreatic Regeneration by Dr. Sohail Zakiuddin Hussain, MD
Abstract: The Quran provides a distinct sequence by which an embryo forms, and it also suggests the possibility of whole organism or specific organ renewal along the lines of the initial formation. In particular, the Quran mentions an “izama,” or substrate, that is necessary to allow for the completion of the process of embryogenesis. Based on the principle that regeneration of organs is possible, but along an identifiable pathway that requires key “izamas,” we hypothesized that, in the context of pancreatic regeneration after injury, there were key molecular switches that turned on, or reprogrammed, the organ towards completion of regeneration. We examined the role of the epigenetic proteins the histone deacetylases (HDACs) as a key switch and found that they indeed were necessary for turning on the processes that allowed the final maturation of the regenerating pancreas. We hope that this insight from the Holy Quran will be beneficial in providing principles for a pathway through epigenetic reprogramming to enhance organ regeneration after injury and will thus treat organ-based disorders.
Profile Dr. Husain is an Associate Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology at the University of Pittsburgh. His research focuses treating pancreatitis, which is a painful, inflammatory pancreatic disease. Dr. Husain has published over 55 scientific papers and holds two large independent research grants from the NIH. He also serves as a standing NIH study section member, Chair of a major GI abstract committee, Vice-Chair of the Pancreas Committee of the North American Pediatric GI Society, and Co-Director of the Pittsburgh Pediatric Pancreatic Program. On a Jamaat level, Dr. Husain serves as President of the USA Ahmadiyya Muslim Scientists.
Quran & Cracked / Fractured Earth by Mahmood Akbar Abstract: Quran addresses quite a number of geomorphological features and facts related to earth that were revealed to the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) more than 1400 years ago. The processes responsible for their development were unknown to human beings until nearly 100 years ago when some of them got discovered and understood through scientific and technological innovations and advancements. Some of them are still being discovered. This presentation is about one of such earth related feature that Quran has addressed in chapter 86 verses 12-13 (Arabic text is given at the bottom of the page). Allah says in these verses “(I swear) by Heaven / clouds which give rain and the earth which splits”. The word “Sad-ay” in these versus means “cracking, fracturing, or splitting apart”. So Allah’s swearing by the splitting / cracking or fracturing of the earth points to an important phenomenon that the crust of the earth underwent and is still undergoing. The extensive studies of the earth crust, both continental and oceanic, by various scientists / geologists indicated that the external surface of the earth was split by large number of cracks or fissures. However, there was a general understanding that the majority of such fissures were concentrated near the surface of the earth and they did not extend so deep because of the changing characteristics of rocks with depth. No reliable technique was available to verify that notion. Moreover, even if they had existed in the subsurface, the real challenge would have been to determine their location, intensity and dimensions. As Allah says in Quran, the earth is split / fractured / fissured, the earth has to be fractured in the subsurface also not just on the surface or exposed part of earth’s crust. A technique was invented by Mahmood Akbar (the main inventor) after years of research, in collaboration with three other research centers located in Boston US, Gatwick, and Stavanger in 2007-2010 under the US Patent number 7777606. According to this technique, fissures / fractures can be located in the subsurface and their dimensions can be estimated. The technique was applied to different areas of the world. And as per Quran’s saying, swarms / clusters of fractures / fissures were located in the subsurface as deep as 20,000 ft. The technique clearly mapped the dimensions of such fissures also. It is clear now that the earth is not only split / fractured on its surface but it is also split / fractured in the subsurface. So Allah’s sayings cannot be wrong; it is up to human beings to explore the ways to understand the Quranic injunctions. Profile Mahmood Akbar has BS and MS degrees in Applied Geology. He has worked for Schlumberger (a leading international Oil & Gas services company) for 30 years. He has held the following positions while working with Schlumberger: chief petroleum geologist for the Middle Eastern and South Asian countries; Scientific Advisor; and program manager for multiphysics research for oil and gas applications. Currently, he is working as a petroleum geology consultant to Schlumberger International. Mahmood has published over 40 international papers and Patents. He is an active member of American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society of Petroleum Engineers (International and Canadian chapters).
End of Life Decisions The Conflict between, Science, Faith and Geography by Farhan Khokhar Abstract There are two certainties in life, Tax and Death. While we cannot say much about the taxes (and do remember to file them before April 30th), the presentation with explore some challenges Muslims faced in making “End of Life Decisions� in the contemporary society. There are many end-of-life decisions. Some examples include: Ending life before birth (abortion based on eugenics and forced sterilization), consensual and non-consensual termination of life and the grey areas in which societal considerations are paramount regardless of the choice of the person affected by the end of life decisions. Using real life case studies, the presentation will look at a number of scenarios in which end of life decisions had to be made. The presentation will highlight situations where there is harmony between science and faith, but also take a critical look at situations where science, faith and geography is in conflict and a decision nevertheless has to be made. The presentation will also cover recent debate in Quebec about end of life legislation. Related issues, such as suicide, capital punishment, active euthanasia and passive euthanasia are some of the terms that will be explored. Further discussion of what defines end of life in science and in faith, including discussion on its impact on concept of soul will be considered. Profile Farhan Khokhar works in the field of Risk Management for a Government Agency that looks after financial and personal affairs of people with diminished mental capacity. He likes to learn about cognitive development of humanity, evolution of revelation based knowledge and ongoing conflict between advancement in sciences and understanding of scriptures. Farhan Khokhar is particularly interested in the impact of sciences on people of faith.
Marine Biology and the Holy Qur’an – A Brief Overview By Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baten Abstract This presentation provides an audience with a brief overview of the concept of Marine Biology and relevant verses from the Holy Qur’an. It presents the definition of the term, its components, and of several unknown facts about the oceanology. The majority of the presentation addresses the increasing growth of the human population within recent years, which has led to a decrease in the supply of food, shelter, and water. Studies show that these needs can be sustained through the use of the ocean - however, further technological advancements need to be made, prior to this plan being implemented, in order for it to be successful. A short component of this presentation discusses and lists several sources of food that the ocean provides. This then leads into the third and final topic of the presentation, which is on Marine animals and communication. Due to the shortage of time, general statistics related to the presence of Marine animals are given to the audience and then the remainder of the presentation is focused specifically on the Blue Whale. Information of its size relative to all other animals on earth is given and illustrated through a scaled diagram. The process of echolocation though which the Blue Whale communicates through is also presented and explained. The purpose of this presentation is to engage the audience through a “foot in the door” strategy. By presenting general information/brief overviews on several topics that are subcomponents to marine Biology, this will spark interest within the audience, which will thenencourage them to read more upon these topics themselves to gain a better understanding and to enhance their knowledge on the subject.
Profile Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baten Ph.D.
The Human Pathophysiology in Holy Qur’an By Dr. Aslam Daud Abstract "And We sent down in the Quran that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss". (Quran 17:83). One of the miracle of the Holy Qur’an is that it has scientific knowledge embedded in it at a time when such information was not available nor comprehendible The Holy Qur’an is called a complete book and one of the proof of its completeness is that while it covers vast topics, the concepts, the laws of nature and knowledge of systems mentioned in it form the basis of modern science. More specifically, the knowledge of human body – its development, physiology and pathology has been mentioned in such a way that generations have understood it in their own way that made most sense for their times. This presentation on the above topic deals with many verses of the Holy Qur’an that truly form the foundation of concepts of human pathophysiology that were revealed 1500 years ago and reconciled by science in the modern age. From the physiology of eating, drinking and its effect on body to disease and cure, the Holy Qur’an has treasure of hidden knowledge that is proved by science in present times.
Profile Dr. Aslam Daud, is a physician turned a humanitarian relief champion. With more than 20 years of experience in this field, he has led a number of humanitarian relief teams to respond to natural disasters and assist victims. He has also led and organized many medical missions in third world countries. He is currently serving as chairman of Humanity First Canada. Currently, Dr. Daud is working as a Health Solutions Consultant for government and private health care information technology companies.
Reconciliation of Chirality with the Holy Qur'an By Dr. Hameed A. Mirza
Abstract In 1848 Louis Pasteur discovered first time evidence of chirality in the salt of tartaric acid. He was able to isolate two set of crystals each mirror image.of the other. Since then thousands of chiral molecules have been discovered or synthesized in the laboratories around the globe. The extra ordinary properties of these optical isomers that have identical chemical composition, deeply impact on our life. Many medicines heal or exhibit adverse effect due to the presence of chiral molecules. This presentation will discuss the basic nature of chiral molecules, its impact on our life along with the initial research work by our group in the light of Quranic references regarding the concept of Chirality.
Profile Dr. Hameed A. Mirza has a Ph.D. in Metal-Organic Chemistry from University of Western Ontario, London. He then moved to McGill University and did post-doctoral fellowship in Protein Engineering Center of Excellence at Pulp and Paper Research institute Canada. Since 2004, he is teaching at the Department of Chemistry at York University. Dr. Mirza is also involved in the applied research in the area of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the A.S. Chemical Laboratories Inc. as Chief Scientific Officer. He has published over 45 research papers in the peer reviewed international Journals and made over 50 presentations at regional, national and international conferences. He also sits as the board of directors at the NAPIT. Currently, Dr. Mirza is also serving as the National Secretary Ta’lim (Education) at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. He is also serving at the President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Scientist Association Canada.