Science Explains “How,” But Only Religion Explains “Why”

For centuries, mankind has struggled with questions that begin with “Why.” These questions are not merely intellectual curiosities — they are deeply connected to meaning, purpose, and existence. Lately, however, the pursuit of these questions has shifted into something that many use to undermine religion. Ironically, religion — especially Islam — is the very source that provides the most fundamental answers to “why.”

Science, on the other hand, primarily addresses “how.” It explains mechanisms, processes, and observable phenomena. But no matter how many how questions it answers, one more why question always remains. For example: even if one day we understand in full detail how the universe came into being, we can still ask: Why did it come into being at all? Why do stars, planets, water, animals, and humans exist in the first place?

This line of questioning ultimately points beyond science. And yet, in the modern age, many have replaced “why” with an endless pursuit of “how,” as though this alone can provide meaning.

The Danger of Pride in “Why Us?” Thinking

A common idea in self-help culture today is that the ultimate answer to every why is: us. That billions of years of cosmic history were simply preparing a stage for humans to live, enjoy, and dominate. But such a worldview feeds pride and ego — the very disease of the nafs. It is the same disease that caused Iblees, who had worshipped Allah more than angels, to fall into arrogance.

Why We Ask Questions

Humans ask why not only out of curiosity, but because we long for security about the future. The future, full of surprises, awakens both our hopes and our fears. Science, in its modern form, has given us tools and comforts, but also left us restless. Depression, loneliness, and suicides rise in the very countries most advanced in science and technology.

For example, the UK, despite its progress, is ranked among the worst in terms of depression and mental health. This shows us the cost of pursuing “how” without “why.” Instead of making this world more livable, we are busy searching for another habitable planet — all while failing to fix the one we already have.

The Limits of Science

Science is built on observation and assumption. A “law” is nothing more than a consistent observation through our senses. But what about things we cannot see, hear, or touch directly? Take gravity: Newton proposed it as a force between objects, and the world believed him. Centuries later, Einstein replaced this picture with spacetime curvature. Neither could be directly seen. So what happened? A once-accepted “truth” was replaced by another “truth.”

This is not to say science is useless — it is powerful in its scope. But it is not ultimate. It is fragile, temporary, and ever-changing. What is taken as fact today may be overturned tomorrow. Yet many cling to it as though it were final truth, and in doing so, become skeptical of Islam.

Einstein, Quantum Physics, and the Question of Chance

Einstein himself famously said, “God does not play dice with the universe.” By this he meant that creation is not governed by blind chance. Yet quantum physicists argued that randomness lies at the heart of reality. Experiments later supported their view, proving Einstein wrong.

But what does this reveal? That even the greatest scientists can be wrong — just as Newton was. The “truths” of science are not eternal truths. They are working models, destined to be revised.

Science as a Trend

Look closely at the pattern: a scientist proposes an idea, it becomes fashionable, then another scientist overturns it. Today it is Newton, tomorrow Einstein, the day after someone else. Isn’t this cycle similar to TikTok trends? They rise, fascinate, and fade — the difference being that science takes decades instead of days.

Yet unlike TikTok actors who only get popularity, scientists are often elevated as the final authorities of truth. And many people, including Muslims, start doubting their faith in the process.

Islam’s Answer

Science can never answer “why.” It only reveals the “how” of the world of causes — which itself is a sign of Allah’s wisdom. In Islam, Allah is Musabbib al-Asbab — the Cause behind all causes. Every new discovery, every atom, every law of physics, only points back to His design.

But if we take science as the final authority, we miss the ultimate reality. We start treating temporary models as eternal truths. We forget that while science changes, the Qur’an remains unchanging.

Conclusion: The Need for “Why”

In the end, the question is simple:

• Can science tell us why the universe exists?

• Can it tell us why life has purpose?

• Can it explain why we should live with justice, mercy, and humility?

The answer is no. Science answers “how,” but only religion — especially Islam — answers “why.” And without why, the human soul remains restless, no matter how advanced the technology, no matter how powerful the inventions.

So next time a scientific theory is presented as “the truth,” remember: it is just another trend. But the answers of Islam are not trends. They are eternal.