Question:

We have learned through our academic courses something about the theory of evolution and everything related to creation. The more I read on this subject, the more convinced I become that Allah is the Creator of the universe and everything within it. However, to my utter surprise, I came across a book authored by a Muslim supporting the theory of evolution, citing the Quran as evidence. Furthermore, one of my Muslim professors asked me: “Since Islam forbids marriage between a brother and his sister, how did the marriage between the offspring of Adam and Eve take place?”

Answer:

The theory of evolution, known as Darwin’s theory, contradicts the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ, and the consensus of the people of knowledge and faith. It has been established in the Qur’an and Sunnah that Adam was created from dust, and his wife Eve was created from him.

As for Adam (peace be upon him) marrying his sons to his daughters, that was a practice conducted according to a divine law that Allah ordained for him at that time; it is not for us to delve into its specifics.

Regarding the Sharia of Muhammad ﷺ, Allah has forbidden the marriage of a brother to his sister, along with other known prohibitions in this law. Allah, the Almighty, said in His Noble Book, when mentioning the laws of the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran: “To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way.” (al-Ma’idah, 5:48). Thus, Adam (peace be upon him) had his own law which he followed.