From Surah Al-Kahf to Black Holes: The Science, Philosophy & Mysteries of the Unseen | Musa Waqas

Can science change the way we understand the Qur’an—or are we sometimes confusing scientific possibilities with religious proof? Episode Summary: On The Unseen Equation, Dr Ammar Abdullah sits down with Musa Waqas, a philosophical thinker with an interest in classical poetry and Qur’anic interpretation, for a wide-ranging conversation about Islam, science, philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge. Beginning with Surah Al-Kahf, the discussion explores the questions associated with its revelation, the journeys of Dhul-Qarnayn, and the mysteries surrounding Ya’juj and Ma’juj. From there, it moves into scientific interpretations of scripture, black holes, wormholes, the limits of scientific evidence and the question of whether inherited religious interpretations should remain open to research and reconsideration. The conversation also examines Allama Iqbal’s concept of khudi—often reduced to ego or pride—and its deeper connections with self-realisation, faith and spiritual purpose. Other themes include Dajjal and artificial intelligence, Islamic eschatology, the meaning of iman, leadership and governance in Islam, and the responsibility to seek and share knowledge. Throughout the episode, Dr Ammar Abdullah and Musa Waqas explore a fundamental question: how do we distinguish established knowledge, interpretation and speculation when discussing matters of faith and science? This is a conversation for viewers interested in Qur’anic interpretation, Islam and modern science, Islamic philosophy, Allama Iqbal, Surah Al-Kahf and the deeper questions that emerge when faith and intellectual inquiry meet. Watch the full conversation and join the discussion: Which interpretation or question challenged your thinking the most? Share your perspective in the comments. Subscribe to The Unseen Equation for more conversations exploring science, religion, philosophy and the ideas that shape how we understand the world. 00:00 Introduction: The Unseen Equation 02:48 Musa Waqas: Poetry, Philosophy & Identity 04:30 Surah Al-Kahf: Beyond the Friday Recitation 06:38 Dhul-Qarnayn’s Journeys: Science, Space & Interpretation 11:00 The Three Questions Asked About the Unseen 13:10 Can Science Explain the Knowledge in the Qur’an? 17:00 Miracles, Physics & the Limits of Scientific Proof 19:10 Atoms, Energy & the Idea of Passing Through Walls 22:25 The Sun’s Death, the Day of Judgement & Cosmic Events 26:40 What Does the Qur’anic Word “Sababa” Mean? 29:00 Politics, History & the Interpretation of Islam 31:15 Should Religious Interpretations Be Open to Research? 34:23 Dr Israr Ahmad, Zakir Naik & the Pursuit of Knowledge 36:00 Democracy, Islam & the Concept of Governance 39:05 Majlis-e-Shura, Leadership & the Muslim Ummah 46:30 Leadership, Conversion & Community Management 50:51 How Intellectual Elites Shape Collective Thinking 58:15 Iqbal’s Khudi: Self-Realisation, Not Ego 01:01:23 Khudi, Abdullah ibn Haram (RA) & Divine Will 01:10:03 Starseeds, Metaphysics & the 3D-to-5D Theory 01:17:50 Solar Flash Theories & the Closing of Repentance 01:22:40 Is Dajjal an Individual or a System? 01:24:05 Artificial Intelligence, Dajjal & Dabbat al-Ard 01:28:27 Dhul-Qarnayn, Ancient Accounts & the Sun 01:31:45 Ageing, Reactive Oxygen Species & the Water-Canopy Theory 01:33:27 The Great Flood & Theories About Human Longevity 01:36:19 Noah’s Flood, Human Origins & Speculative Theories 01:38:25 Norse Mythology, Odin & Dhul-Qarnayn 01:40:00 Satan, Angels & Shooting Stars in Islamic Tradition 01:43:00 Dajjal, Satanic Influence & Worldly Desires 01:47:43 Surah Al-Kahf, Mountains & Theories About Portals 01:49:29 Black Holes, Wormholes & Other Universes 01:51:07 Time Travel & the Possibility of Multiple Universes 01:53:17 Religious Strictness, Changing Interpretations & Modern Life 01:56:09 What Does Iman Really Mean? 02:01:35 The Meaning of Allah, Independent Study & Sharing Knowledge #TheUnseenEquation #ScienceAndIslam #SurahAlKahf