Big Questions about the Human Being: Bioscience & Islam in Dialogue

In this final episode of our series, Dr. Aasim Padela is joined by leading philosophers, scientists, and theologians for a fascinating discussion about the evidence for extraterrestrial intelligent life (ETI).   We discuss:   ● What science and astronomy reveal about the likelihood of intelligent life beyond Earth   ● How religious traditions — including Islam — address the idea of...

From the search for life beyond Earth to the verses that speak of worlds unseen, science and scripture meet in our final exploration of what it means to be human in the cosmos. We’ve journeyed through life, soul, consciousness, and destiny. Now, the cosmos awaits. Listen to the final chapter and reflect on what it truly means to be human.   Subscribe to follow the series and not miss an episo...

Did you choose to listen to this episode today — or was it destined? Was it written for you by God, predetermined by the laws of physics, or set in motion by events stretching back to the Big Bang? In this episode, we discuss bioscientific and Islamic views on free will and human agency. Dr. Aasim Padela speaks with leading experts about: ● Genetic predispositions and how they shape human behavior...

Did you choose to listen to this episode today — or was it destined? Was it written for you by God, predetermined by the laws of physics, or set in motion by events stretching back to the Big Bang?    In this episode, we discuss bioscientific and Islamic views on free will and human agency. Dr. Aasim Padela speaks with leading experts about:   ● Genetic predispositions and how they...

In this installment of Big Questions About the Human Being: Bioscience and Islam in Dialogue, Dr. Aasim Padela builds on the previous discussion of what makes us human by exploring the future of the human body in the age of biotechnology and technological enhancement. From contemporary medical implants to futuristic visions of fully synthetic bodies, we reflect on how bodily changes influence thou...

Would you upgrade your body with technology?  A sharper mind, a stronger body, a longer life — the promise of progress sounds irresistible.  But when medicine blurs into enhancement, and innovation challenges divine design, where do we draw the moral line?   In Episode 4 of Big Questions About the Human Being, we explore how religion, ethics, and the quest for perfection collide — a...

In this third episode of Big Questions About the Human Being: Bioscience and Islam in Dialogue, Dr. Aasim Padela brings together leading scientists, philosophers, educators, and theologians to explore the profoundest of questions - What Does it Mean to be Human? From covering breaking neuroscience discoveries to debates around artificial intelligence and to the elusive concept of the soul, we will...

Can machines ever truly think — or feel?  What sets the human mind apart from artificial intelligence?  In Episode 3 of Big Questions About the Human Being, Dr. Aasim Padela brings together neuroscientists, philosophers, and Islamic theologians to explore consciousness, identity, and the mystery of the human soul.  🎧 Is self-awareness a spark of biology — or something beyond the br...

In this thought-provoking episode of Big Questions About the Human Being: Bioscience  and Islam in Dialogue, Dr. Aasim Padela explores one of humanity’s most fundamental  questions: Where did we come from?   Through a vivid thought experiment and real-world reflections, Dr. Padela and leading  scholars from around the world will consider how both religion and modern bioscience...

What does it mean when scientists say we share a “common ancestor”? And how do discoveries about Neanderthals, fossils, and DNA reshape the story of who we are? In this episode, Dr. Aasim Padela is joined by leading scientists to unpack what evolutionary theory really says and to explore how these bioscientific accounts sit in dialogue with Islamic perspectives on human origins. Get ready for an e...

Big Questions About the Human Being: Bioscience and Islam in Dialogue Hosted by Dr. Aasim Padela  In this opening episode, Dr. Aasim Padela introduces the focus of our inaugural podcast series – an exploration of the deepest questions about human existence.    From evolution, artificial intelligence, and human consciousness to transhumanism, free will, and even extraterrestrial life...

Stay Tuned for our First Episode, Going live Tuesday 5AM CST. Join us as we discuss how religion and science need not be kept in separate boxes, and why the integration of knowledge and ideas matters for understanding ourselves, our place in the universe and in shaping our future. Subscribe to follow the series and not miss an episode!    A Podcast by The Medic and The Mufti   ...

Join Dr. Aasim Padela, along with special guests Kristen Dwight, Dr. Ahsan Arozullah, and Dr. Raudah Yunus, as we launch our Podcast, kicking off discussions exploring humanity’s most fundamental questions from our origin, nature, fatedness, uniqueness, and future.  👉 Save the date! The first episode of our podcast premieres on September 23rd at 5 AM CST. A production of The Initiative on Is...

What does it mean to be human? In this special shortpremiere episode of Big Questions About the Human Being: Bioscience and Islam in Dialogue, Dr. Aasim Padela introduces a groundbreaking podcast series that brings together scientists, philosophers, and theologians from across the globe. Through six episodes, the series will explore the deepest questions about our existence including: - How Can We...

What does it really mean to be human?  Is it hidden in our DNA, in the mysteries of consciousness, or in the choices we make? Could it even extend to life beyond Earth?  In Big Questions About the Human Being: Bioscience and Islam in Dialogue, Dr. Aasim Padela brings together scientists, philosophers, and Islamic scholars from across the globe to explore humanity’s deepest mysteries. &nb...