(Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences Zayed University, Dubai)
Dr. Shoaib Ahmed Malik
Dr. Shoaib Ahmed Malik is an Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences at Zayed University, Dubai, and a Visiting Researcher at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, UK. With a unique academic background that spans both science and religion, he has carved out a distinctive niche at the intersection of these fields. Dr. Malik holds two PhDs—one in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nottingham and another in Theology from St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to explore questions that bridge science and religion, making him a leading figure in this emerging academic dialogue.
His monograph, Islam and Evolution: Al-Ghazālī and the Modern Evolutionary Paradigm, has been widely acclaimed as a significant academic contribution to the field of Islam and science. This work, which explores the relationship between Islamic thought and evolution, received recognition from the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR) in 2022. It is considered one of the most profound analyses of how Islamic scholars, particularly Al-Ghazālī, could engage with modern evolutionary theory. Through this research, Dr. Malik has not only enriched academic discourse but also opened new avenues for future work at the crossroads of Islamic theology and scientific inquiry.
Career and Contributions
Dr. Malik is also involved in several key academic and editorial roles. He serves as a Trustee of the ISSR, where he actively contributes to advancing the interdisciplinary study of science and religion. Additionally, he sits on the editorial board of the journal Theology and Science, which fosters dialogue between scholars of various faiths and scientific disciplines. In his role as Chief Editor for Palgrave’s newly launched Islam and Science book series and encyclopedia, he continues to enrich scholarly discourse in the intersection of Islam and science, focusing on both classical perspectives and modern challenges.
In his current position as Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences at Zayed University, Dr. Malik plays a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and research efforts that integrate natural sciences with Islamic thought. He leverages his expertise in both chemical engineering and theology to provide a holistic approach to education, particularly when addressing complex questions about the relationship between religion and science.
Academic Qualifications
Dr. Malik’s academic journey is a testament to his diverse interests and commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship:
- BEng (Engineering)
- PGCE
- MSc (Science and Religion)
- PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Nottingham, UK)
- PhD in Theology (St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, UK)
- Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion (FISSR)
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Editorial and Leadership Roles
- Trustee, International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR)
- Editorial Board Member, Theology and Science
- Chief Editor, Palgrave’s Islam and Science book series and encyclopedia
In these roles, Dr. Malik actively shapes the future direction of interdisciplinary research, creating platforms that bridge the gap between Islamic scholarship and scientific thought.
Teaching & PhD Supervision
Dr. Malik is deeply involved in postgraduate education, teaching courses in Science, Philosophy, and Religion as well as Science and Religion. His teaching not only addresses the scientific aspects of natural sciences but also delves into the philosophical and theological dimensions of these subjects, making his classes highly sought after by students who wish to understand the deeper implications of science within an Islamic context.
Dr. Malik is open to supervising PhD candidates in a variety of research areas, including:
- Islam and science
- Islamic theology
- Atheism
- Evolution and Islamic thought
- Divine action models
- Artificial intelligence and its implications for Islamic theology
- Extraterrestrials and theological anthropology
His interdisciplinary background makes him an ideal mentor for students interested in exploring how Islamic philosophy can engage with modern scientific discoveries.
Research Interests
Dr. Malik’s research interests are diverse, covering a range of topics at the intersection of science and religion. Some of his key research areas include:
- Islam and science
- Evolution and Islamic perspectives
- Divine action models
- Artificial intelligence and its role in Islamic theology
- Extraterrestrial life and the implications for Islamic thought
- Theological anthropology
- Islam and atheism
Currently, Dr. Malik is focusing on several key research themes, including theological anthropology, miracles, and the pedagogy of Islamic theology. His work aims to address how Islamic teachings can respond to contemporary challenges posed by advances in artificial intelligence and extraterrestrial life, among other issues.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Malik’s contributions to the academic world have not gone unnoticed. His groundbreaking work on Islam and evolution has earned him widespread recognition, including an award from the International Society for Science and Religion in 2022. His ability to synthesize Islamic theology with modern scientific paradigms has positioned him as a thought leader in both fields.
Conclusion
Dr. Malik is at the forefront of bridging the worlds of science and Islamic theology. Through his extensive research, teaching, and editorial work, he is contributing significantly to the development of a nuanced and informed dialogue between these fields. Whether through his academic publications or his classroom teaching, Dr. Malik is helping shape the future of interdisciplinary studies, fostering deeper understanding and engagement between science and religion in both academic and public spheres.
