The “God of the Gaps” fallacy and the Koran
The orientation of the Winds
Sura-33
If it be His Will, He can still the Wind: then
would they become motionless on the back of the (ocean). Verily in this are Signs
for everyone who patiently perseveres and is grateful.
Rum-46
Among His Signs is this, that He sends the Winds, as heralds of Glad Tidings,
giving you a taste of His Mercy,- that the ships may sail by His Command and that
ye may seek of His Bounty: in order that ye may be grateful.
In these verses, the purpose of using the expression of the orientation of the winds is the resign of a benefit for the people from this chaotic system as it was said in these verses again, and this is not a necessity.
Nahl/13
Nahl-13 And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colors (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who are mindful.
In this verse,
if it was said “God is painting” for the colours, and if this was presented as a
lesson, then it would be fallen into “God of Gaps” fallacy. But, it is said that
the colours was created / produced by God.
Well then, what
is there in the colours to get a lesson? Here, the important word is “zerae” which
was translated as the “multiply”… This word was used always for the living creatures
namely the plants, the animals and the human beings. Namely, the Koran presents
an event of design as a lesson again.
Nahl/65-66-67-69
Nahl-65 And Allah sends down water from the skies, and gives
therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those
who listen.
Nahl-66 And verily in cattle (too) will ye find an instructive
sign. From what is within their bodies between excretions and blood, We produce,
for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.
Nahl-67 And from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye
get out strong drink and wholesome food: behold, in this also is a sign for those
who are wise.
Nahl-69 Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and
follow the ways of thy Lord made smooth: there issues from within their bodies a
drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for
those who give thought.
In all of these verses, the “design” is being presented as a “lesson for the intelligence” and it is not being fallen into the “God of the Gaps” fallacy.