Listening to the Voice of “Quantum Entanglement”

Quantum Exists Only When Observed

“Existence is Word” — this is the fundamental axiom that underpins the linguistic philosophy of Toshihiko Izutsu. In other words, one could interpret it as “there is existence only because there is Word,” or “without Word, there is no existence.” But if we ask where the Word comes from, from an Islamic perspective, it is none other than from Allah. And who is Allah, if not “Being Itself” and “the One Who continues to Be”? From this perspective, it becomes clear that a new horizon opens up — where “existence is Word, and Word is existence.” If the Word issues forth from Being Itself, then seeking causal or temporal precedence becomes meaningless. Rather, we might say that existence only manifests when it is with the Word. This recalls the nature of quantum particles, which exist only when observed — something quantum theory has not only revealed but even succeeded in expressing mathematically.

A Vast Power

Between two photons, even if they are located at opposite ends of the universe, measurement always reveals a strong correlation — this is the so-called “quantum entanglement.” A phenomenon where observation confirms a correlation that transcends spacetime — does this not resemble “revelation”? That is, the Word sent down beyond time and space manifests when it is read. Reading, as a form of observation, brings forth a world bound by strong correlation, beyond distance and time. If revelation is a message from the Creator, then it is only through reading that the created world is unveiled. Just as observation brings forth reality, reading brings forth the world. Therefore, the world exists with the Word, but at the same time, we cannot help but posit the existence of something — an enormous will or force — that encompasses the universe and sends down the Word.

The Message of ‘Entanglement’

The act of “reading” is, in that moment, nothing other than touching the will or power of the Creator and engaging in a correlative dialogue with the world. The Word is the world, and the world is the Word. It is difficult not only in science but generally to observe oneself. Seen in that light, the greatness of the Word, which can speak of both the world and the self, becomes evident. And even that is possible only because of “reading.” But this reading is not merely for acquiring knowledge. Rather, it draws forth the “entanglement” and reads how entanglement — far from being a localized anomaly — is in fact the world itself, the universal norm.

“Their Suffering Is My Suffering”

In the world of quantum entanglement, correlation is “non-local,” and existence is a participatory reality inseparable from the observer.
Therefore, there can be no observer independent of reality.
In other words, an act of violence against a person, once articulated in language, inevitably exerts a real influence on all who see, know, or feel it.
The suffering of Palestinians, of marginalized immigrants, of those abandoned by society — all of this inherently implies a corresponding “other” in correlation and cannot be severed.
The ethical claim that “Their suffering is your suffering” may seem sentimental or political, but in a world governed by quantum entanglement, it is supported on ontological and physical grounds.

Listening to the Sound of Entangled Photons

“Quantum entanglement,” made manifest through quantum computing and teleportation, symbolizes the end of exclusivist monotheistic paradigms.
It is based on a “One” that is both “1” and “0,” embraces entanglement as the norm, and calls for the active creation of correlations beyond space and time.
What we read, and how we read it —
— if we accept that the revealed Word includes even the signs within reality, then everything depends on the mode of reading.
A renewal and contemporary development of iḥsān and uṣūl al-fiqh is much needed.
For it is through this reading that we can embody, both spiritually and corporeally, the courage to accept our entanglement.
A reading that unearths correlation as taught by quantum theory — not for division or exclusion.
Then, a world of empathy may unfold — where we hear the voices of entanglement and correlation that arise precisely because we are entangled.
I hope to explore further, in a future reflection, the connection between the Word of the Qur’an and quantum entanglement.
Allāhu aʿlam — God knows best.
This English version was prepared with the support of ChatGPT-4o.**
Special Thanks to: ChatGPT-4o**

Image courtesy of:

Special Thanks to : 龍青三（リュウセイザン）様

Original Version in Japanese:「量子もつれ」の声に聴く