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Quran and Science
http://jang.com.pk/thenews/sep2009-week ... /p20.htm#1
Human lives are full of miracles, of mysteries, of questions, of challenges, of external forces and of faith. Ever since man has set foot on Earth, he has struggled to find answers to his questions and tried to explain the natural phenomena around him. He has ventured to discover secrets, and to progress. He has toiled to find the purpose of his existence.
Some people believe that religion is merely a figment of the imagination of mortal men, and the world came into existence by chance; that the formation of the world just involved a bunch of complex processes and accidents. Such people believe that in order to explain the world around them and their own existence, men have found solace in religion. Some opt for philosophy.
Each race has modified its beliefs according to the changing times and older religions have failed to keep pace with it. This has led to birth of new beliefs and religions.
The main cause for concern for many has been the illogical nature of many religious scriptures. Despite the existence of religions, man has still been found grappling with questions. Science and religion have always been found warring with one another. Hardly any common ground has been found between them.
But, in reality, science is merely a window to God. The more you delve into the world around you, the surer you are of a greater entity behind it and the more qualified you become to look closely within yourself and into those tiny, dancing atoms around you. Let us venture into some science discoveries and see for ourselves the miracles that enshroud us.
The Big Bang!
The Big Bang theory, first proposed in 1950, holds that the universe in the beginning was concentrated as one unit in the form of condensed matter and energy. The original condensed matter arose from an empty space.
Some fifteen million years ago, there was a Big Bang, when within 10 minus 32 of a second, the universe expanded to 10 to 30 of its initial size.
Our scripture explains all three things. Firstly, the universe was one piece. Secondly, it was parted, and thirdly, the time span of the Big Bang was equal to the twinkling of the eye.
Expansion of universe
The Hubbell Constant theory was presented after the development of radio telescope, in 1937, to gauge the rate at which the universe is expanding. Evidence has now been provided that space is expanding at nearly the speed of light! The Quran states this fact much before without the use of radio telescopes and hints at the eventual destruction of the universe.
Existence of seven heavens
The phrase seven heavens always confused me. I could never understand how there could be seven heavens or skies above us and how we could draw a line between them. Dr. Haluk Nur Baki has recently explained this verse on the basis of recent advancements in astrophysics by showing that the space surrounding our earth consists of seven distinct, concentric magnetic layers. These layers involve unimaginable distances. The first is 6.5 trillion km in thickness, the sixth at a distance of 20 billion light years and the seventh beyond infinity. Do you believe?
Spherical shape of earth
To describe the Earths shape, the Quran uses the word 'dahaha' which is derived from the word 'daha', meaning an ostrich egg. Earth's true shape is geodic which resembles a pear. The equatorial radius and polar radius of earth are different, giving it an oval shape. The verse also states that earth was not in this form at the time of its origin and assumed this shape later on. Astrophysics has proven that earth was without a form when it was first created and gained its shape over the course of time.
Activation of life on earth by rain
The basic chemical substance of living organism is the bridge of hydrogen called the hydrogen bond. This hydrogen can be replaced only by ionisation of water. This makes water indispensable for life. A dehydrated organism is like a frozen skeleton even if it preserves its DNA with its genetic code as it can neither reproduce nor grow.
About 100 years ago, it was discovered that soil consists of micro organisms while 40 years back, it was discovered that 80 per cent of soil organisms are bacteria. As soon as they receive the hydrogen bond from rain water, they are activated and they begin to reproduce.
Approximately 10 billion human beings have lived on Earth since Hazrat Adam. The size of each individual's genetic code is one micron. All genetic codes combined would not even fill a coffee cup! All of these are preserved under the soil. It is obvious that when Allah can revive the dead land by sprinkle of a drop, he has the power to provide a simple hydrogen bond to these genetic codes. All human beings will hence, rise on the Day of Judgement.
Shape of earth on the Day of Judgement
Here, two things are clearly revealed: firstly, that the Earth is not flat. And secondly, that it will assume a flat shape on the Day of Judgment. It was not until the 16th century that the idea came forward that Earth is not flat. So unbelievable was this idea that scientists who disclosed this remarkable discovery were initially imprisoned or awarded death. Allah revealed this centuries ago. This is why Earth can never enjoy daytime as a whole at any given time. On the Day of Judgment, the whole earth will have day at the same time, as the Earth's shape would change from round to flat.
Decrease of land
Science has now discovered that since polar ice caps are melting, the sea level is rising; hence more land area is getting covered. The outlying borders in this verse refer to the sea shores. With time, more sea shores are being covered by water. How could anyone have perceived this fact when the Arabian Peninsula was merely a desert land deprived of seas?
Different natures of sun and moon
The Quran says several verses in this regard:
The Quran uses two distinct words for the light of the sun (zia, a shining object) and moon (noor, light). Secondly, the Quran uses the term Misbah for the sun which is translated as lamp. A lamp contains some fuel that burns which gives both heat and light. The Quran thus states that the sun is not merely a source of light but also a source of heat.
Presence of sub-atomic particles
The word zarrah is used in the Quran which is translated as atom. At the time the verse was revealed, atom was the smallest particle known to man. The Quran indicates the presence of even smaller particles than an atom 1400 years before science could discover it.
Existence of gender in plants
Botanists discovered the presence of genders in plants around 100 years ago. The above mentioned verse indicates the presence of pairs i.e. genders in plants. The presence of genders allows for plants to reproduce and ensure their survival.
Movement of the sun
Our galaxy consists of a number of stars clustered in the form of a disc. The sun occupies a position in this galaxy far from the centre of the disc. As the galaxy rotates around its axis, the sun revolves around the same centre. While the galaxy takes 250 million years to complete one revolution, the sun is travelling at roughly 150 miles per second.
Allah's words are in complete agreement with this remarkable fact.
Sequence of development of human organs
These verses describe three importance faculties of hearing, sight and feeling given to mankind. The order in which these faculties are mentioned is usually overlooked. But, it is not random. It has been discovered that during embryonic development, the internal ears appear first, followed by eyes and then the brain, the centre of feeling and understanding. The Quran, thus, correctly describes the sequence of development of human faculties.
Do you believe?
These are only a few amazing examples that reiterate the existence of the entity we identify as Allah. It can be said without any doubt that the more we discover the world around us, the more we shall discover God in every particle we identify. From galaxies, suns and moons to sub-atomic particles, microorganisms and embryos, Allah has an explanation for everything. Science does not negate religion. Neither does religion negate science. They are meant to coexist.
We may continue giving complicated names to these phenomena, or venture to seek explanations for them. We may try to emulate Gods creations or find substitutes for them. We may win a Nobel Prize or two along the way. But the best thing to do would be to just sit back and appreciate them, to enjoy them and marvel at them, and to appreciate the Being that adorned the world with these tiny neutrons and protons or those overly large galaxies that we try with all our might to conquer. Here, I'd like to mention a beautiful verse of poetry.
Jalwon hee ki kasrat say jo parday may chupaa hai
Youn pardah nasheen ho kay bhi to jalwah numaa hai
The question I now ask is: Do you believe?
Information taken from 160 Miracles and Mysteries of Quran by Mazhar Kazi
http://jang.com.pk/thenews/sep2009-week ... /p20.htm#1
Human lives are full of miracles, of mysteries, of questions, of challenges, of external forces and of faith. Ever since man has set foot on Earth, he has struggled to find answers to his questions and tried to explain the natural phenomena around him. He has ventured to discover secrets, and to progress. He has toiled to find the purpose of his existence.
Some people believe that religion is merely a figment of the imagination of mortal men, and the world came into existence by chance; that the formation of the world just involved a bunch of complex processes and accidents. Such people believe that in order to explain the world around them and their own existence, men have found solace in religion. Some opt for philosophy.
Each race has modified its beliefs according to the changing times and older religions have failed to keep pace with it. This has led to birth of new beliefs and religions.
The main cause for concern for many has been the illogical nature of many religious scriptures. Despite the existence of religions, man has still been found grappling with questions. Science and religion have always been found warring with one another. Hardly any common ground has been found between them.
But, in reality, science is merely a window to God. The more you delve into the world around you, the surer you are of a greater entity behind it and the more qualified you become to look closely within yourself and into those tiny, dancing atoms around you. Let us venture into some science discoveries and see for ourselves the miracles that enshroud us.
The Big Bang!
The Big Bang theory, first proposed in 1950, holds that the universe in the beginning was concentrated as one unit in the form of condensed matter and energy. The original condensed matter arose from an empty space.
Some fifteen million years ago, there was a Big Bang, when within 10 minus 32 of a second, the universe expanded to 10 to 30 of its initial size.
Our scripture explains all three things. Firstly, the universe was one piece. Secondly, it was parted, and thirdly, the time span of the Big Bang was equal to the twinkling of the eye.
Expansion of universe
The Hubbell Constant theory was presented after the development of radio telescope, in 1937, to gauge the rate at which the universe is expanding. Evidence has now been provided that space is expanding at nearly the speed of light! The Quran states this fact much before without the use of radio telescopes and hints at the eventual destruction of the universe.
Existence of seven heavens
The phrase seven heavens always confused me. I could never understand how there could be seven heavens or skies above us and how we could draw a line between them. Dr. Haluk Nur Baki has recently explained this verse on the basis of recent advancements in astrophysics by showing that the space surrounding our earth consists of seven distinct, concentric magnetic layers. These layers involve unimaginable distances. The first is 6.5 trillion km in thickness, the sixth at a distance of 20 billion light years and the seventh beyond infinity. Do you believe?
Spherical shape of earth
To describe the Earths shape, the Quran uses the word 'dahaha' which is derived from the word 'daha', meaning an ostrich egg. Earth's true shape is geodic which resembles a pear. The equatorial radius and polar radius of earth are different, giving it an oval shape. The verse also states that earth was not in this form at the time of its origin and assumed this shape later on. Astrophysics has proven that earth was without a form when it was first created and gained its shape over the course of time.
Activation of life on earth by rain
The basic chemical substance of living organism is the bridge of hydrogen called the hydrogen bond. This hydrogen can be replaced only by ionisation of water. This makes water indispensable for life. A dehydrated organism is like a frozen skeleton even if it preserves its DNA with its genetic code as it can neither reproduce nor grow.
About 100 years ago, it was discovered that soil consists of micro organisms while 40 years back, it was discovered that 80 per cent of soil organisms are bacteria. As soon as they receive the hydrogen bond from rain water, they are activated and they begin to reproduce.
Approximately 10 billion human beings have lived on Earth since Hazrat Adam. The size of each individual's genetic code is one micron. All genetic codes combined would not even fill a coffee cup! All of these are preserved under the soil. It is obvious that when Allah can revive the dead land by sprinkle of a drop, he has the power to provide a simple hydrogen bond to these genetic codes. All human beings will hence, rise on the Day of Judgement.
Shape of earth on the Day of Judgement
Here, two things are clearly revealed: firstly, that the Earth is not flat. And secondly, that it will assume a flat shape on the Day of Judgment. It was not until the 16th century that the idea came forward that Earth is not flat. So unbelievable was this idea that scientists who disclosed this remarkable discovery were initially imprisoned or awarded death. Allah revealed this centuries ago. This is why Earth can never enjoy daytime as a whole at any given time. On the Day of Judgment, the whole earth will have day at the same time, as the Earth's shape would change from round to flat.
Decrease of land
Science has now discovered that since polar ice caps are melting, the sea level is rising; hence more land area is getting covered. The outlying borders in this verse refer to the sea shores. With time, more sea shores are being covered by water. How could anyone have perceived this fact when the Arabian Peninsula was merely a desert land deprived of seas?
Different natures of sun and moon
The Quran says several verses in this regard:
First thing to be noticed is that the Sun is the only source of light for our solar system while the moon merely reflects light from the sun.
The Quran uses two distinct words for the light of the sun (zia, a shining object) and moon (noor, light). Secondly, the Quran uses the term Misbah for the sun which is translated as lamp. A lamp contains some fuel that burns which gives both heat and light. The Quran thus states that the sun is not merely a source of light but also a source of heat.
Presence of sub-atomic particles
The word zarrah is used in the Quran which is translated as atom. At the time the verse was revealed, atom was the smallest particle known to man. The Quran indicates the presence of even smaller particles than an atom 1400 years before science could discover it.
Existence of gender in plants
Botanists discovered the presence of genders in plants around 100 years ago. The above mentioned verse indicates the presence of pairs i.e. genders in plants. The presence of genders allows for plants to reproduce and ensure their survival.
Movement of the sun
Our galaxy consists of a number of stars clustered in the form of a disc. The sun occupies a position in this galaxy far from the centre of the disc. As the galaxy rotates around its axis, the sun revolves around the same centre. While the galaxy takes 250 million years to complete one revolution, the sun is travelling at roughly 150 miles per second.
Allah's words are in complete agreement with this remarkable fact.
Sequence of development of human organs
These verses describe three importance faculties of hearing, sight and feeling given to mankind. The order in which these faculties are mentioned is usually overlooked. But, it is not random. It has been discovered that during embryonic development, the internal ears appear first, followed by eyes and then the brain, the centre of feeling and understanding. The Quran, thus, correctly describes the sequence of development of human faculties.
Do you believe?
These are only a few amazing examples that reiterate the existence of the entity we identify as Allah. It can be said without any doubt that the more we discover the world around us, the more we shall discover God in every particle we identify. From galaxies, suns and moons to sub-atomic particles, microorganisms and embryos, Allah has an explanation for everything. Science does not negate religion. Neither does religion negate science. They are meant to coexist.
We may continue giving complicated names to these phenomena, or venture to seek explanations for them. We may try to emulate Gods creations or find substitutes for them. We may win a Nobel Prize or two along the way. But the best thing to do would be to just sit back and appreciate them, to enjoy them and marvel at them, and to appreciate the Being that adorned the world with these tiny neutrons and protons or those overly large galaxies that we try with all our might to conquer. Here, I'd like to mention a beautiful verse of poetry.
Jalwon hee ki kasrat say jo parday may chupaa hai
Youn pardah nasheen ho kay bhi to jalwah numaa hai
The question I now ask is: Do you believe?
Information taken from 160 Miracles and Mysteries of Quran by Mazhar Kazi
