Muslim’s Should Read Allah’s Miracles in the Qur’an Truly it (the Qur’an) is revelation sent down by the Lord of all the worlds. (Qur’an, 26:192) Harun Yahya ISBN June 2005 Printed in India (c) Goodword Books, 2005 Goodword Books 1, Nizamuddin West Market, New Delhi 110 013 Tel. 435 5454, 435 1128, 435 6666 Fax. 435 7333, 435 7980 e-mail: info@goodwordbooks. com Website: www. goodwordbooks. com Translated by Carl Rossini Edited by David Livingstone, Qaiser M. Talib, Jay Willoughby Abbreviations used: (saas – sall-Allahu ‘alyahi wa sallam): May Allah bless him and grant him peace (following a reference to Prophet Muhammad) as – ‘alayhi’s-salam): Peace be upon him (following a reference to the prophets) All translations from the Qur’an are from The Noble Qur’an: a New Rendering of its Meaning in English by Hajj Abdalhaqq an Aisha Bewley, published by Bookwork, Norwich, UK. 1420 CE/1999 AH PREFACE BOOK ONE: Allah’s Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an The Formation of the Universe The Expanding Universe The End of the Universe and the Big Crunch Creation from Hot Smoke The Separation of the Heavens and the Earth The Creation of What Lies between the Heavens and the Earth The Perfect Equilibrium in the Universe
The Fine Tuning in the Universe The Structural Differences between the Sun, the Moon and the Stars Orbits and the Rotating Universe The Sun’s Trajectory The Moon’s Orbit Calculating the Lunar Year The Force of Gravity and Orbital Movements The Spherical Earth The Earth’s Direction of Rotation The Earth’s Geoid Shape The Diameters of the Earth and Space Atmospheric Layers The Well-Guarded Sky The Sky Made a Dome The Sky that Returns The Layers of the Earth The Earth Disgorges Its Charges Mountains’ Role The Moving Mountains Different Points in the Rising and Setting of the Sun
Land Loss at the Extremities The Splitting Earth The Miraculous Iron The Formation of Petrol The Relativity of Time Creation in Six Days The Truth of Destiny Duality in Creation Sub-Atomic Particles Black Holes Pulsars: Pulsating Stars The Star Sirius Light and Dark Combustion without Fire The Weight of Clouds Rain in Measured Amounts How Rain Forms The Quivering and Swelling of the Earth Rains which Bring a Dead Land Back to Life The Formation of Hail, Thunder and Lightning Winds that Fecundate The Stages of Wind Formation How the Process of Photosynthesis Begins in the Morning
The Separate Seas The Dark Depths of the Seas and Internal Waves The Region Responsible for Our Movements Hearts Find Peace in the Remembrance of Allah Forgiveness According to the Morals of Islam and Its Benefits on Health How Prayer Accelerates the Treatment of the Sick Stress and Depression: The Results of Not Abiding by the Religion A Human Being’s Creation The Creation of Human Beings from Water Creation from Clay The Programming in Genes The Menstrual Period Pregnancy and Birth The Sequence in Development of Human Organs The Formation of Milk The Miraculous Mixture: A Mother’s Milk
The Identity Hidden in the Fingerprint The Female Honey Bee The Miracle of Honey The Date and Its Uses as Described in the Qur’an The Fig: A Fruit whose Perfection Has Only Recently Been Revealed Fish: A Valuable Source of Nutrition Pork and Its Harmful Effects on Health The Olive: A Health-Giving Plant Coronary By-Pass Surgery Health Benefits of Movement, Washing and Drinking Water The Existence of Microscopic Life The Existence of Animal Societies Biomimetics: Drawing Inspiration from the Design in Living Things Locusts Moving in Swarms Ant Communication The Food Cycle
The Ears Are Active During Sleep The Importance of Movement in Sleep Reduced Movement at Night Chest Contraction with Increasing Height BOOK TWO: Predictions in the Qur’an Introduction Byzantine Empire’s Victory The Preservation of Pharaoh’s Body The Conquest of Makkah The Tribe of Israel Will Become Very Haughty The Exploration of Space The Voyage to the Moon Modern Means of Transport Plane Technology Image Transmission Smell Transference The Use of Electricity Artesian Wells The Army-Ant in Technology Atomic Energy and Fission BOOK THREE: The Historical Facts Recorded in the Qur’an Haman” and Ancient Egypt Monuments Prophet Musa (as) and Sea’s Splitting in Two The Troubles which Afflicted Pharaoh and Those around Him The Word “Pharaoh” in the Qur’an The Prophet Musa (as) Referred to as a Magician Nuh’s Flood The City of Iram The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah The People of Saba and the Arim Flood The People of Al-Hijr BOOK FOUR: Allah’s Mathematical Miracles in the Qur’an Word Repetitions in the Qur’an Numerological Calculations (Abjad) in the Qur’an The Miracle of 19 in the Qur’an BOOK FIVE: The Perfection of the Qur’an from the Literary Aspect
The Inimitability of the Qur’an Comments about the Qur’an from Various Scholars CONCLUSION: The Qur’an Is Allah’s Revelation APPENDIX: The Deception of Evolution TO THE READER A special chapter is assigned to the collapse of the theory of evolution because this theory constitutes the basis of all anti-spiritual philosophies. Since Darwinism rejects the fact of creation-and therefore, Allah’s existence-over the last 140 years it has caused many people to abandon their faith or fall into doubt. It is therefore an imperative service, a very important duty to show everyone that this theory is a deception.
Since some readers may find the chance to read only one of our books, we think it appropriate to devote a chapter to summarize this subject. All the author’s books explain faith-related issues in light of Qur’anic verses, and invite readers to learn Allah’s words and to live by them. All the subjects concerning Allah’s verses are explained so as to leave no doubt or room for questions in the reader’s mind. The books’ sincere, plain, and fluent style ensures that everyone of every age and from every social group can easily understand them. Thanks to their effective, lucid narrative, they can be read at one sitting.
Even those who rigorously reject spirituality are influenced by the facts these books document and cannot refute the truthfulness of their contents. This and all the other books by the author can be read individually, or discussed in a group. Readers eager to profit from the books will find discussion very useful, letting them relate their reflections and experiences to one another. In addition, it will be a great service to Islam to contribute to the publication and reading of these books, written solely for the pleasure of Allah. The author’s books are all extremely convincing.
For this reason, to communicate true religion to others, one of the most effective methods is encouraging them to read these books. We hope the reader will look through the reviews of his other books at the back of this book. His rich source material on faith-related issues is very useful, and a pleasure to read. In these books, unlike some other books, you will not find the author’s personal views, explanations based on dubious sources, styles that are unobservant of the respect and reverence due to sacred subjects, nor hopeless, pessimistic arguments that create doubts in the mind and eviations in the heart. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Now writing under the pen-name of HARUN YAHYA, he was born in Ankara in 1956. Having completed his primary and secondary education in Ankara, he studied arts at Istanbul’s Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, he has published many books on political, scientific, and faith-related issues. Harun Yahya is well-known as the author of important works disclosing the imposture of evolutionists, their invalid claims, and the dark liaisons between Darwinism and such bloody ideologies as fascism and communism.
His pen-name is a composite of the names Harun (Aaron) and Yahya (John), in memory of the two esteemed Prophets who fought against their people’s lack of faith. The Prophet’s seal on his books’ covers is symbolic and is linked to their contents. It represents the Qur’an (the Final Scripture) and Prophet Muhammad (saas), last of the prophets. Under the guidance of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet [saas]), the author makes it his purpose to disprove each fundamental tenet of godless ideologies and to have the “last word,” so as to completely silence the objections raised against religion.
He uses the seal of the final Prophet (saas), who attained ultimate wisdom and moral perfection, as a sign of his intention to offer the last word. All of Harun Yahya’s works share one single goal: to convey the Qur’an’s message, encourage readers to consider basic faith-related issues such as Allah’s existence and unity and the Hereafter; and to expose godless systems’ feeble foundations and perverted ideologies. Harun Yahya enjoys a wide readership in many countries, from India to America, England to Indonesia, Poland to Bosnia, and Spain to Brazil.
Some of his books are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Urdu, Arabic, Albanian, Russian, Serbo-Croat (Bosnian), Polish, Malay, Uygur Turkish, and Indonesian. Greatly appreciated all around the world, these works have been instrumental in many people recovering faith in Allah and gaining deeper insights into their faith. His books’ wisdom and sincerity, together with a distinct style that’s easy to understand, directly affect anyone who reads them.
Those who seriously consider these books, can no longer advocate atheism or any other perverted ideology or materialistic philosophy, since these books are characterized by rapid effectiveness, definite results, and irrefutability. Even if they continue to do so, it will be only a sentimental insistence, since these books refute such ideologies from their very foundations. All contemporary movements of denial are now ideologically defeated, thanks to the books written by Harun Yahya. This is no doubt a result of the Qur’an’s wisdom and lucidity.
The author modestly intends to serve as a means in humanity’s search for Allah’s right path. No material gain is sought in the publication of these works. Those who encourage others to read these books, to open their minds and hearts and guide them to become more devoted servants of Allah, render an invaluable service. Meanwhile, it would only be a waste of time and energy to propagate other books that create confusion in people’s minds, lead them into ideological chaos, and that clearly have no strong and precise effects in removing the doubts in people’s hearts, as also verified from previous experience.
It is impossible for books devised to emphasize the author’s literary power rather than the noble goal of saving people from loss of faith, to have such a great effect. Those who doubt this can readily see that the sole aim of Harun Yahya’s books is to overcome disbelief and to disseminate the Qur’an’s moral values. The success and impact of this service are manifested in the readers’ conviction. One point should be kept in mind: The main reason for the continuing cruelty, conflict, and other ordeals endured by the vast majority of people is the ideological prevalence of disbelief.
This can be ended only with the ideological defeat of disbelief and by conveying the wonders of creation and Qur’anic morality so that people can live by it. Considering the state of the world today, leading into a downward spiral of violence, corruption and conflict, clearly this service must be provided speedily and effectively, or it may be too late. In this effort, the books of Harun Yahya assume a leading role. By the will of Allah, these books will be a means through which people in the twenty-first century will attain the peace, justice, and happiness promised in the Qur’an.
PREFACE Fourteen centuries ago, Allah sent down the Qur’an. This book of guidance and wisdom calls man to the truth and instructs all human beings to adhere to the values which this mighty revelation contains. From the day of its revelation to the Day of Judgement, this last divine book will remain as the sole guide for humanity. The book of Allah states, “But it is nothing less than a Reminder to all the worlds. ” (Qur’an, 68:52) Ever since the Qur’an was revealed, it has possessed an easily understandable language and tone, accessible to all people and in all times.
Allah tells us of this style in the Qur’an: “We have made the Qur’an easy to remember… ” (Qur’an, 54:22) The perfection of the literary language of the Qur’an, the incomparable features of its style and the superior wisdom contained within it are some of the definitive proofs that it represents the word of our Lord. In addition, the Qur’an contains within its words many miracles which prove it to be Allah’s word. One of these attributes is the remarkable number of scientific truths which are contained in the Book of Islam.
In this book which was revealed over fourteen centuries ago to the Prophet Muhammad (saas), there are innumerable examples of information humanity have only been able to uncover by the technology of the 20th and 21st centuries. Of course, we should not view the Qur’an as a book of science for it is primarily a book of moral and spiritual guidance. However, many scientific facts that are expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner, within the verses of the Qur’an, have only been discovered by scientists with the aid of the technological advancement of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Quite simply, these facts which we now point out to the reader could not have been known at the time of the Qur’an’s revelation, and this is still more proof that the Qur’an is the word of Allah. In order to understand the scientific miracles contained in the Qur’an, we must first look at the level of scientific knowledge which existed at the time when this holy book was revealed. When one understands the context in which the Qur’an was revealed, one can understand more clearly how extraordinary the book of Islam actually is.
In the 7th century, when these sacred verses were sent down, Arab society was awash with many superstitious and groundless notions. Lacking the technology to examine the universe and nature, these early Arabs believed in uncorroborated tales inherited from past generations and did not question them. For example, they supposed that mountains supported the sky above. They believed that the Earth was flat and that mountains acted as pillars that kept the vault of heaven high above us. Into this atmosphere of legend and myth, the Qur’an came down. It replaced ignorance with knowledge and illogical conjecture with guidance and certainty.
One verse of the Qur’an states, “Allah is He Who raised up the heavens without any support… ” (Qur’an, 13:2) This verse invalidated the belief that the sky remains above because of support from the mountains. The Qur’an is filled with important facts which were revealed at a point in human history when no man could possibly have known them. The Qur’an-which was revealed at a time when people knew very little about astronomy, physics, or biology-contains key facts on a variety of subjects all of which point to the fact that it is revealed by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
Some of the subjects explained and dealt with in the Qur’an are: the creation of the universe, the creation and miraculous development of the human being from miniscule embryo to grown adult, the structure of the atmosphere in which we live and the delicate balances that make life on Earth possible. In order to understand some of these points more fully, let us look at some of these scientific miracles revealed in the Qur’an together. BOOK ONE ALLAH’S SCIENTIFIC MIRACLES IN THE QUR’AN THE FORMATION OF THE UNIVERSE
Until the mid-20th century, the prevalent view across the world was that the universe was infinite, had existed forever and that it will continue to do so for all time. According to this view, known as the “static universe model,” the universe had no end or beginning. In maintaining that the universe is a collection of fixed, static and unchanging substances, this view has constituted the basis of materialist philosophy and has consequently rejected the existence of a Creator. However, as science and technology progressed during the 20th century, the static universe model has been completely uprooted.
We have now entered the 21st century and a new dawn is upon us. Through numerous experiments, observations and calculation conducted by some of the world’s most prominent thinkers, modern physics has proven that the universe did indeed have a beginning, that it came into being from nothing in a single moment in a huge explosion. Furthermore, it has been established that the universe is not fixed and static, as materialists still stubbornly maintain. On the contrary, it is undergoing a constant process of movement, change and expansion. These recently-established facts all act as nails in the coffin of the static universe theory.
Today, all these facts are universally accepted by the scientific community. The origin of the universe is described in the Qur’an in the following verse: He created the heavens and the Earth from nothing. (Qur’an, 6:101) This information is in full agreement with the findings of contemporary scientists. As we stated earlier, the conclusion that astrophysics has reached today is that the entire universe, together with the dimensions of matter and time, came into existence as a result of a great explosion that occurred a long time ago. This event, known as “The Big Bang,” is the catalyst for the creation of the universe from nothingness.
This explosion, all parties in the scientific community agree, emanated from a single point some 15 billion years ago. (See Harun Yahya, The Creation of the Universe, Al-Attique Publishers Inc. , Canada, 2000) THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE In the Qur’an, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago at a time when the science of astronomy was still primitive, the expansion of the universe was described in the following terms: And it is We Who have constructed the heaven with might, and verily, it is We Who are steadily expanding it. (Qur’an, 51:47) The word “heaven,” as stated in the verse above, is used in various places in the Qur’an.
It is referring to space and the wider universe. Here again, the word is used with this meaning, stating that the universe “expands. ” The Arabic word “moosi’oona” in the term “inna lamoosi’oona,” translated into English as “it is We Who are steadily expanding it,” comes from the verb “awsa’a,” meaning “to expand. ” The prefix “la” emphasises the following name or title and adds a sense of “to a great extent. ” This expression therefore means “We expand the sky or the universe to a great extent. ” This is the very conclusion that science has reached today. Until the dawn of the 20th century, the only view prevailing in the world of science was that “the universe has a constant nature and it has existed since infinite time. ” However, modern research, observations, and calculations carried out by means of modern technology have revealed that the universe in fact had a beginning and that it constantly “expands. ” At the beginning of the 20th century, the Russian physicist Alexander Friedmann and the Belgian cosmologist Georges Lemaitre theoretically calculated that the universe is in constant motion and that it is expanding.
This notion was confirmed by the use of observational data in 1929. While observing the sky with a telescope, Edwin Hubble, the American astronomer, discovered that the stars and galaxies were constantly moving away from each other. This discovery is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of astronomy. During these observations, Hubble established that the stars emit a light that turns redder according to their distance. That is because according to the known laws of physics, light heading towards a point of observation turns violet, and light moving away from that point assumes a more reddish hue.
During his observations, Hubble noted a tendency towards the colour red in the light emitted by stars. In short, the stars were moving further and further away, all the time. The stars and galaxies were not only moving away from us, but also from each other. A universe where everything constantly moves away from everything else implied a constantly expanding universe. The observations carried out in the following years verified that the universe is constantly expanding. In order to gain a clearer understanding of this, let us imagine the universe to be the surface of a balloon being inflated.
In the same way that the more the balloon is inflated, the further away the points on its surface move from one another, celestial bodies also move away from one another as the universe expands. This was theoretically discovered by Albert Einstein, regarded as one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. However, in order to avoid violating the “static universe model” that was generally accepted at that time, Einstein laid that discovery aside. He would later describe this as the greatest blunder of his life. This fact was explained in the Qur’an in a time when telescopes and similar technological advancements were not even close to being invented. This is because the Qur’an is the word of Allah: the Creator and Ruler of the entire universe. THE END OF THE UNIVERSE AND THE BIG CRUNCH As we have stated above, the creation of the universe began with a huge explosion. From this point, the universe has been expanding ever since. Scientists say that when the mass of the universe has reached a sufficient level, this expansion will come to an end because of gravity, causing the universe to collapse in on itself. It is also believed that the contracting universe will end in a fierce heat and contraction known as the “Big Crunch. ” This would lead to the end of all forms of life as we know them. Renata Kallosh and Andrei Linde, professors of physics from Stanford University, made the following statements on the subject: The universe may be doomed to collapse and disappear. Everything we see now, and at a much larger distance that we cannot see, will collapse into a point smaller than a proton. Locally, it will be the same as if you were inside a black hole…
We have found that some of the best attempts to describe dark energy predict that it will gradually become negative, which will cause the universe to become unstable, then collapse… Physicists have known that dark energy could become negative and the universe could collapse sometime in the very distant future… but now we see that we might be, not in the beginning, but in the middle of the life cycle of our universe. 4 This is how this scientific hypothesis of the Big Crunch is indicated in the Qur’an: That Day We will fold up heaven like folding up the pages of a book. As We originated the first creation so We will regenerate it.
It is a promise binding on Us. That is what We will do. (Qur’an, 21:104) In another verse, this state of the heavens is described thus: They do not measure Allah with His true measure. The whole Earth will be a mere handful for Him on the Day of Resurrection the heavens folded up in His right hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted above the partners they ascribe! (Qur’an, 39:67) According to the Big Crunch theory, the universe will begin to collapse slowly and will then increasingly pick up speed. At the end of the process the universe will have infinite density and be infinitely hot and small.
This scientific theory runs parallel to the Qur’anic explanation of this particular scientific concept. (Allah knows best) CREATION FROM HOT SMOKE Scientists today are able to observe the formation of stars from a hot gas cloud. Formation from a warm mass of gas also applies to the creation of the universe. The creation of the universe as described in the Qur’an confirms this scientific discovery in the following verse: He placed firmly embedded mountains on it, towering over it, and blessed it and measured out its nourishment in it, laid out for those who seek it-all in four days.
Then He turned to heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the Earth, “Come willingly or unwillingly. ” They both said, “We come willingly. ” (Qur’an, 41:10-11) The Arabic word for “samaa’,” translated here as “heaven,” refers to the entire universe. The word “dukhaanun” for “smoke” describes the matter before the universe took its shape-the hot, cosmic smoke present during the creation of the universe, as now acknowledged by scientist. 5 This word in the Qur’an, in pinpoint fashion, describes this smoke very accurately for it is a warm body of gas containing mobile particles connected to solid substances.
Here, the Qur’an has employed the most appropriate word from the Arabic language for describing the appearance of this phase of the universe. Let us note that only in the 20th century have scientists discovered that the universe emerged from a hot gas in the form of smoke. In addition, the word “thumma,” translated as “then” in the expression “Then He turned to heaven when it was smoke,” bears other meanings such as “at this, in addition, furthermore, moreover, again, once more. ” Here, “thumma” is employed not as an expression of time, but as an additional clarification. The fact that such information about the creation of the universe is given in the Qur’an is nothing short of a miracle of the Qur’an. THE SEPARATION OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH Another verse about the creation of the heavens is as follows: Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the Earth were sewn together and then We unstitched them and that We made from water every living thing’so will they not believe? (Qur’an, 21:30) The word “ratq” translated as “sewn to” means “mixed in each, blended” in the Arabic vernacular. It is used to refer to two different substances that make up a whole.
The phrase “we unstitched” is the verb “fataqa” in Arabic and implies that something comes into being by tearing apart or destroying the structure of things that are sewn to one another. The sprouting of a seed from the soil is one of the actions to which this verb is applied. Let us take a look at the verse again. In the verse, sky and earth are at first subject to the status of “ratq. ” They are separated (fataqa) with one coming out of the other. Intriguingly, when we think about the first moments of the Big Bang, we see that the entire matter of the universe collected at one single point.
In other words, everything-including “the heavens and earth” which were not created yet-were in an interwoven and inseparable condition. Then, this point exploded violently, causing its matter to disunite. THE CREATION OF WHAT LIES BETWEEN THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH The Qur’an contains a great many verses concerning the creation of the Earth, the heavens and what lies between: We did not create the heavens and Earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming, so turn away graciously. (Qur’an, 15:85)
Everything in the heavens and everything on the Earth and everything in between them and everything under the ground belongs to Him. (Qur’an, 20:6) We did not create heaven and Earth and everything in between them as a game. (Qur’an, 21:16) Scientists state that first of all, a mass of hot gas increased in density. This mass later divided into smaller parts to form galactic matter and later still, the stars and planets. To put it another way, the Earth along with stars around it, are all parts which separated from a united body of gas.
Some of these parts brought the suns and planets into being, thus leading to the emergence of the many Solar Systems and galaxies. As we have set out in earlier sections of this book, the universe was first in a state of “ratq” (fusion: combined together, united) and then became “fataqa” (divided into parts). The emergence of the universe is described with the most suitable words in the Qur’an, in such a way as to confirm the scientific accounts. 7 On the occasion of every division, a few particles remained outside the new, fundamental bodies forming in space.
The scientific name for these extra particles is “interstellar galactic material. ” Interstellar matter consists of 60% of hydrogen, 38% of helium and 2% of all other elements. Of the interstellar matter, 99% consists of interstellar gas and 1% of interstellar dust, which probably consists of heavy elements in small particles of 0. 0001 to 0. 001 mm in diameter. 8 Scientists regard these substances as very important from the point of view of astrophysical measurements. These substances are so fine as to be capable of being regarded as dust, smoke or gas.
However, when one considers these substances as a whole, they represent a larger mass than the total of all the galaxies in space. Although the existence of this interstellar galactic matter was only discovered in 1920, attention was drawn to the existence of these particles, described as “maa baynahuma”-translated as “everything between them”-hundreds of years ago in the Qur’an. THE PERFECT EQUILIBRIUM IN THE UNIVERSE He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any discrepancy in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again-do you see any gaps?
Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted! (Qur’an, 67:3-4) The billions of stars and galaxies in the universe move in perfect equilibrium in the paths set out for them. Stars, planets and satellites rotate not only around their own axes but also together with the systems of which they are an integral part. Sometimes, galaxies containing 200-300 billion stars move across each others’ paths. Yet amazingly, no collisions take place that might damage the great order in the universe. This miracle is something over which all of us should reflect.
In the universe, the concept of speed assumes giant dimensions when compared to earthly measurements. Stars, planets, galaxies and conglomerations of galaxies-whose numerical properties can only be conceived by mathematicians-weigh billions or trillions of tons, and move through space at extraordinary speeds. For example, the Earth rotates at 1,670 kmph (1,038 mph). If we consider that the fastest-moving bullet today possesses an average speed of 1,800 kmph, we can see how fast the Earth is moving, despite its enormous size and mass. The speed of the Earth as it orbits the Sun is some 60 times faster than a bullet: 108,000 kmph.
If we were able to construct a vehicle capable of moving at that speed, it would be able to circumnavigate the Earth in 22 minutes. These figures apply only to the Earth. Those for the Solar System are even more fascinating. The speed of that system is such as to exceed the bounds of reason: The larger the systems in the universe, the greater their speed. The Solar System’s speed of orbit around the centre of the galaxy is 720,000 kmph. The Milky Way, with its 200 billion or so stars, moves through space at 950,000 kmph. There is no doubt that there is a very high risk of collisions in such a complicated and fast-moving system.
Yet nothing of the sort actually happens and we continue with our lives in complete safety. That is because everything in the universe functions according to the flawless equilibrium set out by Allah. It is for this reason that, as stated in the verse, there is no “discrepancy” in the system. THE FINE TUNING IN THE UNIVERSE He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again-do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted! (Qur’an, 67:3-4) Don’t you see how He created seven heavens in layers? Qur’an, 71:15) He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs. He does not have a son and He has no partner in the Kingdom. He created everything and determined it most exactly. (Qur’an, 25:2) Materialist philosophy emerged with the claim that all the systems in nature and the universe were like machines that functioned on their own, that the flawless order and balance within them were the work of chance. However, today, the false nature of materialism and of Darwinism, its so-called scientific foundation, has been scientifically demonstrated. See Harun Yahya, The Evolution Deceit, 8th ed. , Ta-Ha Publishers, 2004 and Darwinism Refuted, Goodword Books, 2003. ) The scientific discoveries of the 20th century that followed swiftly, one after the other, in the fields of astrophysics and biology have proved that life and the universe were created. As the theses of Darwinism collapsed, the Big Bang theory has shown that the universe was created from nothing. Discoveries have revealed that there is a great design and fine-tuning in the material world and this has categorically demonstrated the groundless nature of the claims of aterialism. Considering the conditions necessary for life, we see that only the Earth meets these particular conditions. For an environment suitable for life, there are innumerable conditions taking place simultaneously and unceasingly all around us. There are some hundred billion galaxies, each with-on average-a hundred billion stars. In all the galaxies, there are perhaps as many planets as stars. 9 In the face of such overpowering numbers, one can better comprehend the significance of the formation of such an exceptional environment on the Earth.
From the force of the Big Bang explosion to the physical values of atoms, from the levels of the four basic forces to the chemical processes in the stars, from the type of light emitted by the Sun to the level of viscosity of water, from the distance of the Moon to the Earth to the level of gases in the atmosphere, from the Earth’s distance from the Sun to its angle of tilt to its orbit, and from the speed at which the Earth revolves around its own axis to the functions of the oceans and mountains on the Earth: every single detail is ideally suited to our lives.
Today, the world of science describes these features by means of the concepts of the “Anthropic Principle” and “Fine-Tuning. ” These concepts summarise the way that the universe is not an aimless, uncontrolled, chance collection of matter but that it has a purpose directed towards human life and has been designed with the greatest precision. Attention is drawn in the above verses to the measure and harmony in Allah’s creation. The word “taqdeer,” meaning “to design, measure, create by measuring,” is employed in Qur’anic verses such as Surat al-Furqan 2. The word “tibaaq,” meaning “in harmony,” is used in Surat al-Mulk 3 and Surah Nuh 15.
Furthermore, Allah also reveals in Surat al-Mulk with the word “tafaawut,” meaning “disagreement, violation, non-conformity, disorder, opposite,” that those who seek disharmony will fail to find it. The term “fine-tuning,” which began to be used towards the end of the 20th century, represents this truth revealed in the verses. Over the last quarter-century or so, a great many scientists, intellectuals and writers have shown that the universe is not a collection of coincidences. On the contrary, it has an extraordinary design and order ideally suited to human life in its every detail. See Harun Yahya, The Creation of the Universe, Al-Attique Publishers, November 2002 and A Chain of Miracles, Global Publishing, May 2004. ) Many features in the universe clearly show that the universe has been specially designed to support life. The physicist Dr. Karl Giberson expresses this fact thus: In the 1960s, some physicists observed that our universe appears to have been fine-tuned for the existence of human life. 10 The British astrophysicist Professor George F. Ellis refers to this fine-tuning in these terms: Amazing fine tuning occurs in the laws that make this [complexity] possible.
Realization of the complexity of what is accomplished makes it very difficult not to use the word “miraculous” without taking a stand as to the ontological status of the word. 11 The Speed of the Big Bang Explosion: The balances established with the Big Bang, the instantaneous formation of the universe, are one of the proofs that the universe did not come into being by chance. According to the well-known Adelaide University professor of mathematical physics Paul Davies, if the rate of expansion that took place following the Big Bang had been just one in a billion billion parts different (1/1018), the universe could not have come into being. 2 In his book A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking recognises this extraordinary precision in the universe’s rate of expansion: If the rate of expansion one second after the big bang had been smaller by even one part in a hundred thousand million million, the universe would have recollapsed before it ever reached its present size. 13 The Four Forces: All physical motion in the universe comes about thanks to the interaction and equilibrium of the four forces recognised by modern physics: gravity, electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force and weak nuclear force.
These forces possess extraordinarily different values to one another. Michael Denton, the famous molecular biologist, describes the extraordinary equilibrium among these forces thus: If, for example, the gravitational force was a trillion times stronger, then the universe would be far smaller and its life history far shorter. An average star would have a mass a trillion times less than the sun and a life span of about one year. On the other hand, if gravity had been less powerful, no stars or galaxies would have ever formed. The other relationships and values are no less critical.
If the strong force had been just slightly weaker, the only element that would be stable would be hydrogen. No other atoms could exist. If it had been slightly stronger in relation to electromagnetism, then an atomic nucleus consisting of only two protons would be a stable feature of the universe-which would mean there would be no hydrogen, and if any stars or galaxies evolved, they would be very different from the way they are. Clearly, if these various forces and constants did not have precisely the values they do, there would be no stars, no supernovae, no planets, no atoms, no life. 4 The Distances between Celestial Bodies: The distribution of celestial bodies in space and the enormous spaces between them are essential to the existence of life on Earth. The distances between celestial bodies have been set out in a calculation compatible with a great many powerful universal forces in such a way as to support life on Earth. In his book Nature’s Destiny Michael Denton describes the distance between supernovae and stars: The distances between supernovae and indeed between all stars is critical for other reasons.
The distance between stars in our galaxy is about 30 million miles. If this distance was much less, planetary orbits would be destabilized. If it was much more, then the debris thrown out by a supernova would be so diffusely distributed that planetary systems like our own would in all probability never form. If the cosmos is to be a home for life, then the flickering of the supernovae must occur at a very precise rate and the average distance between them, and indeed between all stars, must be very close to the actual observed figure. 15 Gravity: If gravity were stronger, excessive ammonia and methane would collect in the Earth’s atmosphere, which would have a most damaging effect on life. – If it were weaker, the Earth’s atmosphere would lose excessive quantities of water, making life impossible. The Earth’s Distance from the Sun: – If this were any greater, the planet would grow very cold, the water cycle in the atmosphere would be affected, and the planet would enter an ice-age. – If the Earth were any closer to the Sun, plants would burn up, the water cycle in the Earth’s atmosphere would be irreparably damaged, and life would become impossible.
The Thickness of the Earth’s Crust: – If the crust were any thicker, then an excessive amount of oxygen would be transferred to it from the atmosphere. – If it were any thinner, the resulting amount of volcanic activity would make life impossible. The Speed at which the Earth Revolves: – If this were any slower, the temperature difference between day and night would grow enormously. – If it were any faster, then atmospheric winds would reach enormous speeds, and cyclones and storms would make life impossible. The Earth’s Magnetic Field: If this were any more powerful, very strong electromagnetic storms would arise. – If it were any weaker, then the Earth would lose its protection against the harmful particles given off by the Sun and known as solar winds. Both situations would make life impossible. The Albedo Effect (The Fraction of Light Reflected by the Earth): – If this were any greater, an ice-age would rapidly result. – If it were any less, the greenhouse effect would lead to excessive warming. The Earth would first be flooded with the melting of the glaciers, and would then burn up. The Proportion of Oxygen and Nitrogen n the Atmosphere: – If this were any greater, vital functions would be adversely accelerated. – If it were any less, vital functions would adversely slow down. The Proportion of Carbon Dioxide and Water in the Atmosphere: – If this were any greater, the atmosphere would overheat. – If it were any less, the temperature of the atmosphere would fall. The Thickness of the Ozone Layer: – If this were any greater, the Earth’s temperature would fall enormously. – If it were any less, the Earth would overheat and be defenceless against the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the Sun. Seismic Activity (Earthquakes): If this were any greater, there would be constant upheaval for living things. – If it were any less, the nutrients at the sea bottom would fail to spread into the water. This would have a damaging effect on life in the seas and oceans and all living things on Earth. The Earth’s Angle of Tilt: The Earth has a 23 degree angle of inclination to its orbit. It is this inclination that gives rise to the seasons. If this angle were any greater or any less than it is now, the temperature difference between the seasons would reach extreme dimensions, with unbearably hot summers and bitterly cold winters.
The Size of the Sun:A smaller star than the Sun would mean the Earth would freeze and a larger star would lead to its burning up. The Attraction between the Earth and the Moon: – If this were any greater, the powerful attraction of the Moon would have extremely serious effects on atmospheric conditions, the speed at which the Earth revolves around its own axis and on the ocean tides. – If it were any less, this would lead to extreme climate changes. The Distance between the Earth and the Moon: – If they were just a little closer, the Moon would crash into the Earth. – If they were any further, the Moon would become lost in space. If they were even a little closer, the Moon’s effect on the Earth’s tides would reach dangerous dimensions. Ocean waves would inundate low-lying areas. The friction emerging as a result of this would raise the temperature of the oceans and the sensitive temperature balance essential to life on Earth would disappear. – If they were even a little further away, the tides would decrease, leading the oceans to be less mobile. Immobile water would endanger life in the seas, and the level of the oxygen we breathe would be endangered. 16 The Temperature of the Earth and Carbon-Based Life:
The existence of carbon, the basis of all life, depends on the temperature remaining within specific limits. Carbon is an essential substance for organic molecules such as amino-acid, nucleic acid and protein: These constitute the basis of life. For that reason, life can only be carbon-based. Given this, the existing temperature needs to be no lower than -20 degrees and no higher than 120 degrees Celsius (248oF). These are just the temperature limits on Earth. These are just a few of the exceedingly sensitive balances which are essential for life on Earth to have emerged and to survive.
Yet even these are sufficient to definitively reveal that the Earth and the universe could not have come into being as the result of a number of consecutive coincidences. The concepts of “fine-tuning” and the “anthropic principle” that began to be employed in the 20th century are further evidence of Allah’s creation. The harmony and proportion therein were described with magnificent accuracy fourteen centuries ago in the Qur’an. THE STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE STARS We built seven firm layers above you. We installed a blazing lamp. (Qur’an, 78:12-13)
As we know, the only source of light in the Solar System is the Sun. With advances in technology, astronomers discovered that the Moon was not a source of light but that it merely reflects the light reaching it from the Sun. The expression “lamp” in the above verse is a translation of the Arabic word “siraaj,” which most perfectly describes the Sun, the source of light and heat. In the Qur’an Allah employs different words when referring to such celestial bodies as the Moon, the Sun and the stars. This is how the differences between the structures of the Sun and Moon are expressed in the Qur’an:
Don’t you see how He created seven heavens in layers, and placed the Moon as a light in them and made the sun a blazing lamp? (Qur’an, 71:15-16) In the above verse, the word “light” is used for the Moon (“noor” in Arabic) and the word “lamp” for the Sun (“siraaj” in Arabic. ) The word used for the Moon refers to a light-reflecting, bright, motionless body. The word used for the Sun refers to a celestial body which is always burning, a constant source of heat and light. On the other hand, the word “star” comes from the Arabic root “najama,” meaning “appearing, emerging, visible. As in the verse below, stars are also referred to by the word “thaaqib,” which is used for that which shines and pierces the darkness with light: self-consuming and burning: It is the star that pierces through darkness! (Qur’an, 86:3) We now know that the Moon does not emit its own light but reflects that reaching it from the Sun. We also know that the Sun and stars do emit their own light. These facts were revealed in the Qur’an in an age when mankind simply did not have the means to make scientific discoveries of their own accord. It was an age when peoples’ knowledge of celestial bodies was severely restricted, to say the least.
This further emphasises the miraculous nature of the book of Islam. ORBITS AND THE ROTATING UNIVERSE One of the most important reasons for the great equilibrium in the universe is the fact that celestial bodies follow specific paths. Stars, planets and satellites all rotate around their own axes and also rotate together with the system of which they are a part. The universe functions within a finely-tuned order, just like the wheels in a factory. There are more than 100 billion galaxies in the visible universe and each small galaxy contains approximately a billion stars.
Furthermore, each big galaxy contains more than a trillion. 17 Many of these stars have planets and many of those planets have satellites. All these celestial bodies follow the most finely calculated paths and orbits. For millions of years, each one has been moving in its own path in flawless harmony with all the others. In addition to these, there are also a great many comets moving along in their own pre-determined paths. In addition, the paths in the universe are not restricted to a few celestial bodies. The Solar System and even other galaxies also exhibit considerable motion around other centres.
Every year, Earth, and the Solar System with it, move some 500 million km (310 million miles) from where they were the previous year. It has been calculated that even the slightest deviation from celestial bodies’ paths could have drastic consequences which might spell the end of the entire system. For example, the consequences of the Earth’s deviating from its course by a mere 3 mm have been described in one source as follows: While rotating around the sun, the earth follows such an orbit that, every 18 miles, it only deviates 2. millimetres from a direct course. The orbit followed by the earth never changes, because even a deviation of 3 millimetres would cause catastrophic disasters: If the deviation were 2. 5 mm instead of 2. 8 mm, then the orbit would be very large, and all of us would freeze. If the deviation were 3. 1 mm, we would be scorched to death. 18 Another characteristic of heavenly bodies is that they also rotate around their own axes. The verse which reads “[I swear] by Heaven with its cyclical systems,” (Qur’an, 86:11) indicates this truth.
Naturally, at the time when the Qur’an was revealed, people had no telescopes with which to study bodies millions of kilometres away in space, advanced observation technology or our modern knowledge of physics and astronomy. It was therefore impossible to establish that space had “its oscillating orbits,” (Qur’an, 51:7) as described in the verse. The Qur’an however, revealed at that time, provided clear information concerning that fact. This is proof that this book is indeed Allah’s word. THE SUN’S TRAJECTORY It is stressed in the Qur’an that the Sun and Moon follow specific trajectories:
It is He Who created night and day and the Sun and Moon, each one swimming in a sphere. (Qur’an, 21:33) The word “swim” in the above verse is expressed in Arabic by the word “sabaha” and is used to describe the movement of the Sun in space. The word means that the Sun does not move randomly through space but that it rotates around its axis and follows a course as it does so. The fact that the Sun is not fixed in position but rather follows a specific trajectory is also stated in another verse: And the Sun runs to its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing. (Qur’an, 36:38)
These facts set out in the Qur’an were only discovered by means of astronomical advances in our own time. According to astronomers’ calculations, the Sun moves along a path known as the Solar Apex in the path of the star Vega at an incredible speed of 720,000 kmph (447,000 mph). In rough terms, this shows that the Sun traverses some 17. 28 million km (10. 74 million miles) a day. As well as the Sun itself, all the planets and satellites within its gravitational field also travel the same distance. THE MOON’S ORBIT And We have decreed set phases for the Moon, until it ends up looking like an old date branch.
It is not for the Sun to overtake the Moon nor for the night to outstrip the day; each one is swimming in a sphere. (Qur’an, 36:39-40) The Moon does not follow a regular orbit like the satellites of other planets. As it orbits the Earth, it sometimes moves behind it and sometimes in front. As it also moves with the Earth around the Sun, it actually follows a constant pattern resembling the letter “S” in space. This route, traced by the Moon in space, is described in the Qur’an as resembling an old date branch and does indeed resemble the twisted form of the date tree branch.
Indeed, the word “urjoon” employed in the Qur’an refers to a thin and twisted date branch and is used to describe that part left after the fruit has been picked. The way that this branch is described as “old” is also most appropriate since old date branches are thinner and more twisted. There is no doubt that it was impossible for anyone to have any knowledge about the orbit of the Moon 1,400 years ago. The way that this pattern, identified by modern technology and accumulated knowledge, was revealed in the Book is yet another scientific miracle of the Qur’an.
CALCULATING THE LUNAR YEAR It is He Who appointed the Sun to give radiance, and the Moon to give light, assigning it phases so you would know the number of years and the reckoning of time. Allah did not create these things except with truth. We make the signs clear for people who know. (Qur’an, 10:5) And We have decreed set phases for the Moon, until it ends up looking like an old date branch. (Qur’an, 36:39) In the first of the above verses, Allah has clearly revealed that the Moon will be a means of measurement for people to calculate the year.
Furthermore, our attention is also drawn to the fact that these calculations will be performed according to the positions of the Moon as it revolves in its orbit. Since the angles between the Earth and Moon and the Moon and Sun constantly change, we see the Moon in different forms at different times. Furthermore, our ability to see the Moon is made possible by the fact that it is illuminated by the Sun. The amount of the lighted half of the Moon we see from Earth changes. Bearing in mind these changes, a number of calculations can be made, making it possible for human beings to measure the year.
In former times a month was calculated as the time between two full moons, or the time it took the Moon to travel around the Earth. According to this, one month was equal to 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. This is known as the “lunar month. ” Twelve lunar months represent one year, according to the Hijri calendar. However, there is a difference of eleven days between the Hijri calendar and the Gregorian calendar, in which a year is the time it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun. Indeed, attention is drawn to this difference in another verse: They stayed in their cave for three hundred years and added nine. (Qur’an, 18:25)
We can clarify the time referred to in the verse thus: 300 years x 11 days (the difference which forms every year) = 3,300 days. Bearing in mind that one solar year lasts 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45. 5 seconds, 3,300 days/365. 24 days = 9 years. To put it another way, 300 years according to the Gregorian calendar is equal to 300+9 years according to the Hijri calendar. As we can see, the verse refers to this finely calculated difference of 9 years. (Allah knows best. ) There is no doubt that the Qur’an, which contains such pieces of information, which transcended the everyday knowledge of the time, is a miraculous revelation.
THE FORCE OF GRAVITY AND ORBITAL MOVEMENTS No! I swear by the planets-that recede, that ride their course [and] hide themselves. (Qur’an, 81: 15-16) The word “khunnas” in Surat at-Takwir 15 bears such meanings as shrinking and cowering, retracting and turning back. The Arabic expression translated as “hide themselves” in the 16th verse is “kunnas,” the plural form of “kaanis,” which refers to a specific path: entering a nest, the home of a body in motion, or things entering their homes and hiding there.
Again in verse 16, the word “jawaar,” the plural form of “jariyah,” which means one that moves and flows, is translated as “that ride their course. ” Bearing the meanings in mind, it is very possible that these verses refer to the gravitational forces of the planets and their movements around their orbits. These words in the above verses fully describe orbital movements stemming from the force of gravity. Of these, the word “khunnas” refers to the planets’ attraction towards their own centres and also their attraction towards the Sun, which is the centre of our Solar System. (Allah knows best. The force of gravity already existed in the universe-although it was only possible to reveal this attractive force with mathematical formulae with Sir Isaac Newton, who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. The word “jawaar” in the following verse emphasises the orbital movements that arise as a result of the centrifugal force that opposes this attractive one. There is no doubt that the use of the word “jawaar” together with “khunnas” (attraction towards the centre, shrinkage) and “kunnas” (path, entering the nest, the home of a body in motion) indicates an important scientific truth that nobody could have known about 1,400 years ago. Allah knows best. ) Moreover, these verses, one of the subjects sworn on in the Qur’an, are another indication of the importance of the subject. THE SPHERICAL EARTH He has created the heavens and the Earth for truth. He wraps the night up in the day, and wraps the day up in the night. (Qur’an, 39:5) In the Qur’an, the words used for describing the universe are quite remarkable. The Arabic word which is translated as “to wrap” in the above verse is “yukawwir. ” In English, it means “to make one thing lap over another, folded up as a garment that is laid away. For instance, in Arabic dictionaries this word is used for the action of wrapping one thing around another, in the way that a turban is put on. The information given in the verse about the day and the night wrapping each other up includes accurate information about the shape of the world. This can be true only if the Earth is round. This means that in the Qur’an, which was revealed in the 7th century, the roundness of the world was hinted at. However, it should be remembered that the understanding of astronomy of the time perceived the world differently.
It was then thought that the world was a flat plane and all scientific calculations and explanations were based on this belief. However, the glorious Qur’an has employed the most definitive words when it came to describing the universe. These facts, which we could only correctly fathom in our century, have been in the Qur’an for a vast length of time. THE EARTH’S DIRECTION OF ROTATION You will see the mountains and reckon them to be solid; but they go past like clouds-the handiwork of Allah Who gives to everything its solidity.
He is aware of what you do. (Qur’an, 27:88) The above verse emphasises that the Earth not only rotates but that it also has a direction of rotation. The direction of movement of the main cloud masses at 3,500-4,000 metres (11,500-13,000 feet) high is always from West to East. That is why it is generally the state of the weather in the West which is looked at in meteorological forecasts. 19 The main reason why cloud masses are pulled from West to East is the direction in which the Earth rotates. As we now know, our Earth spins from West to East.
This scientific fact, only recently established by science, was revealed in the Qur’an 1,400 years ago, at a time when the Earth was believed to be flat, and to be resting on the back of an elephant. THE EARTH’S GEOID SHAPE After that He smoothed out the Earth. (Qur’an, 79:30) In the above verse, the word “dahaa” is used in the original Arabic. It, translated as “smoothed out,” comes from the word “dahaw,” meaning “to spread. ” Although the word “dahaw” also means to cover or to set out, the meaning of the verb is more than just a prosaic setting out, since it describes setting out in a circle.
The concept of roundness is also present in other words derived from “dahaw. ” For example, the word “dahaw” also refers to children dropping a ball into a hole in the ground, games involving throwing stones into holes and games played with walnuts. Words derived from that root are also used for an ostrich making a nest, cleaning stones from where it is about to lie down, the place where it lays its eggs and the egg itself. Indeed, the Earth is round, in a manner reminiscent of an egg. The slightly flattened spherical shape of the Earth is known as geoid.
From that point of view, the use of the word “dahaa” contains important information about the shape that Allah has given to the Earth. For hundreds of years, people imagined the Earth to be completely flat and only learned the truth thanks to technology. Yet, this fact was revealed in the Qur’an fourteen centuries ago. THE DIAMETERS OF THE EARTH AND SPACE Company of jinn and men, if you are able to pierce through the confines of the heavens and Earth, pierce through them. You will not pierce through except with a clear authority. (Qur’an, 55:33)
The Arabic word translated as “confines” in the above verse is “aqtaar. ” This is the plural form of the word “qutr,” meaning diameter and refers to the skies and the Earth having many diameters. It is possible in Arabic to tell from the form in which a word is used whether it is singular, plural (more than two), or employed in a dual form. Therefore, the form of the word used here, the plural, refers to another piece of miraculous information. A three-dimensional body can only be said to have a single diameter if it is perfectly spherical.
The term “diameters” can only refer to an irregular but basically spherical shape. This word chosen in the Qur’an-diameters-is important from the point of view of indicating the geoid shape of the Earth. The second noteworthy subject in the verse is that the Earth and the heavens are mentioned separately in reference to diameters. According to Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, the universe is expanding. But this does not mean that the galaxies and other heavenly bodies are being dispersed in space. This means that space is expanding and that the distance between the galaxies is increasing.
The definition of the “confines of the heavens” in Surat ar-Rahman 33 indicates the spherical structure of space. (Allah knows best. ) In the same way that the diameters of space will be different from different points in space, so the diameters of a constantly expanding space will also display differences. From that point of view the use of the plural form of the word confine is full of wisdom, and is one of the indications that the Qur’an is the revelation of our Omniscient Lord. ATMOSPHERIC LAYERS One fact about the universe revealed in the verses of the Qur’an is that the sky is made up of seven layers:
It is He Who created everything on the Earth for you and then directed His attention up to heaven and arranged it into seven regular heavens. He has knowledge of all things. (Qur’an, 2:29) Then He turned to heaven when it was smoke. In two days He determined them as seven heavens and revealed, in every heaven, its own mandate. (Qur’an, 41:11-12) The word “heavens,” which appears in many verses in the Qur’an, is used to refer to the sky above the Earth, as well as the entire universe. Given this meaning of the word, it is seen that the Earth’s sky, or the atmosphere, is made up of seven layers.
Today, it is known that the world’s atmosphere consists of different layers that lie on top of each other. 20 Based on the criteria of chemical contents or air temperature, the definitions made have determined the atmosphere of the Earth as seven layers. 21 According to the “Limited Fine Mesh Model (LFMMII),” a model of atmosphere used to estimate weather conditions for 48 hours, the atmosphere has also 7 layers. According to the modern geological definitions the seven layers of atmosphere are as follows: 1. Troposphere 2. Stratosphere 3. Mesosphere . Thermosphere 5. Exosphere 6. Ionosphere 7. Magnetosphere The Qur’an says, “[He] revealed, in every heaven, its own mandate,” in Surah Fussilat 12. In other words, Allah is stating that He assigned each heaven its own duty. Truly, as will be seen in following chapters, each one of these layers has vital duties for the benefit of human kind and all other living things on the Earth. Each layer has a particular function, ranging from forming rain to preventing harmful rays, from reflecting radio waves to averting the harmful effects of meteors.
The verses below inform us about the appearance of the seven layers of the atmosphere: Do you not see how He created seven heavens in layers? (Qur’an, 71:15) He Who created the seven heavens in layers… (Qur’an, 67:3) The Arabic word “tibaaq” in these verses, translated into English as “layer” means “layer, the appropriate cover or covering for something,” and thus stresses how the top layer is well suited to the lower. The word is also used in the plural here: “layers. ” The sky, described in the verse as being in layers, is without doubt the most perfect expression of the atmosphere.
It is a great miracle that these facts, which could not possibly be discovered without the technology of the 20th century, were explicitly stated by the Qur’an 1,400 years ago. THE WELL-GUARDED SKY In the Qur’an, Allah calls our attention to a very important attribute of the sky: We made the sky a preserved and protected roof yet still they turn away from Our signs. (Qur’an, 21:32) This attribute of the sky has been proved by scientific research carried out in the 20th century: The atmosphere surrounding the Earth serves crucial functions for the continuity of life.
While destroying many meteors-big and small-as they approach the Earth, it prevents them from falling to Earth and harming living things. In addition, the atmosphere filters the light rays coming from space that are harmful to living things. The mo
