Amidst the scientific clamor, the noise of laboratories, the hum of analytical devices, and the vigilance of space observatories, man deludes himself into thinking he has reached the pinnacle of knowledge and has become the undisputed master of the universe. Yet, a conscious reflection and an unbiased contemplation of the Book of Allah dismantle this scientific arrogance before the grandeur of revelation, revealing that the Qur'an was never an adversary to science, but rather its guide and director—preceding it not only in time but in methodology and objectives as well.
In the Book of Allah, you find scientific indications that humanity could only uncover centuries after the revelation of the verse, as if revelation had preceded the microscope, the telescope, and the MRI scanner—indeed, it surpassed them in the precision of expression, the comprehensiveness of the concept, and the loftiness of purpose. Allah Almighty says: “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth” (Fussilat: 53).
The revelation describes the stages of human creation in a wondrous manner. Allah Almighty says: “And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators” (Al-Mu’minun: 12–14). These are successive stages: from a sperm-drop to a clinging clot to a lump of flesh to bones, then clothing the bones with flesh—a striking alignment with what modern embryology has affirmed in its finest details.
You would marvel at how the masters of laboratories have overlooked secrets that the Qur'an mentioned in concise wording, yet it took sciences centuries to decipher them! The Qur'an's mention of fertilizing winds was once understood merely as referring to plant pollination. However, modern science has proven that winds fertilize clouds, contributing to rainfall: “And We have sent the fertilizing winds” (Al-Hijr: 22). Is this not a miraculous indication of a fine physical structure only satellites can observe today?
Then comes the divine indication of the water barriers between different seas, in His saying: “He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses” (Ar-Rahman: 19–20). Modern science has confirmed the existence of delicate water barriers that preserve the physical and chemical properties of each sea, so that neither overwhelms the other.
More astonishing still is that the Book of Allah describes the psychological sensation linked to the lack of atmospheric pressure at high altitudes—long before man flew planes or launched rockets into space! Allah says: “So whoever Allah wants to guide – He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide – He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky” (Al-An'am: 125). What a profound depiction where the heart, the air, the soul, and physics all intertwine!
Yet, the one who reflects must not confuse the Qur'an with biology and physics textbooks. The Qur'an is not a scientific encyclopedia sitting on academic shelves; rather, it is a guide for humanity, setting the compass for knowledge, refining its path, and purifying its aim. It does not mention scientific facts frivolously, nor does it speak of miracles merely for challenge; instead, it weaves them into the fabric of guidance, remembrance, and pointing towards the power and Oneness of Allah.
Thus, we do not view the scientific signs in the Qur'an with the cold lens of mere miraculousness, but through the lens of remembrance and clarification—so that knowledge remains a servant to revelation, not its competitor, and so that laboratories continue to translate what the Lord of the worlds revealed fourteen centuries ago.
When the West boasts of a biological discovery or a physical law, they announce it to the world as though it is an unprecedented breakthrough. Meanwhile, many sons of this Ummah neglect treasures in their Lord’s Book—treasures that illuminate darkness and enlighten minds—had they only reflected, compared, and connected.
While some modernists hasten to attribute everything to reason, coincidence, and experimentation, the believer sees that sound reason never conflicts with the text; rather, it testifies to it, is guided by it, and believes that the truth is one, even if the paths leading to it are many. And this convergence between the data of science and the latest discoveries with the indications and directives of the Qur'an is but a confirmation of His saying: “And those who disbelieved say, "You are not a messenger."Say, [O Muhammad], "Sufficient is Allah as Witness between me and you, and [the witness of] whoever has knowledge of the Scripture."” (Ar-Ra’d: 43).
The Qur'an does not merely precede science in information; it precedes it in purpose, methodology, and spirit. It does not merely open horizons of observation; it binds all that to the ultimate purpose: the worship of Allah, the knowledge of the truth, and the journey towards Him with the light of certainty.
Finally… Whoever makes science a judge over revelation has gone astray. But whoever makes revelation a guide for science has found the right path. One of the greatest tragedies of our time is seeking validation from laboratories before we are certain of what is between the covers of the Qur'an. Is it not time that we read the Book of our Lord with the eyes of seekers, not the eyes of the heedless?
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Resources:
- Encyclopedia of Mahasin Al-Islam
- IslamWeb
- IslamStory
