Introduction
Throughout the Quran, there are numerous references to scientific concepts that were far ahead of their time. This page explores how these verses correlate remarkably with what we know in modern science today.
Embryology in the Quran
The Quran describes the stages of human development from conception to birth in considerable detail. Verses 23:12-14, for example, describe how a human is formed from a 'drop of fluid' and then becomes a 'clinging clot' before being fashioned into bones, which are then covered with flesh. Modern embryology confirms the basic sequence of these stages, highlighting the accuracy of the descriptions given over 1,400 years ago.
The Expanding Universe
One of the most compelling scientific notions presented in the Quran is the expansion of the universe. Verse 51:47 states that the heavens are 'expanding,' a concept that was only confirmed with the advent of modern cosmology in the 20th century. This insight into cosmic dynamics is seen as a significant convergence between Quranic text and contemporary astronomical findings.
Mountains and Earth's Stability
The Quran frequently mentions mountains and their role in earth's stability. Verses such as 21:31 speak of mountains as 'pegs' that stabilize the earth. This allegory aligns closely with the geological concept of isostasy, which describes the balance of the lithosphere resting on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, akin to how pegs might help stabilize a structure.
Development of the Human Body
The Quran also touches on the intricate process of human growth and development, well beyond the initial stages of embryology. Verses such as 75:3-4 question man about how he was put together, intricately and in due proportion. This reference to proportional development and the complex biological processes involved in human growth aligns closely with genetic and developmental biology's understandings.