The Quran contains numerous verses that touch upon natural
phenomena, many of which are connected with modern geological discoveries. In
this section, we explore the Qur'an through the lens of geology looking at the
mountains, oceans, skies and Zamzam water.
Geology in the Quran
The Quran contains numerous verses that touch upon natural
phenomena, many of which are connected with modern geological discoveries. In
this section, we explore the Qur’an through the lens of geology looking at the
mountains, oceans, skies and Zamzam water.
Mountains Structures
“And We have placed firm mountains upon the earth so it does not
shake with them, and made in it broad pathways so they may find their way.” – Quran: Surah Al-Anbya 21:31
“Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as
pegs?” – Quran:
Surah Al-Anbya 78:6-7
The description of mountains found in the Quran has two key claims stating that mountains can be described as ‘pegs’ and
that mountains play some role in ‘stabilizing the Earth’ – these two ideas are evidence of a miraculous scientific insight. Previously, it was thought that the mountains were merely protrusions rising above the surface of the earth. However, modern earth sciences have proven that they have deep extensions known as “roots”. These roots can reach several times their elevations above the surface of the ground (meaning the deep roots extend deeper than the mountain’s physical height above). A peg, by design, is mostly embedded in the ground, with only a small portion visible above the surface. This mirrors what
modern geology has uncovered about mountains because their visible peaks are
just the tip, while the unseen depth of the mountain’s roots extend far beneath
the Earth’s crust. Notably, modern science only discovered that mountains
possess such deep roots in the late 19th century, long after the Quran’s
revelation.
Also, Allah not only describes mountains as
‘pegs’ because of their physicality but also because of their functionality. If
we look at the function of the peg, we find that they are used to secure the
tent to the ground and provide stability preventing it from being blown from
the wind. Likewise, mountains have deep roots beneath the surface that is
anchoring the Earth’s crust in place. This essentially reflects the modern
theory of plate tectonics which holds the view that mountains work as
stabilisers for the earth.
Geological research indicates that the
Earth’s lithosphere (the planet’s rigid outer shell) is divided into tectonic
plates that rest on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. Mountains, especially
those created by tectonic processes, are essential in maintaining the
equilibrium of these plates. Their deep foundations help offset crustal forces,
minimising excessive shifts and enhancing the Earth’s overall stability. This
knowledge about the role of mountains as stabilisers for the earth has just
begun to be understood in the framework of plate tectonics since the late 1960s
yet the Quran already described this centuries before science caught up.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also
elaborated on this function of mountains as stabilizers for the Earth in a
hadith.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
‘When Allah created the Earth, its surface started to move and
shake and then Allah stabilized it by mountains.”
Imam Ahmad, Musnad (3/124)
When you put this into perspective, how
could someone in the 7th-century have known such precise details about the
structure of mountains?
The Two Oceans that Never Meet
“And He is the One Who merges the two bodies of water: one fresh
and palatable and the other salty and bitter, placing between them a barrier
they cannot cross.” – Quran: Surah Al-Furqan 25:53
This verse refers to the two bodies of
water, one salty the other sweet (fresh), which meet but do not mix together as
there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each
sea has its own temperature, salinity, and density.
When the Quran speaks about the divider
between fresh water and salt water, it mentions the existence of “a prohibiting
partition” with the barrier.
Science shows that in estuaries (where rivers meet the ocean) freshwater and
saltwater don’t immediately mix. Instead, they form a distinct barrier called a
‘pycnocline,’ a layered zone where water density changes sharply. This
separates the two types of water, creating a middle layer with its own unique
salinity.
To the human eye, the two seas appear as one homogeneous sea. The Quran’s precise
depiction of the invisible barrier existed long before the modern oceanography
findings which used advanced equipment to measure temperature, salinity,
density, oxygen dissolubility, etc
. This demonstrates a profound
scientific miracle, as no human in the 7th century could have observed or
described this phenomenon without divine knowledge.
Ascending Pressure & Chest Constriction
“Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens their heart to Islam. But whoever He wills to leave astray, He makes their chest tight and constricted as if they were climbing up into the sky. This is how Allah dooms those who disbelieve.”- Quran: Surah Al-An’am 6:125
The Quran, in Surah Al-An’am (6:125), draws a compelling analogy between spiritual misguidance and the physiological challenges experienced when ascending to higher altitudes
“And whomever He wills to send astray, He makes his bosom narrow and strained as if he was ascending into the sky.”
This verse metaphorically compares the constriction felt by those led astray to the physical sensation of chest tightness encountered during ascent into the sky. Modern science provides insight into this comparison. As one ascends, atmospheric pressure decreases and oxygen levels diminish, leading to hypoxia which is a condition where body tissues receive inadequate oxygen. This results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of chest constriction.
The Quran’s reference to ascending into the sky and its association with chest constriction is outstanding, especially considering the verse was revealed long before the advent of modern aviation or the scientific understanding of high-altitude physiology
The Doors in the Sky
“The sky will be ˹split˺ open, becoming ˹many˺ gates,..’ – Quran: Surah Al-Naba (78:19)
‘And even if We opened for them a gate to heaven, through which they continued to ascend….” – Quran: Surah Al-Hijir (15:15)
These verses refer to the celestial “doors” or gateways that provide passage into the heavens, accessible only through specific pathways. This concept finds a striking parallel in modern spaceflight, where spacecraft cannot simply launch into orbit from any arbitrary point on Earth. Instead, they must pass through carefully calculated launch windows. The selection of launch sites depends on critical factors such as proximity to the equator (where Earth’s rotational velocity provides an essential speed boost) as well as atmospheric conditions, gravitational forces, and thermal effects caused by atmospheric friction. Stable weather is also crucial for a successful ascent. Deviating from the correct trajectory or speed can cause a spacecraft to either burn up or be deflected by the atmosphere, much like how one must approach the heavenly “gates” properly to gain entry.
The International Commission for Scientific Miracles in the Quran and Sunnah explored this connection in an article titled “Miraculous Glimpses of the Gates of Heaven and the Darkness of Space,” presenting scientific evidence that aligns with the idea of designated “gates” for cosmic ascension. It explains that what appears to be empty space is in fact a dynamic expanse filled with gases, particles, and radiation conditions that demand strict pathways of passage, and so the Qur’an’s depiction of celestial gates in this surah, highlights a profound link between divine revelation and the mechanics of cosmic ascent.
Zamzam Water
“Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren
valley, near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So
make the hearts of ˹believing˺ people incline towards them and provide them with fruits, so
perhaps they will be thankful. – Quran: Surah Ibrahim 14:37
“Indeed, ˹the hills of˺ Ṣafa and Marwah are
among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to
the ˹Sacred˺ House, let them walk between ˹the two hills˺. And whoever does good
willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing” – Quran:
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158
Zamzam water is an extraordinary
testament to the scientific marvels highlighted in the Quran. Originating from
a well in Mecca, this water has been flowing uninterruptedly for over 4,000
years, surpassing natural expectations. Even though it sustains millions of
people each year, the well has never dried up, presenting an extraordinary
challenge to conventional hydrogeological understanding.
According to Islamic tradition, Zamzam’s
origin traces back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), who,
following Allah’s command, left his wife Hajar and infant son Isma’il in the
desolate valley of Mecca. As their water supply depleted, Hajar frantically ran
between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water. Her prayers were
answered when a miraculous spring emerged where Isma’il’s feet had rubbed the
ground. Hajar contained the flow by calling out “Zomé Zomé,” meaning “contain
yourself” in Arabic, and this spring became the Zamzam well, serving as a
crucial source of sustenance ever since.
Renowned for both its spiritual
significance and unique scientific properties, Zamzam water has intrigued
researchers for centuries. Despite providing water to countless pilgrims
annually, the well’s continuous flow for over four millennia captivates hydrogeologists
worldwide.
Many prominent scientists, including Dr.
Masaru Emoto, Dr. Yayha Koshak, and Dr. Knut Pfeiffer, have praised Zamzam
water for its unparalleled purity. Its bicarbonate level of 366 mg/L surpasses
even the pristine water from the French Alps, making it a subject of scientific
admiration.
Beyond its purity, Zamzam water offers
numerous health benefits. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties bolster
immunity and protect against infections, while its mineral-rich composition
supports reproductive health, digestion, and energy levels. Additionally, its
antioxidants help combat free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of
chronic illnesses, including cancer. The presence of fluoride promotes dental
health, and its alkaline nature aids in balancing the body’s acidity,
contributing to overall wellness.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
also recognized and affirmed its remarkable healing properties.
It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for”
Imam Ahmad, Musnad (3/124)
The well of Zamzam stands as a powerful
testament to both faith and science, illustrating divine sustenance and the
extraordinary nature of this blessed water.It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said:
The Returning Sky
“By the sky with its recurring cycles..” – Quran: Surah At-Tariq 88:11
The Arabic word “Raj'” in this verse translates to “return,” “repetition,” or “cyclical movement.” This noble verse emphasises that the sky functions as a system of returning processes. Initially, interpretations focused on the water cycle, where water evaporates, forms clouds, and returns as rain, sustaining ecosystems and agriculture. However, modern science has revealed additional dimensions of “returning” cycles that were previously unknown.
The Earth’s atmosphere, composed of multiple layers, plays crucial roles in protecting and supporting life. For example, the atmosphere burns incoming meteors, shielding the surface from harm, while the ozone layer absorbs and reflects harmful ultraviolet rays, preserving a balance essential for living organisms. These functions exemplify the protective and cyclical nature of the sky.
Further scientific insights highlight the ionosphere’s role in reflecting radio waves, enabling long-distance radio and television communication, as well as the atmosphere’s capacity to regulate Earth’s temperature by moderating heat during the day and night. These interconnected processes spanning water recycling, cosmic shielding, energy reflection, and communication demonstrate a harmonious system, aligning with the Quranic depiction of the sky as a miraculous returning entity.
This verse, which was once seen in a limited way, now reveals a deeper meaning describing the sky’s many protective and repeating functions that have been discovered long after by scientists over time.