The Q N S

The Qur'an itself, revealed 14 centuries ago, is filled with scientific facts and imagery that are supported by modern findings. The Qur'an instructs Muslims to "contemplate the wonders of creation" (Qur'an 3:191). The entire universe, which was created by Allah, follows and obeys His laws. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge, explore the universe, and find the "Signs of Allah" in His creation. Allah says: "Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of ships through the ocean, for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth; here indeed are Signs for a people that are wise" (Qur'an 2:164) For a book revealed in the 7th century A.D., the Qur'an contains many scientificallyaccurate statements. Among them:

Creation "Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We split them apart? And We made from water every living thing…" (21:30). "And Allah has created every animal from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four..." (24:45) "See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it? Truly that is easy for Allah" (29:19).

Astronomy "It is He Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. All (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course" (21:33). "It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day. Each just swims along in its own orbit" (36:40). "He created the heavens and the earth in true proportions. He makes the night overlap the day, and the day overlap the night. He has subjected the sun and the moon to His law; each one follows a course for a time appointed..." (39:5). "The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed" (55:5).

Geology

"You see the mountains and think they are firmly fixed. But they pass away just as the clouds pass away. Such is the artistry of Allah, Who disposes of all things in perfect order" (27:88).

Fetal Development "Man We did create from a quintessence of clay. Then we placed him as a drop of sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed. Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood. Then out of that clot We made a fetus lump. Then We made out of that lump bones, and clothed the bones with flesh. Then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the Best to create!" (23:12-14). "But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him of His spirit. And He gave you hearing, and sight, and understanding" (32:9). "That He did create the pairs, male and female, from a sperm-drop when lodged in its place" (53:45-46). "Was he not a drop of sperm emitted, then did he become a leach-like clot. Then did Allah make and fashion him in due proportion. And of him He made two sexes, male and female" (75:37-39). "He makes you in the wombs of your mothers in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness" (39:6).