Qur'an And Scientific Knowledge


This page is useful for those Muslims as well as non-Muslims who wish to reflect upon select passages from the Holy Qur'an, clearly defining and referring to a variety of subjects on the space, time, planets, stars, anatomy, zoology, and other sciences. The manner and style of description are in the style of divine mercy so that it is comprehendible to all levels of people (the less educated and the well educated). Each can find a depth of the meaning to one's capability and comprehension and can benefit oneself and the humanity at large. In many places, the Qur'an uses such phrases as 'do they not think,' 'do they not ponder,' or 'reflect,' and asks the reader 'to inquire about certain statements to those who are knowledgeable.' The style of the Qur'an is to invite to reason and common sense. The more one researches on such statements the deeper meaning one gets.

The Qur'an was revealed in pure Arabic to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) over a period of twenty-three years ending in 632 A.D., the year he passed away. The first revelation was only five verses, the first five verses of Chapter 96. Among the very early revelations are Surah 73, 74, 80 and 97. The revelations were sent by Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (SWT), the creator and sustainer of the universe, and transmitted to him by the Archangel Jibril (as) (Gabriel). The revelations he received were sometimes a few verses, a part of a chapter or the whole chapter. Some revelations came down in response to an inquiry by the nonbelievers. The ordering of the Qur'an is not the same as the revelations. Archangel Jibril (as) taught the ordering of Ayat and Surahs (refer to Surah 75) as he transmitted the revelations to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The Qur'an speaks in the first person, i.e., Allah's commandments to its creation. The Qur'an also uses the royal "We" for Allah's commandments. The main theme of the Qur'an and all previous revelations has been the absolute oneness of Allah, the creator and sustainer of the universe, who is without partner(s). Allah (Glory be to Him) did not beget nor was He begotten. The Qur'anic verses address people in a variety of ways depending on the context. It says "O mankind" and "O people" in a general sense addressing to all people, and in other instances "O believers" for those who have already accepted the message of Qur'an.

The Qur'an is the direct Word of Allah and it does not contain a single alphabet from anyone, even Prophet Muhammad. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad are contained in separate compilations known as Hadith, and include his deeds, lifestyle, and decisions on a variety of issues. The Qur'an and Hadith form the foundation of daily life of a practicing Muslim. The Qur'an has not changed by even an alphabet since its revelation fourteen centuries ago. Allah (SWT) has promised in the Qur'an that He will preserve it to the end of time. It is also for this reason there is no need for any new prophet or revelation (guidance) to come to humankind. The Qur'an is read in Arabic with great emphasis on the accuracy of recitation, including the recognition of diacritical marks and places where one pauses momentarily or stops.

The Arabic word Surah is loosely translated as chapter and Ayah as verse for the English readers who are unfamiliar with Qura'nic concepts. The Ayah (plural Ayat) means a sign. Those who have read the meaning of the Qur'an thoroughly and have had time to reflect upon them appreciate the word ayah as it is truly a sign from Allah (SWT), the lord of the universe, the absolute, without any partners or associate. Allah is the personal name of God, the Lord of the universe, the owner of the day of judgement. The word Allah is not subject to gender (male or female, such as god or goddess) or plurality (such as gods or goddesses). This word is found in Semitic languages, spoken by Prophets (I'sa) Jesus and (Musa) Moses, peace be upon them both (as).

According to the Qur'an, Allah sent Numerous Nabi (prophets) and Rasool (messengers), i.e., those prophets who were also given revelations or books from Allah. Among them are many that are also mentioned in the old and new testaments, and others that are specifically mentioned in the Qur'an. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) came about six centuries after Prophet 'Isa (Jesus) and was the last prophet of Allah. He is the seal of the Prophets. The words Islam and Muslim are defined in the Qur'an, and Allah (SWT) states in the Qur'an that the religion of all Prophets was Islam and called them Muslims. Specifically, Prophet Ibrahim, among others, is called a Muslim in the Qur'an. The word Islam means total submission (to the will and commandments of Allah). It is derived from the root word SLM and salam means peace. A Muslim is one who submits to the will and commandments of Allah. The Qur'an is sent for both humankind and Jinns.


ALLAH (GOD)

SURAH 2, AYAT 255-56:
255 Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep over taketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.
256 There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold, which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.

SURAH 112:
1 Say: He is Allah, the One!
2 Allah, the eternally Besought of all!
3 He begetteth not nor was begotten.
4 And there is none comparable unto Him.

SURAH 59, AYAT 22-24:
22 He is Allah, than whom there is no other God, the Knower of the invisible and the visible. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. 23 He is Allah, than whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord the Holy One, Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him).
24 He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifieth Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.

SURAH 64, AYAH 18:
18 Knower of the invisible and the visible, the Mighty, the Wise.

SURAH 17, AYAT 110-111:
110 Say (unto mankind): Cry unto Allah, or cry unto the Beneficent, unto which so ever ye cry (it is the same). His are the most beautiful names. And thou (Muhammad), be not loud voiced in thy worship nor yet silent therein, but follow a way between.
111 And say: Praise be to Allah, Who hath not taken unto Himself a son, and Who hath no partner in the Sovereignty, nor hath He any protecting friend through dependence. And magnify Him.

SURAH 43, AYAT 84-85:
84 And He it is Who in the heaven is God, and in the earth God. He is the Wise, the Knower.
85 And blessed be He unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, and with Whom is knowledge of the Hour, and unto Whom ye will be returned.

SURAH AL-A'RAF (7), AYAT 179-181:
180 Allah's are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. And leave the company of those who blaspheme His names. They will be requited what they do.
181 And of those whom We created there is a nation who guide with the Truth and establish justice therewith.

SURAH 4, AYAT 171-172:
171 O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word, which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three". Cease! (it is) better for you! Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His transcendent majesty that he should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.
172 The Messiah will never scorn to be a slave unto Allah, nor will the favored angels. Who so scorneth His service and is proud, all such will He assemble unto Him;

SURAH 3, AYAH 84:
84 Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.

SURAH 24, AYAH 35:
35 Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light, Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is knower of all things.

SURAH 103, AL-ASR:
1 By the declining day,
2 Lo! man is in a state of loss,
3 Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.


CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

SURAH 1, AYAH 1:
1 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
2 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,

SURAH 21, AYAH 30:
30 Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We separated them, and We made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?

SURAH 22, AYAH 47:
47 And they will bid thee hasten on the Doom, and Allah faileth not His promise, but lo! a Day with Allah is as a thousand years of what ye reckon.

SURAH 70, AYAT 3-4:
3 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways
4 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years.

SURAH 25, AYAH 59:
59 Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six Days, then He mounted the Throne. The Beneficent! Ask any one informed concerning Him!

SURAH 7, AYAT 54-56:
54 Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then mounted He the Throne. He covereth the night with the day, which is in haste to follow it, and hath made the sun and the moon and the stars subservient by His command. His verily is all creation and commandment Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!
55 O mankind! Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not aggressors.
56 Work not confusion in the earth after the fair ordering (thereof), and call on Him in fear and hope. Lo! the mercy of Allah is near unto the good.

SURAH 41, AYAT 9-12:
9 Say (O Muhammad, unto the idolaters): Disbelieve ye verily in Him Who created the earth in two Days, and ascribe ye unto Him rivals? He (and none else) is the Lord of the Worlds.
10 He placed therein firm hills rising above it, and blessed it and measured therein its sustenance in four Days, alike for (all) who ask;
11 Then turned He to the heaven when it was smoke, and said unto it and unto the earth: Come both of you, willingly or loath. They said: We come, obedient.
12 Then He ordained the seven heavens in two Days and inspired in each heaven its mandate; and we decked the nether heaven with lamps, and rendered it inviolable. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Knower.

SURAH 65, AYAH 12:
12 Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge.

SURAH 36, AYAT 38-40:
38 And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.
39 And for the moon We have appointed mansions till she return like an old shriveled palm leaf.
40 It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit.

SURAH 25, AYAH 61:
61 Blessed be He Who hath placed in the heaven mansions of the stars, and hath placed therein a great lamp and a moon giving light!

SURAH 21, AYAH 32:
32 And We have made the sky a roof withheld (from them). Yet they turn away from its portents.

SURAH 31, AYAH 10:
10 He hath created the heavens without supports that ye can see, and hath cast into the earth firm mountains, so that it quake not with you; and He hath dispersed therein all kinds of beasts. And We send down water from the sky and We cause (plants) of every goodly kind to grow therein.

SURAH 51, AYAT 47-49:
47 We have built the heaven with might, and We it is who make the vast extent (thereof).
48 And the earth have We laid out, how gracious was the Spreader (thereof)!
49 And all things We have created by pairs, that haply ye may reflect.

SURAH 24, AYAT 44-45:
44 Allah causeth the revolution of the day and the night. Lo! herein is indeed a lesson for those who see.
45 Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.

SURAH 30, AYAT 8-9:
8 Have they not pondered upon themselves? Allah created not the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, save with truth and for a destined end. But truly many of mankind are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord.
9 Have they not traveled in the land and seen the nature of the consequence for those who were before them? They were stronger than these in power, and they dug the earth and built upon it more than these have built. Messengers of their own came unto them with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty). Surely Allah wronged them not, but they did wrong themselves.


PLAN FOR CREATION

SURAH 15, AYAH 21:
21 And there is not a thing but with Us are the stores thereof. And We send it not down save in appointed measure.

SURAH 25, AYAH 2:
2 He unto Whom belongeth the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He hath chosen no son nor hath He any partner in the sovereignty. He hath created everything and hath meted out for it a measure.

SURAH 55, AYAT 7-9:
7 And the sky He hath uplifted; and He hath set the measure,
8 That ye exceed not the measure,
9 But observe the measure strictly, nor fall short thereof.


ORIGIN OF MAN

SURAH 7, AYAT 189-190:
189 He it is who did create you from a single soul, and therefrom did make his mate that he might take rest in her. And when he covered her she bore a light burden, and she passed (unnoticed) with it, but when it became heavy they cried unto Allah, their Lord, saying: If thou givest unto us aright we shall be of the thankful.
190 But when He gave unto them aright, they ascribed unto Him partners in respect of that which He had given them. High is He exalted above all that they associate (with Him).
191 Attribute they as partners to Allah those who created naught, but are themselves created,

SURAH 2, AYAT 30-32:
30 And when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a viceroy in the earth, they said: wilt Thou place there in one who will do harm therein and will shed blood, while we, we hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee? He said: Surely I know that which ye know not. 31 And He taught Adam all the names, then showed them to the angels, saying: Inform me of the names of these, if ye are truthful.
32 They said: Be glorified! We have no knowledge saving that which Thou hast taught us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower, the Wise.

SURAH 15, AYAT 28-29:
28 And (remember) when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am creating a mortal out of potter's clay of black mud altered.
29 So, when I have made him and have breathed into him of My spirit, do ye fall down, prostrating yourselves unto him.

SURAH 35, AYAT 11-12:
11 Allah created you from dust, then from a little fluid, then He made you pairs (the male and female). No female beareth or bringeth forth save with His knowledge. And no one groweth old who groweth old, nor is aught lessened of his life, but it is recorded in a Book. Lo! that is easy for Allah.
12 And two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, food to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks.

SURAH 23, AYAT 12-14:
12 Verily We created man from a product of wet earth;
13 Then placed him as a drop (of seed) in a safe lodging;
14 Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned We the clot a little lump, then fashioned We the little lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then produced it another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators!

SURAH 86, AYAT 5-8:
5 So let man consider from what he is created.
6 He is created from a gushing fluid
7 That issued from between the loins and ribs.
8 Lo! He verily is Able to return him (unto life)

SURAH 64, AYAH 3:
3 He created the heavens and the earth with truth, and He shaped you and made good your shapes, and unto Him is the journeying.

SURAH 23, AYAT 78-80:
78 He it is Who hath created for you ears and eyes and hearts. Small thanks give ye!
79 And He it is Who hath sown you broadcast in the earth, and unto Him ye will be gathered.
80 And He it is Who giveth life and causeth death, and His is the difference of night and day. Have ye then no sense?

SURAH 21, AYAH 7:
7 And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not?

SURAH 3, AYAH 33:
33 Lo! Allah preferred Adam and Noah and the Family of Abraham and the Family of 'Imran above (all His) creatures.

SURAH 75, AYAT 36-39:
36 Thinketh man that he is to be left aimless?
37 Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth?
38 Then he became a clot; then (Allah) shaped and fashioned
39 And made of him a pair, the male and female.
40 Is not He (who doeth so) able to bring the dead to life?


PAIRS IN SEXES

SURAH 36, AYAH 36:
36 Glory be to Him Who created all the sexual pairs, of that which the earth groweth, and of themselves, and of that which they know not!

SURAH 42, AYAT 11-12:
11 The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He hath made for you pairs of yourselves, and of the cattle also pairs, whereby He multiplieth you. Naught is as His likeness; and He is the Hearer, the Seer.
12 His are the keys of the heavens and the earth. He enlargeth providence for whom He will and straiteneth (it for whom He will). Lo! He is Knower of all things.

SURAH 55, AYAT 52-53:
52 Wherein is every kind of fruit in pairs.
53 Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?

SURAH 13, AYAH 3:
3 And He it is who spread out the earth and placed therein-firm hills and flowing streams, and of all fruits be placed therein two spouses (male and female). He covereth the night with the day. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who take thought.


WATER

SURAH 24, AYAH 45:
45 Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.

SURAH 30, AYAH 48:
48 Allah is He who sendeth the winds so that they raise clouds, and spreadeth them along the sky as pleaseth Him, and causeth them to break and thou seest the rain down pouring from within them. And when He maketh it to fall on whom He will of His bondmen, lo! they rejoice;

SURAH 2, AYAH 22:
22 Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).

SURAH 2, AYAH 164:
164 Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's sovereignty) for people who have sense.

SURAH 18, AYAH 46:
46 Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world. But the good deeds which endure are better in thy Lord's sight for reward, and better in respect of hope.

SURAH 23, AYAH 18:
18 And We send down from the sky water in measure, and We give it lodging in the earth, and lo! We are able to withdraw it.

SURAH 54, AYAH 12:
12 And caused the earth to gush forth springs, so that the waters met for a predestined purpose.

SURAH 67, AYAH 30:
30 Say: Have ye thought: If (all) your water were to disappear into the earth, who then could bring you gushing water?

SURAH 25, AYAT 47-48:
47 And He it is Who maketh night a covering for you, and sleep repose, and maketh day a resurrection.
48 And He it is Who sendeth the winds, glad tidings heralding His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky.

SURAH 35, AYAH 12:
12 And two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, food to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks.

SURAH 6, AYAH 59:
59 And with Him are the keys of the invisible. None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record.

SURAH 45, AYAH 5:
5 And the difference of night and day and the provision that Allah sendeth down from the sky and thereby quickeneth theearth after her death, and the ordering of the winds, are portents for a people who have sense.


MOUNTAINS

SURAH 20, AYAT 105-109:
105 They will ask thee of the mountains (on that day). Say: My Lord will break them into scattered dust.
106 And leave it as an empty plain,
107 Wherein thou seest neither curve nor ruggedness.
108 On that day they follow the summoner who deceiveth not, and voices are hushed for the Beneficent, and thou hearest but a faint murmur.
109 On that Day no intercession availeth save (that of) him unto whom the Beneficent hath given leave and whose He accepteth:


TIME

SURAH 10, AYAH 6:
6 Lo! in the difference of day and night and all that Allah hath created in the heavens and the earth are portents, verily, for folk who ward off (evil).

SURAH 6, AYAH 97:
97 And He it is Who hath set for you the stars that ye may guide your course by them amid the darkness of the land and the sea We have detailed Our revelations for a people who have knowledge.

SURAH 15, AYAH 16:
16 And verily in the heaven We have set mansions of the stars, and We have beautified it for beholders.

SURAH 9, AYAH 36:
36 Lo! the number of the months with Allah is twelve months by Allah's ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them. And wage war on all the idolaters as they are waging war on all of you. And know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).

SURAH 2, AYAH 189:
189 They ask thee, (O Muhammad), of new moons. Say: They are fixed seasons for mankind and for the
pilgrimage. It is not righteousness that ye go to houses by the backs thereof (as do the idolaters at certain seasons), but the righteous man is he who wardeth off (evil). So go to houses by the gates thereof, and observe your duty to Allah, that ye maybe successful

SURAH 67, AYAT 2-3:
2 Who hath created life and death that He may try you, which of you is best in conduct; and He is the Mighty, Forgiving,
3 Who hath created seven heavens in harmony. Thou (Muhammad) canst see no fault in the Beneficent One's creation; then look again: Canst thou see any rifts?

SURAH 15, AYAH 87:
87 We have given thee seven of the oft-repeated (verses) and the great Quran.


SPACE AND TIME

SURAH 22, AYAH 47:
47 And they will bid thee hasten on the Doom, and Allah faileth not His promise, but lo! a Day with Allah is as a thousand years of what ye reckon.

SURAH 70, AYAT 3-4:
3 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways
4 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years.

SURAH 21, AYAT 30-33:
30 Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and We made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?
31 And We have placed in the earth firm hills lest it quake with them, and We have placed therein ravines as roads that haply they may find their way.
32 And We have made the sky a roof withheld (from them). Yet they turn away from its portents.
33 And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float, each in an orbit.

SURAH 55, AYAT 33-34:
33 O company of jinn and men, if ye have power to penetrate (all) regions of the heavens and the earth; then penetrate (them)! Ye will never penetrate them save with (Our) sanction.
34 Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?

SURAH 15, AYAH 44:
44 It hath seven gates, and each gate hath an appointed portion.

SURAH 23, AYAH 17:
17 And We have created above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of creation.

SURAH 36, AYAT 36-44:
36 Glory be to Him Who created all the sexual pairs, of that which the earth groweth, and of themselves, and of that which they know not!
37 A token unto them is night. We strip it of the day, and lo! they are in darkness.
38 And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.
39 And for the moon We have appointed mansions till she return like an old shriveled palm leaf.
40 It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit.
41 And a token unto them is that We bear their offspring in the laden ship,
42 And have created for them of the like thereof whereon they ride.
43 And if We will, We drown them, and there is no help for them, neither can they be saved;
44 Unless by mercy from Us and as comfort for a while.

SURAH 6, AYAT 1-6:
1 Praise be to Allah, Who hath created the heavens and the earth, and hath appointed darkness and light. Yet those who disbelieve ascribe rivals unto their Lord.
2 He it is Who hath created you from clay, and hath decreed a term for you. A term is fixed with Him. Yet still ye doubt!
3 He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He knoweth both your secret and your utterance, and He knoweth what ye earn.
4 Never came there unto them a revelation of the revelations of Allah but they did turn away from it.
5 And they denied the truth when it came unto them. But there will come unto them the tidings of that which they used to deride.
6 See they not how many a generation We destroyed before them, whom We had established in the earth more firmly than We have established you, and We shed on them abundant showers from the sky, and made the rivers flow beneath them. Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and created after them another generation.

SURAH 29, AYAT 19-22:
19 See they not how Allah produceth creation, then reproduceth it? Lo! for Allah that is easy.
20 Say (O Muhammad): Travel in the land and see how He originated creation, then Allah bringeth forth the later growth. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
21 He punisheth whom He will and showeth mercy unto whom He will, and unto Him ye will be turned.
22 Ye cannot escape (from Him) in the earth or in the sky, and beside Allah there is for you no friend nor helper.

SURAH 30, AYAT 8-9:
8 Have they not pondered upon themselves? Allah created not the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, save with truth and for a destined end. But truly many of mankind are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord.
9 Have they not traveled in the land and seen the nature of the consequence for those who were before them? They were stronger than these in power, and they dug the earth and built upon it more than these have built. Messengers of their own came unto them with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty). Surely Allah wronged them not, but they did wrong themselves.

SURAH 15, AYAH 16:
16 And verily in the heaven We have set mansions of the stars, and We have beautified it for beholders.
SURAH AL-NAHL (16), AYAT 12-13:
12 And he hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and the moon to be of service unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command. Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who have sense.
13 And whatsoever He hath created for you in the earth of divers hues, lo! therein is indeed a portent for people who take heed.


ASTRONOMY AND SPACE TRAVEL

SURAH 21, AYAH 33:
33 And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float, each in an orbit.

SURAH 39, AYAH 5:
5 He hath created the heavens and the earth with truth. He maketh night to succeed day, and He maketh day to succeed night, and He constraineth the sun and the moon to give service, each running on for an appointed term. Is not He the Mighty, the Forgiver?

SURAH 21, AYAH 30:
30 Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and We made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?

SURAH 55, AYAT 33-34:
33 O company of jinn and men, if ye have power to penetrate (all) regions of the heavens and the earth; then penetrate (them)! Ye will never penetrate them save with (Our) sanction.
34 Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?


ANATOMY

SURAH 96, AYAT 1-2:
1 Read: In the name of thy Lord who createth,
2 Createth man from something which clings.

SURAH 23, AYAH 14:
14 Then fashioned We the drop a thing that clings, then fashioned We the thing which clings a chewed lump of flesh, then fashioned We the chewed flesh into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then produced it another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators!

SURAH 22, AYAT 5-6:
5 O mankind! if ye are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We have created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a little lump of flesh shapely and shapeless, that We may make (it) clean for you. And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and afterward We bring you forth as infants, then (give you growth) that ye attain your full strength. And among you there is he who dieth (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the most abject time of life, so that, after knowledge, he knoweth naught. And thou (Muhammad) seest the earth barren, but when We send down water thereon, it doth thrill and swell and put forth every lovely kind (of growth).
6 That is because Allah, He is the Truth. Lo! He quickeneth the dead, and lo! He is Able to do all things;

SURAH 32, AYAH 9:
9 Then He fashioned him and breathed into him of His spirit; and appointed for you hearing and sight and hearts. Small thanks give ye!

SURAH 16, AYAH 66:
66 And lo! in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, coming from the contents of intestines and the blood, pure milk palatable to the drinkers.


SEA

SURAH 55, AYAT 17-20:
17 Lord of the two Easts, and Lord of the two Wests!
18 Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?
19 He hath loosed the two seas. They meet.
20 There is a barrier between them. They encroach not (one upon the other).

SURAH 35, AYAH 12:
12 And two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, food to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks.


PHARAOH

SURAH 10, AYAT 90-92:
90 And We brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his hosts pursued them in rebellion and transgression, till, when the (fate of) drowning overtook him, he exclaimed: I believe that there is no God save Him in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of those who surrender (unto Him).
91 What! Now! When hitherto thou hast rebelled and been of the wrongdoers?
92 But this day We save thee (Pharaoh) in thy body that thou mayest be a portent for those after thee. Lo! most of mankind are heedless of Our portents. READ ABOUT THIS


MISCELLANEOUS

SURAH 7, AYAT 34-36:
34 And every nation hath its term, and when its term cometh, they cannot put it off an hour nor yet advance (it).
35 O Children of Adam! If messengers of your own come unto you who narrate unto you My revelations, then whosoever refraineth from evil and amendeth there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
36 But they who deny Our revelations and scorn them such are rightful owners of the Fire; they will abide therein.

SURAH 6, AYAT 1-6:
3 He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He knoweth both your secret and your utterance, and He knoweth what ye earn.
4 Never came there unto them a revelation of the revelations of Allah but they did turn away from it.
5 And they denied the truth when it came unto them. But there will come unto them the tidings of that which they used to deride.
6 See they not how many a generation We destroyed before them, whom We had established in the earth more firmly than We have established you, and We shed on them abundant showers from the sky, and made the rivers flow beneath them. Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and created after them another generation.

SURAH 35, AYAH 41:
41 Lo! Allah graspeth the heavens and the earth that they deviate not, and if they were to deviate there is not one that could grasp them after Him. Lo! He is ever Clement, Forgiving.
42 And they swore by Allah, their most binding oath, that if a warner came unto them they would be more tractable than any of the nations; yet, when a warner came unto them it aroused in them naught save repugnance,
43 (Shown in their) behaving arrogantly in the land and plotting evil; and the evil plot encloseth but the men who make it. Then, can they expect aught save the treatment of the folk of old? Thou wilt not find for Allah's way of treatment any substitute, nor wilt thou find for Allah's way of treatment aught of power to change.
44 Have they not traveled in the land and seen the nature of the consequence for those who were before them, and they were mightier than these in power? Allah is not such that aught in the heavens or in the earth escapeth Him. Lo! He is the Wise, the Mighty.

SURAH 105, AYAT 1-5:
1 Hast thou not seen how thy Lord dealt with the owners of the Elephant?
2 Did He not bring their stratagem to naught,
3 And send against them swarms of flying creatures,
4 Which pelted them with stones of baked clay
5 And made them like green crops devoured (by cattle)?

SURAH 6, AYAH 59:
59 And with Him are the keys of the invisible. None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record.

SURAH 96, AYAH 1-2:
1 Read: In the name of thy Lord who createth,
2 Createth man from something which clings.

SURAH 10, AYAH 62:
62 Lo! verily the friends of Allah are (those) on whom fear (cometh) not, nor do they grieve.

SURAH 2, AYAH 164:
164 Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's sovereignty) for people who have sense.

SURAH 6, AYAH 95:
95 Lo! Allah (it is) who splitteth the grain of corn and the date stone (for sprouting) . He bringeth forth the living from the dead, and is the bringer forth of the dead from the living. Such is Allah. How then are ye perverted?

SURAH 88, AYAT 17-20:
17 Will they not regard the camels, how they are created?
18 And the heaven, how it is railed?
19 And the hills, how they are set up?
20 And the earth, how it is spread?

SURAH 78, AYAT 6-7:
6 Have We not made the earth an egg,
7 And the high hills bulwarks?

SURAH 20, AYAT 52-53:
52 He said: The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a Record. My Lord neither erreth nor forgetteth,
53 Who hath appointed the earth as a bed and hath threaded roads for you therein and hath sent down water from the sky and thereby We have brought forth diverse kinds of vegetation,

SURAH 39, AYAH 21:
21 Hast thou not seen how Allah hath sent down water from the sky and hath caused it to penetrate the earth as water springs, and afterward thereby produceth crops of divers hues; and afterward they wither and thou seest them turn yellow; then He maketh them chaff. Lo! herein verily is a reminder for men of understanding.

SURAH 2, AYAT 21-24:
21 O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who hath created you and those before you, so that ye may ward off (evil).
22 Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better). 23 And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah or the like thereof, and call your witnesses beside Allah if ye are truthful.
24 And if ye do it not and ye can never do it--then guard yourselves against the fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.

SURAH 20, AYAT 4-6:
4 A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the high heavens,
5 The Beneficent One, Who is established on the Throne
6 Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and whatsoever is between them, and whatsoever is beneath the sod.


USEFUL REFERENCES
"The Holy Qur'an," Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, 1934. (Latest Publisher: Amana Publications,
Beltsville, MD, USA; Title: "The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an," 1992)
"The Meaning of the Glorious Koran," An Explanatory Translation by Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall, a Mentor Book
Publication. (Also available as: "The Meaning of the Glorious Koran," by Marmaduke Pickthall, Dorset Press, N.Y.;
Published by several publishers since 1930).
"The Bible, The Qur'an and Science (Le Bible, le Coran et la Science)," The Holy Scriptures Examined in the Light of Modern Knowledge, by Maurice Bucaille, English version published by North American Trust Publication, 1978.

Pickthall writes in his foreward of 1930: "... The Qur'an cannot be translated. ... The book is here rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language. But the result is not the Glorious Qur'an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to present the meaning of the Qur'an-and peradventure something of the charm in English. It can never take the place of the Qur'an in Arabic, nor is it meant to do so. ..."

For the serious readers of the meaning of the Qur'an in English, it is recommended that it should be read along with a good commentary to comprehend the essential meaning and scope of verses. Either Yusuf Ali's or Maududi's commentaries are a good starting point. The former presents the meaning Ayah (verse) by Ayah with footnotes and includes a detailed index of the topics mentioned in the Qur'an, while the latter presents commentaries for each Surah (chapter) of the Qur'an.

By : Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq