Quran: Accuracy of Scientific, Historic Narratives & Prophecies

God says: “Then proclaim: “Praise be to GOD, very soon He will show you His signs and you will recognize them. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.”(Qur’an;27:93); “Soon shall We show them Our signs in the universe and in their own souls, until it becomes clear to them that this (Qur’an) is indeed the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a witness over everything?”(Qur’an;41:53). Islam encourages reasoning, discussions and dialogues. Allah says: “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance.” (Qur’an;16:125). In the present era, every piece of knowledge or doctrine is put to the scientific tests and rational inquiry before its acceptance or rejection accordingly a true religion should also be able to stand scientific scrutiny.  For Muslims, the Qur’an is the ‘Furqaan’ i.e. the criteria to judge right from wrong and it is the ultimate yard stick which is superior to scientific or any other knowledge. However the man of science believes in the scientific knowledge to be the standard test for truthfulness of any doctrine or knowledge. Even by scientific standards, the Qur’an is proved to be the word of Allah. However it may be kept in view that Qur’an is not a book of ‘science’, but a book of ‘signs’ i.e. a book of ayaats. The Qur’an contains more than 6000 ayaats (‘Signs’) out of which more than thousand refer to various subjects of science, such as Astronomy, Physics, Geography, Geology, Oceanology, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Medicine, Physiology, Embryology as well as General Science, mostly un known to humanity fourteen centuries ago. It is found that the Qur’anic information on science does not conflict with any of the established scientific fact. It may go against certain scientific hypothesis or theories, which are not grounded in facts as many times, the science takes U-turns writes Dr. Zakir Naik, the renowned scholar has deliberated on this important issue in his lectures and books. It is common sense that if any one wants to know about the details of some machine or object, the best source of its knowledge is the creator, manufacturer or the designer. Thus if scientific information given in Qur’an is proved to be correct it implies that there exists the Creator who is the source of this scientific information in Qur’an, hence two aspects are proved; firstly the existence of God, and secondly that Qur’an is the word of God.

The Qur’an speaks about hundreds of things that were not known fourteen hundred year ago once Qur’an was revealed; but they have been scientifically proved recently, (details are available in the book ‘Qur’an and Science’ by Dr.Zakir Naik & “The Bible, The Qur’an and Science” by Dr. Maurice Bucaille), some of them are referred here:

The creation of the universe by ‘The Big Bang’: “Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder?” (Qur’an;21:30). Initially there was gaseous mass before creation of galaxies: “Moreover, He Comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: “Come ye together willingly or unwillingly.” They said: “We do come (together) in willing obedience.”(Qur’an;41:11). The shape of earth; “And the earth, moreover, hath He made egg shaped.” (Qur’an;79:30). Moon has reflected light and sun has its own light; “And (who) made the moon a light (nur, reflected light) in their midst and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp(siraja-own light).(Qur’an;71:16). The Sun Rotates:” 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.” (Qur’an;21:33). “It is not permitted to the sun to catch up the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).” (Qur’an;36:40). The other examples are: The sun will extinguish;(Qur’an;36:38,13:2). The expanding nature of universe; (Qur’an;51:47).

Atoms can be divided;(Qur’an;10:61). Mountains are like tent pegs firmly fixed providing stability; (Qur’an;78:6-7,21:31,79:32). Darkness in depths of ocean; (Qur’an;24:40). The water cycle;(Qur’an;39:21, 30:24,23:18). Plants & Fruits have male and female; (Qur’an;20:53, 13:3). The bee and its skills; (Qur’an;16:68-69). Lifestyle and communication of ants; (Qur’an;27:17-18). Honey has healing for humankind; (Qur’an;16:69). Creation of man from water;(Qur’an;25:54). Creation of living being;“ We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Qur’an;21:30). Importance of fingerprints: (Qur’an;75:3-4) and the existence of pain receptors in the skin: (Qur’an;4:56). Embryological stages; (Qur’an;23:12-14, 75:37-39,82:7-8). Embryo partly formed and partly unformed; (Qur’an;22:5). First sense of hearing developed then sense of sight; (Qur’an;32:9,23:78). Sex determination factor for child; (Qur’an;53:45-46,75:37-39).