Facts about Origin Of the
Earth & Geology
Some Qur'aanic Verses about Geology & The
Origin of the Earth
Geological Information In The Qur'aan
Mountains
Clouds
Some
Qur'aanic Verses about Geology & The Origin Of The Earth
 Professor
Alfred Kroner: …and that many of the statements made at the time could be proven,
but that modern scientific methods are now in a position to prove what Muhammad peace
be upon him said 1400 years ago.
We present to you Professor Alfred Kroner
who is one of the world’s most famous geologists. He is a Professor of Geology and
the Chairman of the Department of Geology at the Institute of Geosciences, Johannes
Gutenburg University, Mainz, Germany. We met him and presented several Qur'aanic
verses and Ahadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu
‘alaihi wa sallam). He studied and commented on them. Then we had a discussion with
him.
Professor Kroner said: "Thinking
about many of these questions and thinking where Muhammad peace be upon him came
from, he was after all a Bedouin. I think it is almost impossible that he could have known
about things like the common origin of the universe, because scientists have only found
out within the last few years with very complicated and advanced technological methods
that this is the case."
Professor Kroner chose an example from
the Qur'aan which proved to him why the Qur'aan could not have come from Muhammad peace
be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) himself. The example which Professor
Kroner chose is a description in the Qur'aan of the fact that this universe had its
beginnings in one single entity. Allah Almighty, may He be Exalted and Glorified
said: Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth
were joined together [ratqan], before we clove them asunder? We made from water every
living thing… [Qur'aan 21:30]
The meaning of ratqan in this verse, as Ibn
Abbas, Mujaahid, and others (Raziallaahu-t'aala-anha) said, may Allah Almighty
be pleased with all of them, is that the heavens and the earth were stuck together or
blended together, and that they were later separated from each other. Professor Kroner
used this as an example to prove that no human being during the time of Prophet
Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), could have known
this.
Professor Kroner: "Somebody who did
not know something about nuclear physics 1400 years ago could not, I think, be in a
position to find out from his own mind for instance that the earth and the heavens
had the same origin, or many others of the questions that we have discussed here."
Professor Kroner, so it seemed to us,
has a special talent of being evasive. For example, we asked him to describe the geological
conditions of Arabia. ‘Was Arabia full of orchards and rivers?’ He said:
"During the Snow Age." And it is further known that the North Polar
icebergs are slowly moving southwards. When those polar icebergs become relatively
close to the Arabian Peninsula, the weather will change and Arabia
will become one of the greenest and wettest parts of the world. We asked
him: ‘Will Arabia become the land of orchards and rivers?’ He said: "Yes,
it is a scientific fact."
This astonished us, and we wondered how he
could state this as a scientific fact while it was related to the future and we asked:
‘Why?’ He said: "Because the new Snow Age has actually started. And
we can see the snow crawling once again from the North Pole southwards. In fact, the polar
snow is now on the way to get closer to the Arabian Peninsula. We can see the signs of
this in the snow blizzards striking the northern parts of Europe and America every
winter. Scientists have other signs and information proving the actual beginning of
another Snow Age. It is a scientific fact."
So we said to him: ‘What you have just
mentioned has only been known to scientists after a long series of discoveries and with
the help of specialized instruments. But we have already found this mentioned by the Prophet
Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) 1400 years ago. He said
in a hadeeth transmitted in Saheeh Muslim:
The
Last Hour will not come upon us until the lands of the Arabs are once again pasture lands
and filled with rivers.
At this point we asked Professor Kroner:
‘Who told the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam), that the lands of the Arabs were once filled with orchards and rivers?’ He
immediately replied: "The Romans." This reminded me of Professor Kroner’s
evasive ability. We asked him another question, we said to him: ‘But who informed the
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), that the
lands of the Arabs would once again become pasturelands and be filled with rivers?’. Professor
Kroner becomes evasive if embarrassed. But whenever he was faced with the truth, he is
courageous enough to state his opinion frankly and thus he replied: "This could have
been known to him only through revelation from above."
Finally, after our discussions with him, he
made the following comments: "If you combine all these and you combine all those
statements that are being made in the Qur'aan in terms that relate to the earth and
the formation of the earth and science in general, you can basically say that statements made there in many ways are true. They can now
be confirmed by scientific methods, and in a way you can say that the Qur'aan is a
simple science text book for the simple man, and that many of the statements made in
there at that time could not be proven but that modern scientific methods are now in a
position to prove what Muhammad peace be upon him said 1400 years ago."
Allah Almighty confirms in His Book
that:
This
is no less than reminder to (all), the worlds. And you shall certainly know the truth of
it all after a while. (Qur'aan 38:87-88).
Geological
Information In The Qur'aan
How do you present proof of this religion to
those who do not speak the language of the Arabs or know anything about the inimitable
eloquence of the Qur'aan? Is it the only way for them to learn this language of the
Arabs and to master its sciences? The answer, of course, is no. Allah Almighty, may
He be Glorified and Exalted, has shown mercy to them and to all other generations by
sending the appropriate evidence to all mankind, irrespective of their different races,
languages, and times.
We have Professor Palmer who is one of
the foremost geologists in the United States of America. He headed a committee which
organized the Centennial Anniversary of the American Geological Society. When we
met him we presented the various scientific miracles in the Qur'aan and Sunnah, he was
greatly astonished. I remember a pleasant anecdote when we informed him that the Qur'aan
mentions the lowest part of the earth and states that it is near Jerusalem, where a
battle took place between the Persians and the Romans.
Allah Almighty, may He be Exalted and
Glorified, said in the Qur'aan:
Alif Laam Meem, the
Romans have been defeated, in the lowest part of the land (adnal-ardh), but after defeat
they will soon be victorious. (Qur'aan 30:1-3)
The term adna means both nearer and lowest. The
commentators of the Qur'aan, May Allah Almighty be pleased with all of them, were
of the opinion that adnal-ardh meant the nearest land to the Arabian Peninsula.
However, the second meaning is also there. In this way, the Glorious Qur'aan gives one
word several meanings, as described by the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him
(sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam) when he said:
I have been given the
most comprehensive words. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
When we investigated the lowest part of the
earth, we found that it was exactly the same spot that witnessed the battle in which
the Romans were defeated. When we informed Professor Palmer about this, he
contested saying that there were many other areas which are lower than the one referred to
in the Qur'aanic verse. He gave examples and names of other areas in Europe and in the
United States. We assured him that our information was verified and correct. He had with
him a topographical globe that showed elevations and depressions. He said that it
would be easy with that globe to ascertain which was the lowest spot on earth. He turned
the globe with his hands and focused his sign on the area near Jerusalem. To his
astonishment, there was a small arrow sticking out towards that area with words: The
lowest part on the face of the earth.
Professor Palmer was quick to concede
that our information was correct. He proceeded to speak, saying that this was actually the
lowest part of the earth.
Professor Palmer: "It took place in
the area of the Dead Sea which is up here and interestingly enough the labeling on the
globe says the worlds lowest point. So it certainly is supported by the interpretation of
that critical word."
Professor Palmer was even more
astonished when he found that the Qur'aan talks about the past and describes how creation
first began; how the earth and heavens were created; how the water gushed forth from the
depth of the earth; how the mountains were anchored on land; how vegetation first began;
how is earth today, describing the mountains, describes its phenomena, describes the
changes on the surface of the earth as witnessed in the Arabian Peninsula. It even
describes the future of the land of Arabs and the future of the whole earth. At this, Professor
Palmer acknowledged that the Qur'aan is such a wondrous Book which describes the past,
the present, and the future.
Like many other scientists, Professor Palmer
was hesitant at first. But soon later he was forthcoming with his opinions. In Cairo, he
presented a research paper dealing with the inimitable aspects of geological knowledge
contained in the Qur'aan. He said that he did not know what was the state of the
art in the field of science during the days of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him
(sallAllahu 'alihi wa sallam). But from what we know about the scanty knowledge and
means at that time, we can undoubtedly conclude that the Qur'aan is a light of divine
knowledge revealed to Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam).
Here are the concluding remarks of Professor Palmer:
"We need research into the history of
early Middle Eastern oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical events have
been reported. If there is no such record, it strengthens the belief that Allah
Almighty transmitted through Muhammad peace be upon him bits of his knowledge
that we have only discovered for ourselves in recent times. We look forward to a
continuing dialogue on the topic of science in the Qur'aan in the context of geology.
Thank you very much."
As you have seen, here is one of the giants in
the field of geology in our world today, coming from the United States of America. He does
not hesitate to admit and to come forth with his opinions. But he is still in need of
someone to point the truth out to him. Both westerners and easterners have lived in the
midst of the battle between religion and science. These battles, however, were inevitable,
because all previous messages have been distorted. Thus, Allah Almighty sent the Prophet
Muhammad peace be upon him, (sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam), with Islam in order to
correct that which had been corrupted.
Someone may ask: How will these people accept
what we tell them when we are materially inferior to them and we do not follow our
religion closely? My reply to them is that knowledge increases the awareness of one who
acquires it. People of knowledge care only to look at the facts, not at the outside
picture. The wealth of Islam today is precisely this knowledge and scientific
advancement. Modern science can but bow its head in reverence to the book of Allah
Almighty and to the Sunnah of His Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam).
The primordial nature, Al-Fitrah, in
which Allah Almighty created man does not attain tranquility except by means of
Islam or eeman (faith). Those who do not have eemaan (faith) are in a
constant state of uneasiness and confusion. Moreover, the atmosphere of freedom in the
West helps Western scientists to express what they believe without any fear or timidity.
We have heard them in many of these episodes confirming and recognizing the miracle of
this age, the Qur'aan, which will remain living until the Last Hour.
Mountains
We now introduce a unique scholar. He differs
from other scholars but at the same time, he is a representative of a group of scholars.
His name is Professor Siaveda, one of the best known marine geologists from Japan.
He is also one of the most famous scientists in the world. Professor Siavedas mind
was filled with many distortions and suspicions about all religions. He is right about
what he says with regard to all religions, except Islam, because Islam differs from all
other religions that he spoke about.
When we met him, he said to us: "You
scholars of religion all over the world should keep your mouths shut forever." I
replied: But why Professor? Why? He said: "Because when you speak you cause wars to
break out between the people throughout the world." We asked him: Why are the NATO
alliance and WARSAW Pact accumulating such massive nuclear arsenals and nuclear weapons in
space, sea, overland, and underground. Why this? Is it for religious reasons? He went
silent, then we said to him: At any rate we are aware of your attitude towards all
religions, but since you do not know much about Islam, then you might as well listen to
what we have to say. So we asked him a number of questions in his area of specialization,
and we also informed him of the Qur'aanic verses and ahadeeth which mention the
phenomena he spoke of. One of these questions was about mountains and whether they were
firmly rooted in the earth.
He replied and said: "The fundamental
difference between continental mountains and the oceanic mountains lies in its
material. Continental mountains are made essentially by sediments, whereas the oceanic
mountains are made of volcanic rocks. Continental mountains were formed by compressional
forces, whereas the oceanic mountains were formed by extensional forces. But the common
denominator on both mountains are that they have roots to support the mountains. In the
case of continental mountains, light-low density material from the mountain is
extended down into the earth as a root. In the case of oceanic mountains, there is also
light material supporting the mountain as a root, but in the case of oceanic mountain this
material is not light because the composition is light, but it is hot, therefore expanded
somewhat. But from the viewpoint of densities, they are doing the same job of supporting
the
mountains.
Therefore, the function of the roots are to support the mountains according to the law of
Archimedes."
Professor Siaveda described the shape of
all mountains whether they are on land or in the sea as being in the shape of a wedge.
Could anyone during the time of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu
alaihi wa sallam) have known of the shape of these mountains? Could anyone imagine that
the solid massive mountain that he sees before him actually extends deep into the earth
and has a root as scientists assure? A large number of geography books when discussing
mountains, only describe that part which is on the surface of the earth. This is because
they are not written by specialists in geology, but modern science informs us about it and
Allah Almighty says in the Qur'aan: And the mountains as
pegs. (Qur'aan 78:7).
We asked Professor Siaveda whether the
mountains have a function in establishing the crust of the earth. He said that this has
not yet been discovered and established by scientists. In view of the reply we researched
and inquired about this and we found out that many geologists gave the same reply, except
for a few. Among those few are the authors of this book, entitled The Earth. This
book is considered as a basic reference text in many universities throughout the world.
One of the authors of this book is Frank Press. He is currently the President of the
Academy of Sciences in USA. Previously, he was science advisor to former U.S.
President Jimmy Carter. What does he say in his book? He illustrates the mountains in a
wedge-like shape where the mountain itself is but a small part of the whole whose root is
deeply entrenched in the ground. Dr. Press writes on the functions of the mountains and
states that they play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth. This is
exactly how the Qur'aan described mountains 14 centuries ago.
Allah Almighty said: And the mountains Has He firmly fixed. (Qur'aan 79:32).
And He said: And the mountains as pegs. (Qur'aan 78:7).
And He also said: And he has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should
shake with you. (Qur'aan 16:15).
But who could have informed Prophet Muhammad
peace be upon him (sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam) about this? We asked Professor
Siaveda this question: What is your opinion on what you have seen in the Qur'aan and
the Sunnah with regard to the secrets of the Universe, which scientists only discovered
now? His answer was: "I think it seems to me very, very mysterious, almost
unbelievable. I really think if what you have said is true, the book is really a very
remarkable book, I agree."
Yes, what can scientists say? They cannot
attribute the knowledge revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu
alaihi wa sallam) by Allah Almighty and contained in the Qur'aan to human beings or
to any scientific authority in our times, because all scientists were unaware of all these
secrets. Moreover, all humanity could not have any explanation but to attribute that
knowledge to some extra-terrestrial force. Yes, it is a revelation from Allah Almighty
which he sent to his servant, the unlettered Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him,
whom Allah Almighty has made an everlasting sign escorting humanity until the Last
Hour.
Clouds
Scientists have studied cloud types and
have realized that rain clouds are formed and shaped according to definite systems and
certain steps connected with certain types of wind and clouds.
One kind of rain cloud is the cumulonimbus
cloud associated with thunderstorms (See Figure 18.1). Meteorologists have studied how
cumulonimbus clouds are formed and how they produce rain, hail, and lightning. They have
found that cumulonimbus cloud go through the following steps to produce rain:
The clouds are pushed by the wind:
Cumulonimbus clouds begin to form when wind pushes some small pieces of clouds (cumulus)
to an area where these clouds converge.
Joining: Then the small clouds join
together forming a larger cloud.
Stacking: When the small clouds join
together, updrafts within the larger cloud increase. The updrafts near the center of the
cloud are stronger than those near the edges. These updrafts cause the cloud body to grow
vertically, so the cloud is stacked up. This vertical growth causes the cloud body to
stretch into cooler regions of the atmosphere where drops of water and hail formulate and
begin to grow larger and larger. When these drops of water and hail become too heavy for
the updrafts to support them, they begin to fall from the cloud as rain, hail, etc.
Allah Almighty said in the Qur'aan:
Have
you not seen how Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes
them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it...? [Qur'aan 24:43]
Meteorologists have only recently come
to know these details of cloud formation, structure, and function by using advanced
equipment like planes, satellites, computers, balloons, and the like to study winds and
its direction, to measure humidity and its variations, and to determine the levels and
variations of atmospheric pressure (See Figure 18.2).
Fig. 18.1
Cumulonimbus clouds seen from space
The preceding verse, after mentioning clouds
and rain, speaks about hail and lightning:
And
He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky, and He strikes with it whomever He
wills, and turns it from whoever He wills. The vivid flash of its lightning nearly blinds
the sight. [Qur'aan 24:43]
Meteorologists have found that these
cumulonimbus clouds, that shower hail, reach a height of 25,000 to 30,000 feet (4.7 to 5.7
miles), like mountains, as the Qur'aan said: And He sends down
hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky...(Qur'an 24:43)
This verse may raise a question. Why does the
verse say ...its lightning in reference to the hail?
Does this mean that hail is the major factor in
producing lightning? Let us see what the book entitled Meteorology Today, says on this. It
says that clouds become electrified as hail falls through a region in the cloud of super
cooled droplets and ice crystals. As liquid droplets collide with hail, they
freeze on contact and release latent heat. This keeps the surface of the hail warmer
than that of the surrounding ice crystals.
When the hail comes in contact with an ice
crystal, an important phenomenon occurs. Electrons flow from the colder object toward the
warmer object. Hence, the hail becomes negatively charged. The same effect occurs when
super cooled droplets come in contact with a piece of hail and tiny splinters of positively
charged ice break off. These lighter, positively charged particles are then carried to
the upper part of the cloud by updrafts. The hail, left with a negative charge, fall
toward the bottom of the cloud, thus the lower part of the cloud becomes negatively
charged. These negative charges are then discharged to the ground as lightning. We
conclude from this that hail is the major factor in producing lightning.
Fig. 18.2
This information on lightning was discovered
only recently. Until 1600 A.D., Aristotle's ideas on meteorology were dominant. For
example, he said that the atmosphere contains two kinds of exhalation, moist and dry. He
also said that thunder is the sound of the collision of the dry exhalation with the
neighboring clouds, and lightning is the inflaming and burning of the dry exhalation with
a thin and faint fire. These are some of the ideas on meteorology that were dominant at
the time of the Qur'aan's revelation, fourteen centuries ago.
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