Many scientific facts are mentioned either directly or indirectly in the Qur’an. Many topics, from the creation phases of the universe, human beings and the formation of rain to the movement of continents are mentioned as proof of the perfection and superiority of Allah’s creation.
Nevertheless, obviously the Qur’an is not a book of science. In the Qur’an, scientific information is sometimes mentioned in a clear, lucid language, and at other times it is explained by means of comparisons, indications or concealed language.
Being unable to realize the wisdom in such verses, some prejudiced people, who do not possess the necessary basic knowledge of science and scientific progress, nor a subtle comprehension, end up opposing the Qur’an.
Still, the people of the 21st century witnessed, through the use of the latest technological observations, experiments and research, the miraculous verification of various scientific facts pointed to in the Qur’an.
Furthermore, science was dominated by hearsay and unproven theories until the last two centuries when all the while the Qur’an, written some 1,400 years ago, was drawing attention to scientific facts that have finally been proven today.
Numerous scientific topics, such as the expansion of the universe, the relativity of time, continental motion etc., were mentioned in the Qur’an when it was revealed nearly 1,400 years ago. (For a detailed analysis see Miracles of the Qur’an by Harun Yahya.)
The secret of these verses remained a mystery for Muslims, who had been reading them for years. However, Muslims expressed faith in all of these verses, which they knew to contain many secrets and great wisdom, without understanding their true meaning, just as they believe without any doubt that the Qur’an is the “truth” (haq) revealed by Allah.
Those who use their reason and are capable of intense thought perceive each verse as a part of the endless knowledge of Allah. It is true that there remain some verses that have yet to be fully explained and whose mysteries have still to be revealed. Such verses are a source of excitement and enthusiasm for the true believer. This concealed knowledge also makes them feel totally enclosed within the boundless wisdom of Allah.
Those with ulterior motives commonly try to cast doubt on those verses which have not yet been explained by the current standards of science and technology. In the Qur’an it is said of those people:
{Then when they arrive He (Allah) will say, ‘Did you deny My Signs even though you did not have proper knowledge of them. Or what were you doing?} (An-Naml 27: 84)
People like that, who approach the Qur’an with prejudice, are bound to view verses, which their limited intelligence and knowledge fail to make immediately clear, as evidence of inconsistency, as their real purpose is seeking contradictions in the Qur’an.
Just as there were verses which had remained a mystery since the revelation of the Qur’an until it became possible to explain them thanks to recent scientific developments, there may be still more verses waiting to be clarified that will remain in the shadows until future scientific discoveries.
For instance, the Qur’an gives indications of possible matter and scent transfer. Even though these may appear to be impossible with today’s technology, such ideas have already made an appearance in science fiction. The verses related to these ideas in the Qur’an are:
– A person of knowledge in the company of the Prophet Solomon brings Queen Saba’s throne from her palace, thousands of miles away:
{He (Solomon) said, ‘Council! Who among you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?’
An ifreet of the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you before you get up from your seat. I am strong and trustworthy enough to do it.’
He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.’ And when he (Solomon) saw it standing firmly in his presence, he said, ‘This is part of my Lord’s favour to test me to see if I will give thanks or show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.} (An-Naml: 38-40)
– Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) senses the presence of his son, Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) from miles away:
{And when the caravan went on its way, their father said, ‘I can smell Joseph’s scent! You probably think I have become senile.} (Yusuf 12: 94)
It is only natural that some of the verses in the Qur’an, which is valid till the Day of Judgment and contains information that is applicable to all times, are not understandable when they are interpreted only by using the currently available technological data, which have still not reached the required level. However, as further advances are made, the “overlapping” meanings in the scientific Qur’anic verses are becoming clearer.