- THURSDAY, 16 MARCH 2006 15:26 USMAN ALI HITS: 2493
The source behind Quran’s scientific verses have been endlessly debated among Muslim and non-Muslim scholars. The first point that needs to be appreciated is that Quran is not a book of science neither it claims to be so. In other words there is not a single instance in the Quran where it has unfolded any information about the physical world, just for the sake of giving information to its addressees as a book of science generally does. Nevertheless, Quran offers a unique, miraculous scientific detail that could not possibly have been the product of sixth century. The Quran contains scientific facts and explanations that fascinate scientists of all fields to this age. The Glorious Quran says:
“We will show them (the unbelievers) Our signs in the furthest regions, and within their own souls until it becomes manifest to them that this is the truth”. Al-Quran, 041.053 (Fussilat [Explained in Detail])
This brief article is an attempt to refute the allegations made by non-Muslim scholars that Prophet Muhammed borrowed or copied the scientific information contained in Quran from any other source than God. In response to these allegations I will present three undeniable facts that would substantiate the fact beyond any shadow of doubt that Quran is indeed divine revelation.
1. Greece was the only nation in the early seventh century who had made some progress in science. Greek scholars wrote these scientific books in their own language. How could Prophet, an Arab, have copied that information from their books and translate it in an eloquent Arabic. Moreover, there was no library in Mecca at the time of Prophet where he could have conducted his research. Prophet Muhammed was never seen reading, writing or conducting any sort of research. On the contrary Quran tells us that he never read a book neither is he able to transcribe one.
“And thou Muhammed was not able to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou able to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted”. Al-Quran, 029.048 (Al-Ankaboot [The Spider])
Therefore, it is not possible for the Prophet to have borrowed scientific information on several science disciplines from Greek books and insert it in Quran.
2. Some of the scientific information mentioned in Quran was indeed prevalent in the early seventh century. However, most of it was conjecture and not established science. How did Prophet Muhammed distinguish the right scientific information from the ocean of falsehood? There is not a single verse in the Quran that contradicts established science. If Prophet was borrowing scientific information contained in Quran from other sources then he would have ended up copying falsehood too. For example Greeks rightly believed the earth to be revolving in its orbit but they also believed sun to be stationary. Lets see what Quran says what about the movement of sun.
“And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath He (also) made subject to you”. Al-Quran, 014.033 (Ibrahim [Abraham])
As is clear from the above verse that contrary to ancient view Quran supports the view of Sun running in its course (orbit). Scientists have only recently found out that sun has an orbit in relation to the Milky way galaxy. Therefore it is not logical to believe that Prophet Muhammed copied all the correct information and did not copy any scientific blunders.
3. Lastly it is an established fact in Islamic history that Prophet Muhammed could not either read or write. He was completely illiterate. The most authentic Hadiths collected by almost all Hadith compilers with several unbroken chain of narrations is undisputed evidence that Prophet could not read or write. How could he have plagiarised all the information present in Quran then? Moreover, Quran itself testifies to the fact that Prophet Muhammed was unlettered Prophet and none of the enemies among the contemporaries of Prophet Muhammed objected against these verses.
“So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His Words: follow him that ye may be guided”. Al-Quran, 007.158 (Al-Araf [The Heights])
In the light of above mentioned facts it is not reasonable for any open minded person to allege Prophet Muhammed of inserting all the scientific information in Quran and attributing it to the Almighty. The Quran is a revelation from the Creator of this universe to all human beings.
“The revelation of this book is from Allah, the Exalted in power, full of wisdom”. Al-Quran, 039.001 (Az-Zumar [The Troops, Throngs])
May Allah guide us all to straight path!