Was he a sailor?

"(The unbelievers' state) is like a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with waves, one over the other, and

above it is a cloud of darkness upon darkness, one above another; if a man stretches out his hand, he

can hardly see it; For anyone to whom Allah gives no light, there is no light."

(Al Quran, 24:40)

Gary Miller in his book, "The Amazing Quran" stated the following story:

A Muslim gave a copy of the Holy Quran to a man who was a merchant marine. This man knew nothing about the

history of Islam. When he finished reading the Holy Quran, he asked his Muslim friend:

"This man Muhammad RasulAllah (p.b.u.h.), was he a sailor?

When he was told that Muhammad RasulAllah (p.b.u.h) lived in a desert and probably did not even see an ocean

during his whole life, he embraced Islam on the spot. He acknowledged that this description of the Holy Quran

could only be described by one who had actually seen sea storms many times, whereas Muhammad RasulAllah

(p.b.u.h.) never witnessed this phenomenon.

Sun, Moon & Star

"We built seven firm layers above you. We installed a blazing lamp." (Qur'an, 78:12-13)

As we know, the only source of light in the Solar System is the Sun. With advances in technology, astronomers
discovered that the Moon was not a source of light but that it merely reflects the light reaching it from the Sun.
The expression "lamp" in the above verse is a translation of the Arabic word "sirajan," which most perfectly
describes the Sun, the source of light and heat.

In the Qur'an Allah employs different words when referring to such celestial bodies as the Moon, the Sun and
the stars. This is how the differences between the structures of the Sun and Moon are expressed in the Qur'an:

"Do you not see how He created seven heavens in layers, and placed the moon as a light in them and
made the sun a blazing lamp?" (Qur'an, 71:15-16)

In the above verse, the word "light" is used for the Moon ("nooran" in Arabic) and the word "lamp" for the Sun
("sirajan" in Arabic.) The word used for the Moon refers to a light-reflecting, bright, motionless body. The word
used for the Sun refers to a celestial body which is always burning, a constant source of heat and light.

On the other hand, the word "star" comes from the Arabic root "nejeme," meaning "appearing, emerging, visible."
As in the verse below, stars are also referred to by the word "thaqib," which is used for that which shines and
pierces the darkness with light: self-consuming and burning:

"It is the star that pierces through darkness!" (Qur'an, 86:3)

We now know that the Moon does not emit its own light but reflects that reaching it from the Sun. We also know
that the Sun and stars do emit their own light. These facts were revealed in the Qur'an in an age when mankind
simply did not have the means to make scientific discoveries of their own accord. It was an age when peoples'
knowledge of celestial bodies was severely restricted, to say the least. This further emphasises the miraculous
nature of the book of Islam.

Scientific Reason for Islamic Method of Slaughtering Animals

Al Shaddad Bin Aous has quoted this tradition of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) "God calls for mercy in everything,

so be merciful when you kill and when you slaughter, sharpen your blade to relieve its pain".

Many allegations have been made that Islamic slaughter is not humane to animals. However, Professor Schultz

and his colleague Dr. Hazim of the Hanover University, Germany, proved through an experiment, using an

electroencephalograph (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) that *Islamic slaughter is THE humane method of

slaughter* and captive bolt stunning, practiced by the Western method, causes severe pain to the animal.

The results surprised many.

Experimental Details:

1. Several electrodes were surgically implanted at various points of the skull of all animals, touching the

surface of the brain.

2. The animals were allowed to recover for several weeks.

3. Some animals were slaughtered by making a swift, deep incision with a sharp knife on the neck cutting the

jugular veins and carotid Arteries of both sides; as also the trachea and esophagus Halal Method.

4. Some animals were stunned using a captive bolt pistol humane slaughter by the western method.

5. During the experiment, EEG and ECG were recorded on all animals to record the condition of the brain and

heart during the course of slaughter and stunning.

Results and Discussion:

I - Halal Method

1. The first three seconds from the time of Islamic slaughter as recorded on the EEG did not show any change

from the graph before slaughter, thus indicating that the animal did not feel any pain during or immediately after

the incision.

2. For the following 3 seconds, the EEG recorded a condition of deep sleep - unconsciousness. This is due to a

large quantity of blood gushing out from the body.

3. After the above mentioned 6 seconds, the EEG recorded zero level, showing no feeling of pain at all.

4. As the brain message (EEG) dropped to zero level, the heart was still pounding and the body convulsing

vigorously (a reflex action of the spinal cord) driving maximum blood from the body: resulting in hygienic meat

for the consumer.

II - Western method by C.B.P. Stunning

1. The animals were apparently unconscious soon after stunning.

2. EEG showed severe pain immediately after stunning.

3. The hearts of the animal stunned by C.B.P. stopped beating earlier as compared to those of the animals

slaughtered according to the Halal method resulting in the retention of more blood inthe meat. This in turn is

unhygienic for the consumer.

(Many thanks to Muslim Students Organization - University of Miami)

The Qur’aan on Mountains

A book entitled Earth is a basic reference textbook in many universities around the world. One of its two authors is

Professor Emeritus Frank Press. He was the Science Advisor to former US President Jimmy Carter, and for 12 years

was the President of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC. His book says that mountains have

underlying roots.

This is how the Qur’an has described mountains. God has said in the Qur’an:

"Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs?"

(Qur’an, 78:6-7)

Modern earth sciences have proven that mountains have deep roots under the surface of the ground and that these

roots can reach several times their elevations above the surface of the ground. So the most suitable word to describe

mountains on the basis of this information is the word ‘peg,’ since most of a properly set peg is hidden under the

surface of the ground.

The history of science tells us that the theory of mountains having deep roots was introduced only in 1865 by the

Astronomer Royal, Sir George Airy. Mountains also play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth.

They hinder the shaking of the earth. God has said in the Qur’an:

"And He has set firm mountains in the earth so that it would not shake with you... "

(Qur’an, 16:15)

Likewise, the modern theory of plate tectonics holds that mountains work as stabilizers for the earth. This knowledge

about the role of mountains as stabilizers for the earth has just begun to be understood in the framework of plate

tectonics since the late 1960’s. Could anyone during the time of the Prophet Muhammad have known of the true

shape of mountains?

Could anyone imagine that the solid massive mountain which he sees before him actually extends deep into the

earth and has a root, as scientists affirm? Modern geology has confirmed the truth of the Qur’anic verses.

The Qur’an on the Cerebrum

God has said in the Qur’an about one of the evil unbelievers who forbade the Prophet Muhammad from

praying at the Kaaba:

"No! If he does not stop, We will take him by the naseyah (front of the head), a lying,

sinful naseyah (front of the head)!" (Al-Quran, 96:15-16)

Why did the Qur’an describe the front of the head as being lying and sinful? Why didn’t the Qur’an say that the

person was lying and sinful? What is the relationship between the front of the head and lying and sinfulness?

If we look into the skull at the front of the head, we will find the pre-frontal area of the cerebrum (see figure above).

What does physiology tell us about the function of this area? A book entitled Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology

says about this area: “The motivation and the foresight to plan and initiate movements occur in the anterior portion

of the frontal lobes, the pre-frontal area. This is a region of association cortex...” 1

Also the book says: “In relation to its involvement inmotivation, the pre-frontal area is also thought to be the

functional center for aggression....” 2

So, this area of the cerebrum is responsible for planning, motivating, and initiating good and sinful behavior and

is responsible for the telling of lies and the speaking of truth. Thus, it is proper to describe the front of the head

as lying and sinful when someone lies or commits a sin, as the Quran has said: “...A lying, sinful naseyah

(front of the head)!”

Scientists have only discovered these functions of the pre-frontal area in the last sixty years, according to

Professor Keith L. Moore. 3

(1) Essentials of Anatomy&Physiology, Seeley and others, p. 211. Also see The Human Nervous System,

Noback and others, pp. 410-411.

(2) Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, Seeley and others, p. 211.

(3) Al-E’jaz al-Elmy fee al-Naseyah (The Scientific Miracles in the Front of the Head), Moore and others, p. 41.

The Spider

Allah, the Almighty, said: (The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the spider,
who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house;- if they but knew)
Surat Al-Ankabot: 41

Zoologists today know more than thirty thousand types of spiders which vary in sizes (from less than a millimeter
to ninety millimeters), shapes and colors. Most spiders live in the wild, mostly alone except at times of mating and
egg hatching. The spiders’ environment extends from sea level to heights of five thousand meters.

The spider might stay in its house, where it practices all life's activities, or it might have a nest or a hideout other
than the house, which is connected to the house by a thread known as the trap thread. The spider escapes to this
hideout at times of danger.

In Lissan Al-Arab, under the subject (ankab), it was mentioned that the (ankaboot “spider”) is an animal which
weaves in the air, and on the mouth of the well, a flimsy thin web.Al-Ankaboot maybe masculine or feminine.
Al-Moubarid said: al-ankaboot is feminine and can be used for the masculine.

Naming the noble surat with the singular form (Al-Ankaboot “The Spider") indicates the solitary life of this animal,
except at times of mating and egg hatching. This can be compared to the two surats Al-Nahel (The Bees) and
Al-Namel (The Ants), where the names are plural since these insects live in groups.

In this noble Quranic verse, there is a clear indication that the female spider is the one mainly undertaking the
building of the house. Consequently, building the spider's house is a mission shouldered by the female spiders.
It is the female which has in its body the glands for secretion of the silk material from which the spider’s house
is woven. It is here where we find the scientific miracle in Allah's (the Almighty) saying: builds to itself a house.

In the Almighty's saying: (the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house…)
(1) Physical weakness:The weakness is in the spider’s house and not the threads; for the Almighty says (the
flimsiest of houses). This is a clear indication that the weakness and frailty are within the spider's house and not
the spider's threads. This is a very precise indication. The threads of the spider's house are made of very delicate
silk.Therefore, they do not protect from the heat of the sun, or the extreme cold. These threads do not form adequate
shade, nor protect from the rain, storming winds, or the dangers of attackers. This is despite the miraculous building
of this house.

(2) Spiritual weakness:The spider’s house, spiritually speaking, is the flimsiest of all houses, because it is deprived
of all love and kindness, which are the pillars of any happy home. The female, in some types of spiders, kills the
male as soon as the fertilization takes place.
In some cases, the female eats its youngsters mercilessly. In some types, the female dies after fertilizing its eggs,
which are usually fostered in a silk bag. When the eggs hatch, spiderlings come out to find themselves in a very
crowded place inside the eggs bag. The siblings then start to fight for food, space or both. The brother kills its
brother and sister, and the sister kills its sister and brother, until the fight ends with a few spiderlings remaining.
These spiderlings shed their skin and tear the eggs bag to come out one after the other with unhappy memories.
They all then spread in the surrounding environment. Each female starts to build its house. On the road to achieve
this goal, some of the spiderlings die, whereas those who survive repeat the same tragedy. This makes the spider’s
house the most violent and ruthless house, lacking all forms of kinship. Hence, Allah the Almighty sets it as a
parable in its weakness and frailty because it lacks the simplest form of kindness between the husband and wife,
the mother and her children, the brother and his siblings, and the sister and her siblings.


Some Hidden Quranic Signs:

A- The house of the spideris not merely its dwelling place. Being the sticky net it is, it constitutes a trap for flying
insects such as flies and others. These insects are a prey on which the spider feeds. Similarly, those idolaters who
revere gods besides Allah, and call people to those revered gods, are in fact calling them to an artful trap which leads
them to their death and destruction in this life and the afterlife. Allah, the Almighty, said:
Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgiveth anything else, to whom
He pleaseth; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin Most heinous indeed. Surat Al- Nesaa: 48

B- Warning against those with corrupt invocations who revere others besides Allah, whether money or whim. This
warning is issued through indicating their hidden strings with which they hunt their victims. These strings can be
money, sex, power, or any other hidden string which destroys the victim once it is trapped.


More about Spiders: http://www.harunyahya.com/themiracleinthespider01.php

Rain Formation

How rain was formed remained a great mystery for quite some time. Only after the weather radar was invented
was it possible to discover the stages by which rain is formed. According to this discovery, the formation of rain
takes place in three stages. First, the "raw material" of rain rises up into the air with the wind. Later, clouds are
formed, and finally raindrops appear. The Qur'an's account of the formation of rain refers exactly to this process.
In one verse, this formation is described in this way:

It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up clouds which He spreads about the sky however He wills.
He forms them into dark clumps and you see the rain come pouring out from the middle of them.
When He makes it fall on those of His servants He wills, they rejoice. (Qur'an, 30:48)

Now, let us examine these three stages outlined in the verse in more detail.


FIRST STAGE: "It is Allah Who sends the winds..."

Countless air bubbles formed by the foaming of the oceans continuously burst and cause water particles to be
ejected towards the sky. These particles, which are rich in salt, are then carried away by winds and rise upward
in the atmosphere. These particles, which are called aerosols, function as water traps, and form cloud drops by
collecting around the water vapour themselves, which rises from the seas as tiny droplets.


SECOND STAGE: ".... which stir up clouds which He spreads about the sky however He wills. He forms
them into dark clumps..."

The clouds are formed from water vapour that condenses around the salt crystals or dust particles in the air.
Because the water droplets in these clouds are very small (with a diameter between 0.01 and 0.02 mm), the
clouds are suspended in the air, and spread across the sky. Thus, the sky is covered in clouds.


THIRD STAGE: "…and you see the rain come pouring out from the middle of them"

The water particles that surround salt crystals and dust particles thicken and form raindrops, so, drops that
become heavier than the air leave the clouds and start to fall to the ground as rain.

As already discussed, every stage in the formation of rain is related in the verses of the Qur'an. Furthermore,
these stages are explained in exactly the right sequence. Just as with many other natural phenomena on the
Earth, Allah gave the most correct explanation of this phenomenon, and made it known in the Qur'an centuries
before it was discovered.

The Earth Disgorges Its Charges

When the earth is convulsed with its quaking and the earth then disgorges its charges and man asks,
"What is wrong with it?", on that Day it will impart all its news. (Qur'an, 99:1-4)

The word "zilzal" in Arabic means earthquake, or tremors, and the word "athqalaha" means "charges, heavy
burdens." When one considers the above verses in the light of the first meaning, it can be seen that reference is
being made to an important scientific fact about earthquakes.

Surat Az-Zilzal 2 mentions the earth disgorging its charges. Indeed, as a result of research in recent years, it has
been realised that there are heavy metals at the centre of the Earth, and that these appear as a result of movements
on the Earth's surface. According to geologists' calculations, as the Earth cooled, heavy and dense substances
sank to its centre, while lighter ones rose to the surface. For that reason, the Earth's crust consists of the least
heaviest substances (basalt and granite rocks), while heavy metals (nickel and iron) are found in the core. As a
result, the subsurface, which consists of molten metals, is made of a material that is much heavier and denser
than the surface.

During earthquakes, the heavy substances below the surface have an opportunity to rise, and the Earth thus
disgorges its charges, as revealed in the Qur'an. Moreover, those regions where metal reserves are most
concentrated are also those with the greatest volcanic activity. These scientific findings, which emerged only
recently, and as a result of wide-ranging research, are just some of the scientific facts indicated by Allah in
the Qur'an.

The Perfect Equilibrium in the Universe

He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any discrepancy in the creation of the
All-Merciful. Look again-do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you
dazzled and exhausted! (Qur'an, 67:3-4)

The billions of stars and galaxies in the universe move in perfect equilibrium in the paths set out for them. Stars,
planets and satellites rotate not only around their own axes but also together with the systems of which they are
an integral part. Sometimes, galaxies containing 200-300 billion stars move across each others' paths. Yet
amazingly, no collisions take place that might damage the great order in the universe. This miracle is something
over which all of us should reflect.

In the universe, the concept of speed assumes giant dimensions when compared to earthly measurements.
Stars, planets, galaxies and conglomerations of galaxies-whose numerical properties can only be conceived by
mathematicians-weigh billions or trillions of tons, and move through space at extraordinary speeds.

For example, the Earth rotates at 1,670 kmph. If we consider that the fastest-moving bullet today possesses an
average speed of 1,800 kmph, we can see how fast the Earth is moving, despite its enormous size and mass.
The speed of the Earth as it orbits the Sun is some 60 times faster than a bullet: 108,000 kmph. If we were able
to construct a vehicle capable of moving at that speed, it would be able to circumnavigate the Earth in 22 minutes.
These figures apply only to the Earth.

Those for the Solar System are even more fascinating. The speed of that system is such as to exceed the bounds
of reason: The larger the systems in the universe, the greater their speed. The Solar System's speed of orbit around
the centre of the galaxy is 720,000 kmph. The Milky Way, with its 200 billion or so stars, moves through space at
950,000 kmph.

There is no doubt that there is a very high risk of collisions in such a complicated and fast-moving system. Yet
nothing of the sort actually happens and we continue with our lives in complete safety. That is because everything
in the universe functions according to the flawless equilibrium set out by Allah. It is for this reason that, as stated
in the verse, there is no "discrepancy" in the system.

Sense of Hearing

"So We sealed their ears [with sleep] in the cave for a number of years."
(Qur'an, 18:11)

The original Arabic of the phrase "We sealed their ears" in the Qur'an is the verb daraba. This bears the
metaphorical meaning of "We have made them sleep." Used in reference to the ears, daraba means "preventing
the ears from hearing." The fact that only the sense of hearing is mentioned here is very significant.

According to recent scientific discoveries, the ear is the only sensory organ active while a person is sleeping.
This is why we need an alarm clock to wake up. The wisdom of the phrase "We sealed their ears" is, in all
probability, that Allah closed the hearing of the young people in question, for which reason they remained asleep
for many years.

The Great Challenge

The Great Challenge to Produce One Chapter Like the Chapters of the Holy Quran

God has said in the Quran:
"And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed (the Quran) to Our worshiper (Muhammad
pbuh), then produce a chapter like it, and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides
God if you are truthful. And if you do not do it, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell)
whose fuel is men and stones. It has been prepared for disbelievers. And give good news
(O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that for them are gardens (Paradise) in
which rivers flow...." (Quran, 2:23-25)

Ever since the Quran was revealed, fourteen centuries ago, no one has been able to produce a single
chapter like the chapters of the Quran in their beauty, eloquence, splendor, wise legislation, true
information, true prophecy, and other perfect attributes. Also, note that the smallest chapter in the
Quran (Chapter 108) is only ten words, yet no one has ever been able to meet this challenge, then or today.

Some of the disbelieving Arabs who were enemies of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) tried to meet this
challenge to prove that Muhammad (pbuh) was not a true prophet, but they failed to do so.

This failure was despite the fact that the Quran was revealed in their own language and dialect and that
the Arabs at the time of Muhammad (pbuh) were a very eloquent people who used to compose beautiful
and excellent poetry, still read and appreciated today.

DNA

"Iron ore and coal at high temperatures spontaneously formed steel particles and then those
steel articles without any intelligence involved by magic formed the Eiffel Tower and other
structures (Bucaille 1987)."

This statement sounds stupid, but saying that a cell formed by itself is even more atrocious
because a cell is much more complex than any steel structure that human intelligence
(not chance) has built.

In his book, The Origin of Life, Oparine draws particularly relevant comparisons to convince
the lay man of the illogical nature of theories pointing towards chance. In 1954, he wrote:
"It is as if one jumbled together the printing blocks representing the twenty-eight letters of
the alphabet, in hope that by CHANCE, they will fall into a pattern of a poem that we know.
Only through knowledge and careful arrangement of the letters and words in the poem however,
can we produce the poem from the letters." (page 52)."

Each cell in the human body has a "program" analogous to a computer program written down,
so well organized and regulated so as to function properly, the slightest malfunction leads to
deformities and monstrous growths [cancer is the case in point]. Each cell functions like a
computer programmed to perform specific functions. It is common knowledge that a computer
will only function if it has been programmed.

Without programming, you would never see what you see on this page. A fact that implies the
existence of a programming intellect, that provides the information necessary to operate the
system. The programming intellect for the billions of living cells, unvarying and uniform in his
essence of programming is the One God.

He said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form and nature, and further
gave (it) guidance." (Quran 20:50)

There is a genuine enigma among the community of biologists: The origin of the genetic code
and how it increases in information which leads to more and more complex structures.
The only valid explanation given the intelligent nature of the messages contained
in the DNA is that an intelligent designer was involved. We call him Allah, the God.

Honey

A glimpse into the nest makes it apparent why honey bees have fascinated us from the earliest
days of scientific observations. The infrastructure of the nest, the perfectly uniform and functional
comb, is composed of beeswax and is constructed into a repeating series of almost perfect
hexagonal cells.The comb is the stage for the activity of the colony and is used for almost
everything imaginable, from larval nursery to pantry to message centre.

At the individual level, honey bees have not one but three types of colony members: queens,
drones and workers, each with their own specializations and place in honey bee society. The
queen reigns over the nest, surrounded by attendants and fed the rich food she requires to perform
her few but crucial tasks inthe colony. The queen produces powerful pheromones, chemical
signals to recipient workers which control many of their behaviors and provide part of the 'social
glue' which holds honey bee life together. A highly organized social structure exists within the
colony and elaborate 'dances' are used to communicate the location of food sources.

Honey is a remarkable viscous liquid, prepared by the bees from the nectars of various plants.
It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout world history. The ancient
Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for wounds and diseases
of the gut. When the Children of Israel were in Egypt or journeying through the desert, their
promised goal was 'land flowing with milk and honey'.

Both the holy Qur'an and Hadith refer to honey as a healer of disease.

And thy Lord inspired the bee, saying: Choose thou habitations in the hills and in the trees and
in that which they thatch; Then eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of thy Lord, made smooth
(for thee). There cometh forth from their bellies a drink divers of hues, wherein is healing for
mankind. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect.(Al-Quran 16:68-69)

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur'an is a remedy for all illness of the mind,
therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur'an and honey”. (Bukhari)