Koranic Law of Nature

The Quran is the Islamic holy book, and contains extensive descriptions and claims regardings "Sunnatullah", which roughly translates to the English "Law of Nature". The Quranic Law of Nature expounds the Islamic view of the universe and how it was notionally created and is maintained by Allah, the Islamic supreme being.

Many scholars of Islam assert that the Quranic Law of Nature states properties of the universe that have only recently been discovered by the modern scientific process, predating some discoveries by up to 1400 years. Furthermore, many scholars will go as far as to claim that the Koranic version is more correct than the versions found in alternative religions' texts. The Koran, like many religious texts, is open to varying interpretation, and therefore one cannot simply state the veracity or fallacy of the claims therein.

This book aims to demonstrate how the Koran presents these claims and discusses the various interpretations that have been made over the centuries by Islamic scholars, and relates these discussions to the counterparts from other religions, as well as the standings of the claims relative to modern and historical scientific and philosophical opinion. The relationship between the Koranic Law of Nature and the Christian and Jewish Laws of Nature is of particular interest, due to these Abrahamic religions having much common ancestry.

The apparent agreement of certain interpretations of the Koran to modern science is also of interest, however one should bear in mind that it is easy to find the interpretation that fits current opinion and ignore others. Likewise it is easy to formulate an interpretation a posteriori, picking only the parts that appear in agreement and claiming flawless prediction when, in fact, the correlation is bound to occur because it has been created by the interpreter to meet that precise end!

It is the aim of this book to present the claims of the Koran with a neutral point-of-view, that is, neither endorsing nor condemning any side of any argument, unless that argument can be shown to be unequivocally right or wrong. Contribution to this book is encouraged, but vandalism (such as removing passages that you do not agree with) and false or unsubstantiated additions will be removed. The subject matter of this book is highly sensitive to some people and contributions should be measured and verifiable. If in doubt, ask on the discussion page before making edits.

The Creation of Universe

Gaseous Mass to Heavens & Earth

Then He settled to the heaven, while it was still smoke, and He said to it, and to the Earth: "Come willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We come willingly." ( 41:11)

Koran claims that this universe was a gaseous mass before it forms planets and galaxies.

Fusing & Separating, Big Bang

Did those who reject not see that the heavens and the Earth were one piece and We tore them apart? And that We made from the water everything that lives. Will they not believe? ( 21:30)

the Koran claims that the universe was fused into one piece before expanding and separating.

Avoiding the Mistake of Genesis

The universe is not created in sequence, as mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Genesis. Book of Genesis believes that the Sun was created in the fourth day. This is strange because vegetables/plants which need the sun were created earlier. Koran does not support such sequence.

6 Days or Periods of Creation

And We have created the heavens and the Earth and what is between them in six days, and no fatigue touched Us. ( 50:38)

The Quranic vocabulary used to describe the length of time is nearly identical in pronunciation to the Hebrew word for day, "yom." However, the Arabic context in which it is used in the opening chapter of the Islamic scripture denotes an indefinite period of time. Contemporary English does not place a definitive upper bound on such temporal terminology; for example, the well-known colloquial phrase "back in my day" isn't intended to mean some twenty-four hours. In conclusion, the creation of our planet may have taken a thousand or 50,000 human years or neither.

God is the One who created the heavens and the Earth, and everything between them in six days, then He settled to the Throne. You do not have beside Him any Lord, nor intercessor. Will you not then remember? He arranges matters from the heaven to the Earth, then it ascends to Him in a day which is equivalent to one thousand of the years which you count. ( 32:4-5)

The Angels and the Spirit ascent to Him in a day which is equivalent to fifty thousand years. ( 70:4)

All of the preceding verses are infused with God's natural names, attributes and methodology which never change. He is the Creator, the Ever-Living, the All-Knowing, Irresistible, etc. A comparative analysis with the book of Genesis demonstrates a contrast with the Qu'ranic description of the Creator and the Creation's nature. The second chapter of Genesis alludes to God rested after the creation of the heavens and the earth which is against his/her^* nature according to the Qu'ran.

^*Note: Since God is genderless in the Qu'ran, any generic pronoun is irrelevant. Regardless, "He" is typically the chosen one in translated scriptural texts used by religions that revere Moses; in Islam, it is out of respect since the Creator is an active force. Academic speculation regarding the English usage of the pronoun "he" in reference to the Almighty Lord holds that it may stem from many hundreds of years past in which women had very few rights in religious matters and society as a whole.

Organization of the Universe

The sun and the moon are perfectly calculated. ( 55:5)

For you (God) subjected the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses. ( 14:33)

And He committed for you the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, and the stars are committed by His command. In that are signs for a people who comprehend. ( 16:12)

the Koran claims that this universe is perfectly organized.

The Earth

What Shape is the Earth?

Have you not seen that God merges the night into the day and merges the day into the night, and that He has committed the sun and the moon, each running to a predetermined term; and that God is expert of everything you do? ( 31:29)

He created the heavens and the Earth with truth. He rolls the night over the day, and He rolls the day over the night. And He committed the sun and the moon, each running for an appointed term. Absolutely, He is the Noble, the Forgiving. ( 39:5)

the Koran implies that the Earth is a rolling/round sphere.

Expansion of the Universe

And We constructed the universe using matter, and We will expand it. ( 51:47)

the Koran claims that the Universe is currently expanding.

How Many Earths are There?

God who created seven universes and the same number of Earths. His command descends between them, that you may know that God is capable of all things, and that God has encompassed all things with His knowledge. (65:12)

the Koran claims that currently there are many Earth-like planets.

The origin of life in water

Did those who reject not see that the heavens and the Earth were one piece and We tore them apart? And that We made from the water everything that lives. Will they not believe? ( 21:30)

And God created every moving creature from water. So some of them move on their bellies, and some walk on two legs, and some walk on four. God creates whatever He wills. God is capable of all things. ( 24:45)

the Koran claims that all living things were created out of water as a component.

What Holds up the Sky?

And He raised the sky and He established the balance. ( 55:7)

... And He holds the sky so that it would not collapse upon the Earth, except by His leave. Indeed, God is Kind towards mankind, Merciful. ( 22:65)

He created the skies without pillars that you can see.... ( 31:10, also 13:2)

The Koran claims that God supports the sky from falling, without visible pillars.

The Sky

Difference between the sun and the moon

"And He made the moon to illuminate in them, and He made the sun to be a lit flame?" ( 71:16)

the Koran claims that the sun is the source of light in relation to the moons illumination or reflection.

Astronomy

And the sun runs to a specific destination, such is the design of the Noble, the Knowledgeable. And the moon We have measured it to appear in stages, until it returns to being like an old curved sheath. The sun is not to overtake the moon, nor will the night precede the day; each of them is swimming in its own orbit. ( 36:38-40)

the Koran claims that the sun and the moon are swimming in their own orbits. The Koran claims that the "swimming" has ups and downs and the sun has limited timespan.

'Comets Of Ice'

Do you not see that God drives the clouds, then He gathers them together, then He piles them upon each other, then you see the soft rain coming out of them? And He sends down hail from the sky from the mountains to afflict whomever He wills, and He diverts it from whomever He wills, the brightness of the snow almost blinds the eyes. ( 24:43)

the Koran claims that rain is formed from the clouds through several stages. But where did the water came from to this Earth originally?

...He sent down from the sky water... ( 2:22, also 14:32 and 16:65)

the Koran claims that originally the water came as a hail or ice comets from the space.

Two Easts and Two Wests

...the Lord of the east and the west... ( 70:40)

...the Lord of the two east and the two west... ( 55:17)

...the distance of the two easts... ( 43:38)

the Koran implies that the sun does not rise and set on single location throughout the season.

Interstellar Galactic Material

To Him is what is in the heavens and what is in the Earth, and what is in between, and what is underneath the soil. ( 20:6, also 25:59, 32:4 and 50:38))

the Koran claims that there are some materials in between galaxies.

Sun is swimming in orbit

"...the sun and the moon, each swimming in an orbit." ( 21:33, also 36:40).

the Koran claims that the sun is not fixed in its place.

Aliens?

...and of his signs, the creation of the skies and the earth and the animals that are divided between them, and he can call upon them whenever he wishes. Shora, ayeye 29

claiming that there is life spread between the skies (probably space) and the earth.

Biology

The ongoing process of creation

... And He creates what you do not know. ( 16:8)

... God creates whatever He wills. God is capable of all things. ( 24:45)

the Koran implies that God does not stop creating.

Embryological & Fetal Development

"While He created you in stages?" ( 71:14)

And God created you from dust, then from a seed, then He made you into pairs. And no female becomes pregnant, nor gives birth, without His knowledge. Nor does anyone have his life extended, or his life is shortened, except in a record. This is easy for God. ( 35:11)

Koran claims that the first man is created from dust and the rest is created from a seed.

You might also mean life and god is referring to Evolution, Bacteria in the earth being the earth, seeds referring to mushrooms and plants, and pairs meaning the evolution of males and females.

Was he not a seed from sperm put forth? ( 75:37)

He was created from water that gushes forth. It comes out from between the spine and the testicles. ( 86:7-8)

Was there not a time in the past when the human being was nothing to even be mentioned? We have created the human from a seed that is mixed, We test him, so We made him hear and see. ( 76:1-2)

The One who perfected everything He created and He began the creation of the human from mud. Then He made his offspring from a structure derived from a lowly liquid. Then He evolved him, and blew into him from His spirit. And He made for you the hearing, the eyesight, and the hearts; rarely are you thankful. ( 32:7-9)

the Koran claims that man are created from a small drop of sperm.

Was he not a seed from sperm put forth? Then he was a clot, so he was created and developed. ( 75:37-38)

the Koran claims that the first stage of embryological development is comparable to a clot, in shape, in how he clings and in how it draws substance from his host.

Then We created the seed into an embryo, then We created the embryo into a fetus, then We created the fetus into bone, then We covered the bone with flesh, then We brought forth a new creation. So glory be to God, the best of creators. ( 23:14)

... then from an embryo, then from a fetus developed and undeveloped so that We make it clear to you. And We settle in the wombs what We wish to an appointed time, then We bring you out a child... ( 22:5)

the Koran claims that second stage of embryological development looks like a ragged piece of meat to the naked eye. The later stages is organs development starting with bones. In this stage the development could be uneven.

Pollution & wasting natural resources

Pollution has appeared in the land and the sea by the hands of mankind for what they earned. He will make them taste some of what they have done, perhaps they will revert. Say: "Roam the Earth and see how the end was for those before. Most of them had set up partners." ( 30:41-42)

O Children of Adam, dress nicely at every temple, and eat and drink and do not indulge; He does not like the indulgers. ( 7:31)

the Koran claims that mankind pollutes the earth and it is possible to be more environmentally friendly.

Clouds Formation

Do you not see that God drives the clouds, then He gathers them together, then He piles them upon each other, then you see the soft rain coming out of them? And He sends down hail from the sky from the mountains to afflict whomever He wills, and He diverts it from whomever He wills, the brightness of the snow almost blinds the eyes. ( 24:43)

the Koran claims that clouds can form mountain-size piles in the sky. This gigantic clouds formation creates a supercooled hail which causes electron flows that could produce lighting. This is the first clouds formation capable to produce rain.

God Who sends the winds, so they raise clouds, and He spreads them in the sky as He wishes, then He turns them into joined pieces, then you see the rain drops come forth from their midst. Then when He makes them fall on whomever He wills of His servants, they rejoice! ( 30:48)

the Koran claims that there is a second clouds formation that capable to produce rain which might not capable of producing lighting.

And if they see a spectacle from the sky, they will Say: "Piled clouds!" ( 52:44)

the Koran claims that clouds are not solid as some might think.

The Water Cycle

And We sent down from the sky water in due measure, then We let it reside in the land, and We are capable of taking it away. ( 23:18)

the Koran claims that rainfall can be absorbed in to the ground and that it can eventually be removed (drained).

He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed according to their capacity... ( 13:17)

Do you not see that God sends down water from the sky, and causes it to become streams through the land, then He produces with it plants of various colors... ( 39:21)

the Koran claims that water moves through surface or underground rivers.

Have you noted the water you drink? Did you send it down from the clouds, or was it We who sent it down? ( 56:68-69)

the Koran implies that even the most sophisticated rain-control techniques depends on presence clouds in vicinity and its readiness to produce rain.

And He is the One who merges the two bodies of water. This is fresh and palatable and this is salty and bitter. And He made between them a partition and an inviolable barrier. ( 25:53)

the Koran claims that large rivers has invisible barriers between salt water and fresh water.

The diversity of mankind

And from His signs are the creation of the heavens and the Earth, and the difference of your languages and your colors. In that are signs for the world. ( 30:22)

O mankind, We created you from a male and female, and We made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Surely, the most honourable among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Knowledgeable, Expert. ( 49:13)

the Koran claims that variation in language, nations and races are inevitable and better to be embraced.

The Cerebrum

Have you seen if he lied and turned away? Did he not know that God can see? Alas, if he does not cease, We will strike the frontal lobe. A frontal lobe which sees and hears.

_[96:15]

This translation of the Koran appears to claim that the front part of the brain, the frontal lobe controls the eyes and ears of a man.

Seest thou if he denies and turns away? Knows he not that Allah sees? Nay, if he desist not, We will seize him by the forelock - a lying, sinful forelock!

96:13-16 The Holy Qur'an (Maulana Muhammad Ali)

This translation, however, refers to a "forelock", a lock of hair at the front of the head, rather than a lobe of the brain, and does not make any claims to the function of the lock, but rather the characteristics of lock as an extension of a sinful person.

Modern scientific evidence

The regions of the brain responsible for various functions of the human body are relatively well known, due to extensive research and modern imaging techniques which can map activity in the brain for a given action.

The auditory cortex is the primary centre of the brain responsible for sound processing. It is located in the temporal lobes on the sides of the brain. It is known to interact with various other areas of the brain, mostly also in the temporal lobe or in the parietal lobe, towards the top of the brain, but one of them, Broca's area, is located in the frontal lobe. This area is known to be involved in speech interpretation and production.

The visual cortex is located at the back of the brain, in the occipital lobe. It strongly interacts along two pathways. The "dorsal stream", shown in green below, sends the information to the parietal lobe, when the responses to the stimulus, such as movements of the arms or legs, are co-ordinated. The "ventral stream" (purple) sends data to the temporal lobe, where the meaning of the visual data is decoded and objects are recognised. This stream is also associated with the long-term memory of the information.

The primary auditory cortex is shown here in pink. It is known to interact with the other shaded areas. Broca's area, in blue, is located at the rear of the frontal lobe.

The primary visual cortex is shown here in blue. The two arrows show the two paths of information through the brain: to the temporal lobe (purple), and to the parietal lobe (green).

The frontal lobe of the brain is mostly involved in the ability to recognize future consequences resulting from current actions, to choose between good and bad actions (or better and best), override and suppress unacceptable social responses, and determine similarities and differences between things or events. Therefore, it is involved in higher mental functions, and if frequently implicated in the formation of personality.

Discussion

In contrast to the Koranic assertions, modern scientific opinion does not place much value on the function of the frontal lobe with respect to vision and hearing, although some areas of the frontal lobe are used to help process language. However, the argument could be made that "vision" in the Koran refers metaphorically to the foresight of an individual rather than the literal meaning of visual processing.

The function of the frontal lobe in formation of social response could also be seen to be referenced by the "lying and turning away", in which case the Koran obliquely notes this relationship.

Physics

Relativity of Time

He arranges matters from the heaven to the Earth, then it ascends to Him in a day which is equivalent to one thousand of the years which you count. ( 32:5)

The Angels and the Spirit ascent to Him in a day which is equivalent to fifty thousand years. ( 70:4)

the Koran implies that time is relative to the speed of moving subject.

Conclusion

The Koran claims that God does exist and actively interacting with humankind through Nature, His Creation. Koran claims that only knowledgeable people can recognize it and take advantage of it.

There are doubts about it, thanks to poor translations and limited number of scientists collectively improving the interpretation of the Koran. Such efforts are possible due to preservations and wide distributions of the original Arabic manuscripts. This book serves as a collection point of their efforts.

Averroës (ibn Rushd) declared, "Truth does not contradict truth but rather is consistent with it and bears witness to it", thereby dispelling any concerns about the issue of a double truth, one for religion and one for philosophy/science. Where conflict between religion and reason arises, particularly concerning scriptural interpretation, reason's method of demonstration of truth is primary in determining the need for allegorical interpretation of otherwise conflicting explanations.

If God exists, what to do about it? There are at least three alternatives:

1. I don't care
2. Let's serve Him. Believe in Him and doing good acts is enough. More on this ancient, inclusive and fundamentalist point-of-view in Islam Way of Life.
3. Let's worship Him. God is Love. Koran is Guidance. Prophet Muhammad is the most perfect human. More on this modern, exclusive, idealist and official point-of-view in Islam Way of Life.

Disclaimer

He is the One who sent down to you the Scripture, from which there are firm verses; they are the essence of the Scripture; and others which are similar to each other. As for those who have disease in their hearts, they will follow what is similar from it seeking to confuse, and seeking to derive an interpretation. But none know its interpretation except God and those who are well founded in knowledge, they Say: "We believe in it, all is from our Lord." And none will remember except the people of understanding. ( 3:7)

Koran disclaims that it can be used for good intention only, contrary to some people believes. Koran claims that it can be used for bad intentions as well. Fortunately, this bad intention, or to lesser degree bad interpretations and translations, can be exposed overtime by the experts via a consistent and holistic approach. The Islam Way of Life book is a summary of all firm verses, the essence of the Scripture.

Other Links

• Islamic way of life.

Sources

• "The Bible, The Koran and Science.", Dr. Maurice Bucaille
• The Koran and Science, by Islamic-Message.net
• Islamic Philosophies - Averroës (ibn Rushd), by Science Encyclopedia