The Quran has long been a source of spiritual guidance for Muslims, but its verses also contain deep insights into various scientific phenomena. One such verse is from Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30):
…And We made from water every living thing. Then will they not believe?
This verse speaks of a fundamental truth in both Islamic teachings and modern biology—the fact that water is essential for all forms of life. In this article, we will explore how this Quranic revelation aligns with contemporary biological science, its impact on non-Muslim scientists, and examples of those whose journey to Islam was influenced by such Quranic wisdom.
The Quran’s Revelation on Water and Life
The verse from Surah Al-Anbiya declares that water is the basis for every living creature. The Quran, which was revealed more than 1,400 years ago, mentions the central role of water in sustaining life. In an era when scientific knowledge was rudimentary, this statement was profoundly ahead of its time. For Muslims, this verse serves as a reminder of Allah’s perfect creation and divine knowledge of the universe, a knowledge far beyond what was known or conceivable by humans at the time of revelation.
Biological Perspective: Water as the Foundation of Life
Modern biological science has confirmed that water is not just important, but essential for life as we know it. The human body is made up of about 60% water, and many animals and plants also consist mostly of water. Water is vital for processes such as:
1. Cellular Functions: Water facilitates chemical reactions, allowing enzymes to function and ensuring that nutrients, oxygen, and waste products move in and out of cells.
2. Regulation of Body Temperature: In humans and animals, water helps regulate body temperature through processes like sweating and evaporation.
3. Photosynthesis in Plants: In plants, water plays a key role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their own food.
All living organisms require water to survive, and without it, life on Earth could not exist. Scientists have even found that one of the primary indicators of potential life on other planets is the presence of water, whether in liquid, ice, or vapor form. Thus, the Quranic statement, “We made from water every living thing,” reflects a truth that has only been confirmed by modern science.
The Verse’s Impact on Non-Muslims and the Scientific Community
This verse has left a significant impression on both Muslim and non-Muslim scientists, as well as scholars who study the intersections of religion and science. Many non-Muslims have remarked on the astonishing alignment between ancient Quranic verses and modern scientific discoveries.
One prominent example is Dr. Jeffrey Lang, an American professor of mathematics who converted to Islam after reflecting on the profound insights of the Quran. While not a biologist, Dr. Lang was deeply influenced by the Quran’s scientific depth, including its reference to natural phenomena. His conversion journey began with questions about life’s purpose and the Quran’s logical structure, which he found harmonious with modern scientific thought.
Similarly, Dr. Keith Moore, an eminent embryologist, also recognized the scientific accuracy in the Quran’s descriptions of biological development. His encounters with the Quran’s insights further highlighted how the text’s references to natural phenomena, including the role of water in life, are consistent with modern biological science.
Quranic Perspective
In the Quran, water is portrayed not just as a substance but as a miraculous creation of Allah. The use of water to create all living beings reflects Allah’s ability to create life in a balanced and interconnected ecosystem. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes water’s role in creation, sustenance, and growth, reminding believers of Allah’s mercy and power.
The verse encourages contemplation and reflection. It asks, “Then will they not believe?” implying that the signs in the natural world, such as water’s essential role in life, should lead humans to acknowledge the Creator’s greatness.
Scientific Perspective
From a scientific standpoint, water’s unique properties make it indispensable for life:
1. Solvent Properties: Water’s polarity allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, which facilitates chemical reactions within living organisms.
2. Thermal Stability: Water has a high specific heat, meaning it can absorb significant amounts of heat without changing temperature drastically. This stability is crucial for maintaining the temperatures necessary for life.
3. Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules exhibit cohesion (they stick to each other) and adhesion (they stick to other surfaces), allowing processes such as water transport in plants and capillary action in cells.
These properties highlight why water is not just a component of life but the foundation of life’s existence.
Conclusion:
The verse from Surah Al-Anbiya serves as a powerful example of the Quran’s scientific foresight. While the Quran was not revealed as a science textbook, its insights into natural phenomena, such as the necessity of water for life, reflect an understanding of the universe that has only been confirmed by modern biology.