The Qur’an, revered as the final revelation in Islam, often presents profound insights that resonate with various fields of human knowledge, including science and mathematics. One such verse that captivates both believers and scholars is from Surah Al-An’am (6:59):
"And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record."
This verse emphasizes the limitless knowledge of God, pointing to His awareness of everything, from the fall of a single leaf to the hidden secrets in the depths of the earth. When viewed through the lens of modern science, particularly mathematics and information theory, the verse reflects a profound relationship between divine knowledge and the structure of reality, much of which is expressed in numbers, probabilities, and records.
Divine Knowledge and Mathematics
Mathematics is often described as the language of the universe. It is through mathematical laws that we understand the forces governing the physical world, from the motion of planets to the behavior of particles at the quantum level. The Qur’an’s assertion that everything, down to the falling of a leaf, is known and recorded by God implies a form of divine computation or a complete and infinite knowledge of the universe’s variables.
1. Probabilities and Infinite Knowledge
Modern science uses probability to predict events in nature, such as when a leaf will fall or the likelihood of finding a particle in a certain location. However, these calculations are always limited by the data we can collect and the computational models we can construct. In contrast, the Qur’an states that God knows these occurrences with absolute certainty. This difference highlights the limitations of human knowledge versus the infinite precision of divine knowledge.
The phrase “not a leaf falls but that He knows it” can be seen as a reflection of an infinite data set or system where every variable is accounted for. In mathematics, especially in fields like chaos theory, even a small change in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes (the butterfly effect). Yet, God’s knowledge transcends these complexities, as He holds complete and precise control over every variable in the universe.
2. Information Theory and the Clear Record
The verse also mentions that all things are “written in a clear record.” This idea of a comprehensive record aligns with the concept of data storage and information theory in modern mathematics and computer science. Information theory, pioneered by Claude Shannon in the 20th century, deals with the quantification, storage, and communication of data. It suggests that every piece of information in the universe, from the smallest grain to the largest cosmic body, can be represented in a structured format.
In the Qur’anic context, the “clear record” can be interpreted as a divine database, a metaphor for God’s all-encompassing knowledge where every event, every detail, is perfectly recorded. The verse’s suggestion that God’s knowledge extends to the minutest details, such as the fall of a leaf or the existence of grains in the darkness of the earth, mirrors the modern mathematical concept of total information storage.
Impact on Non-Muslims
The Qur’an’s profound insights, such as those in Surah Al-An’am (6:59), have sparked the curiosity of many non-Muslim scholars, leading them to delve deeper into its verses. One notable example is Dr. Jeffrey Lang, an American mathematician and professor. Initially an atheist, Dr. Lang began studying the Qur’an out of intellectual curiosity, aiming to challenge its claims. However, he was struck by the depth and clarity with which the Qur’an addressed questions of existence, knowledge, and the natural world.
Dr. Lang was particularly fascinated by how the Qur’an emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, including the unseen, and its alignment with scientific principles he understood through mathematics. This intellectual journey led him to embrace Islam, as he found the Qur’an’s explanations to resonate deeply with logic, science, and his personal quest for truth. Dr. Lang’s conversion highlights how the Qur’an’s scientific and philosophical depth continues to inspire those seeking knowledge, bridging the gap between faith and reason.
Scientific and Qur’anic Perspectives: Mathematics in Divine Knowledge
From a mathematical perspective, Surah Al-An’am (6:59) introduces several profound ideas that align with modern scientific understanding. Here are a few:
1.Divine Knowledge as a Mathematical Model
In modern physics, we use mathematical models to describe natural phenomena. For instance, the motion of planets is governed by Newton’s laws, and the behavior of electrons is described by quantum mechanics. These models rely on precise equations that can predict behavior with remarkable accuracy. However, human models are limited by our ability to collect data and create equations that reflect the complexities of the universe.
God’s knowledge, as described in the verse, surpasses even the most sophisticated human models. While humans can predict certain events with probability, God’s knowledge is absolute and infinite, extending to all aspects of the natural world.
2.The Concept of a Clear Record in Information Science
The “clear record” mentioned in the verse is reminiscent of the concept of a “universal database” or a divine hard drive where all actions, events, and particles are meticulously recorded. Information theory suggests that all information can be quantified and, theoretically, recorded. In quantum physics, the idea that every particle’s state can be measured, stored, and observed ties in with the Qur’an’s idea of a clear record.
While humans are just beginning to understand how to store and process vast amounts of information, the Qur’an presents the concept of divine knowledge where nothing is forgotten or overlooked, demonstrating a type of ultimate information storage.
Conclusion
Surah Al-An’am (6:59) offers a fascinating glimpse into the divine knowledge that governs the universe. Through a modern scientific lens, particularly from the perspective of mathematics and information theory, this verse reflects ideas about the structure of reality, probability, and information storage. The Qur’an suggests that while human knowledge is limited and probabilistic, God’s knowledge is absolute and encompasses everything in existence, from the fall of a leaf to the depths of the earth.
For many non-Muslim scholars, the Qur’an’s alignment with scientific and mathematical principles has served as a source of curiosity and inspiration. Some, like Dr. Maurice Bucaille, have even embraced Islam after studying these profound correlations. The Qur’an continues to invite exploration and reflection on the natural world, emphasizing that its wisdom transcends both time and human knowledge, offering timeless insights that resonate with the principles of modern science and mathematics.