The Quran, revealed more than 1,400 years ago, presents a unique perspective on various natural phenomena, encouraging reflection and contemplation. Among its verses are references that touch upon subjects which have become significant in modern scientific disciplines, particularly geology. One such verse is from Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:17-20):
“Then do they not look at the camels—how they are created? And at the sky—how it is raised? And at the mountains—how they are set up? And at the earth—how it is spread out?”
This verse encourages reflection on the natural world, drawing attention to the creation of camels, the raising of the sky, the establishment of mountains, and the spreading of the earth. In this article, we will focus on the geological aspects of the verse, specifically the reference to mountains and the earth, and examine how modern science aligns with the Quranic descriptions.
Quranic Perspective: The Mountains and the Spread of the Earth
In the verse, the mountains are described as being “set up” or “firmly fixed,” while the earth is described as being spread out. Both these metaphors indicate stability, balance, and functionality in the natural world. The reference to mountains being “set up” suggests that they play an essential role in maintaining the structure and balance of the earth.
The mention of the earth being “spread out” has been interpreted by many Islamic scholars to refer to the vastness of the earth and the way its surface has been made habitable for humans. The Quran often encourages its readers to reflect on the earth’s design and its suitability for human life, which includes its stable land masses, the availability of resources, and the beauty of its landscapes.
Modern Scientific Insights: Mountains as Stabilizers and the Earth’s Formation
Modern geology provides a deeper understanding of how mountains are formed and the role they play in maintaining the stability of the earth. Mountains are primarily formed through tectonic activity, where the earth’s plates either collide, causing uplift, or where volcanic activity pushes magma upwards, creating large formations. These processes are not random but are part of a dynamic system that ensures the planet’s surface remains stable and balanced.
The Quranic description of mountains as being “set up” aligns closely with the modern understanding of tectonic activity. Mountains act as stabilizers for the earth’s crust, as they provide equilibrium to the moving tectonic plates beneath the surface. This is evident in the theory of isostasy, which describes how the earth’s crust achieves balance through the “roots” of mountains. These roots extend deep into the earth’s mantle, preventing excessive movement of the tectonic plates and reducing the severity of earthquakes in many regions.
The reference to the earth being “spread out” also has a significant correlation with modern geological concepts. While some might interpret this phrase as suggesting a flat earth, it is more commonly understood as describing the expansive and spread-out nature of the earth’s surface, particularly its landmasses. This aligns with how geologists describe the earth’s crust, which is spread across tectonic plates, floating over the more fluid layers of the earth beneath. This process, known as plate tectonics, explains how continents have shifted and spread out over millions of years, forming the geography we see today.
Quran and Science: A Harmonious Relationship
Although the Quran is not a scientific textbook, it contains verses that encourage contemplation of natural phenomena in a way that resonates with modern scientific findings. The description of mountains as stabilizers and the earth as spread out are consistent with the geophysical processes that scientists have only recently begun to understand in depth.
From a Quranic perspective, the earth is a creation of God, designed with precision to sustain life. The earth’s stability, made possible by the mountains and the vast spread of its surface, is seen as a sign of divine wisdom. The Quran encourages humans to reflect on the natural world, not just to appreciate its beauty, but to recognize the delicate balance that makes life possible.
Modern science, through fields like geology, provides empirical explanations for how mountains and the earth’s surface function. The discovery of tectonic plates and the role of mountains in stabilizing these plates offer a scientific lens through which we can appreciate the Quran’s references. Rather than being contradictory, science and the Quran offer complementary perspectives that enhance our understanding of the natural world.
Impact on Non-Muslims
The Quran’s alignment with modern scientific discoveries has inspired many non-Muslims to explore its message and origins. One notable example is Gary Miller, a Canadian mathematician and former Christian missionary, who initially set out to critique the Quran using his academic background. While studying its verses, he was particularly intrigued by how the Quran encourages reflection on natural phenomena, including the formation of mountains and the balance of the earth, as highlighted in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:17-20).
Gary Miller was struck by the Quran’s emphasis on knowledge, observation, and the natural world, which resonated deeply with his scientific mindset. He found that the Quran’s descriptions of nature were not only profound but also remarkably consistent with modern scientific understanding. This intellectual engagement led him to conclude that the Quran could not have been authored by a human being over 1,400 years ago. His study ultimately resulted in his conversion to Islam, and he has since dedicated his efforts to sharing his insights and bridging the gap between science and faith.
Such stories highlight how the Quran’s approach to natural phenomena can serve as a transformative journey for individuals seeking intellectual and spiritual truth. The intersection of science and divine revelation often acts as a catalyst for reflection, inspiring both curiosity and faith in the hearts of its readers.
Conclusion
Modern geology has provided insights that align with the Quranic description of mountains as stabilizers and the earth as spread out.
For non-Muslims, this verse and others like it serve as a bridge between faith and science, challenging them to reconsider the Quran’s origins. Figures like Dr. Maurice Bucaille exemplify how scientific reflection can lead to spiritual transformation, as the Quran continues to inspire individuals across cultures and disciplines.
As modern science advances, it is likely that further parallels between the Quran and natural phenomena will emerge, reaffirming the timeless relevance of the Quran’s message and its call to reflection on the wonders of creation.