Appendix B: The Correlation Between Quranic Verses and Scientific Observations

Appendix B: The Correlation Between Quranic Verses and Scientific Observations

The Qur’ān, as the revealed Word of God, speaks of Eternal Realities that transcend the physical world and the limitations of language. It operates within the dimension of Quality, offering meaning and purpose, not only physicality. In contrast, science is concerned with the Quantity, providing precise measurements and empirical facts within the ever-changing material domain.

Embryology

Qur’ānic Verse:

"Then We developed the drop into a clinging clot, then developed the clot into a lump (of flesh), then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So Blessed is Allāh, the Best of Creators."282

The stages of embryonic development described in the Qur’ān correlate remarkably well with modern embryology. Though there is not an exact equivalence between Qur’ānic

stages and modern scientific classifications—given the latter’s subjectivity and evolving nature—this variation is expected. The Qur’ān speaks in qualitative, universal language, and ties each phenomenon with the purpose of revelation which is to guide man’s soul and introduce him to his Creator. Science, on the other hand, offers quantitative detail, often subject to revision and without implication on man’s soul or ultimate destination.

The vivid metaphors such as the embryo described as a “chewed-like lump” require deeper reflection beyond pure quantity. Likewise, the reference to the embryo being enveloped in “three veils of darkness” in another verse²⁸³ speaks to a reality that far transcends scientific reductionism.

“Indeed, We created humans from a drop of mixed fluids.” 284

“Was he not a drop of ejaculated semen?”²⁸⁵

In the Hadīth, the Prophet ﷺ says:

“At 42 nights after conception, Allāh sends an angel to shape the embryo, give it hearing,

vision, muscles, and bones, and then determine its gender.” 286

Modern science affirms that sex is determined at conception (chromosomal), but physical differentiation becomes observable between 6 to 8 weeks (42–56 days)— remarkably consistent with the Hadīth.

Cosmology

In the Qur’ānic verse:

"Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, then We split them apart…"287

This aligns with traditional cosmology (materia prima acted upon by Divine archetypes) and with the Big Bang theory, which posits the expansion of a primordial singularity.

“Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and the earth, ‘Submit willingly or unwillingly.’ They both said, ‘We submit willingly.’” 288

This may refer to the primordial gaseous state of the universe. In both traditional and modern interpretations, the cosmos began as an undifferentiated substance subjected to Divine command or physical forces. The Qur’ānic reference to six ‘days’ of creation (Qur’ān 7:54) aligns more accurately with six epochs or phases, long understood in classical exegesis as durations rather than 24-hour days, determined by celestial bodies that were yet to be created.

Separation of Seas

In the Qur’ānic verses:

"He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together. Between them is a barrier they do not transgress."289

“And it is He Who merges the two bodies of water, one fresh and palatable, the other salty and bitter.”²⁹⁰

These verses describe the boundaries between different types of water. Scientifically, this is observed in estuaries and oceans where water masses of varying salinity, temperature, and density meet but do not immediately mix, forming haloclines and thermoclines.

Skin and Pain Reception

God tell man in the Qur’ān:

“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our signs, We will roast them in a Fire. Every time their skins are burnt completely, We will replace them so they may taste the punishment.” 291

Modern science confirms that pain is felt through nerve endings in the skin. Once these are destroyed, sensation ceases. The Qur’ān references this exact mechanism in the context of divine justice, centuries before such knowledge was discovered and even as prevailing ideas went contrary to this reality.

The Lowest Place on Earth

In the Qur’ānic verse:

“The Romans have been defeated, in the lowest land.”²⁹²

This refers to the area around the Dead Sea, the earth’s lowest terrestrial point (around 420 metres below sea level). Historically, this is where the Romans suffered defeat by the Persians. Some sources suggest lower oceanic points exist (e.g.

Antarctic trenches), but in terms of inhabited land, the Dead Sea remains the lowest.

Mountains as Pegs or Stabilisers

In the Qur’ānic verse:

“We placed firm mountains upon the earth so it does not shake with them…” 293

“He created the heavens without pillars you see, and placed firm mountains…” 294

Traditionally interpreted as stabilisers, mountains are now known to have deep subterranean roots that balance the earth’s crust. Some geologists debate their stabilising function, but their ‘peg-like’ nature aligns with the Qur’ānic term.

Extraterrestrial Origin of Iron

In the Qur’ānic verse:

“And We sent down iron, in which is great strength and benefit for humanity.” 295

Scientific research indicates that iron is formed in supernovae and meteoritic bodies. This means that it was not

formed on earth, but rather, it was delivered to earth from space. The phrase ‘sent down’ can thus be interpreted both literally and metaphorically.

Rifts in the Skies

In the Qur’ānic verse:

“Even if We opened for them a gate to heaven and they continued to ascend…” 296

“When the sky is split open, becoming gateways…”²⁹⁷

These verses speak of phenomena beyond current empirical observation. While black holes and wormholes are speculative models, the imagery points to a deeper metaphysical reality rather than physical phenomenon alone.

Darkness in the Depths of the Sea

In the Qur’ānic verse:

“Like the darkness in a vast deep sea, covered by waves upon waves, topped by

dark clouds, layers of darkness, one above another…”²⁹⁸

This aligns with modern understanding of the oceanic abyss where sunlight cannot penetrate, producing total darkness. The structure of layered darkness is scientifically accurate and profound, particularly as the naked eye perceives, in so far as it can see, that light would penetrate a medium such as water. To experience the darkness of the ocean would not only require an Arab Bedouin to brave the ocean, which is unlikely enough, but for him to dive to impossible depths.