The INTEGRATED STUDY OF SCIENCE AND THE QURAN

Rashid Khan Ph.D.

rashikn@aol.com

INTRODUCTION:
Islamic scholars and scientists worldwide have done a lot of work not only on the subject
related to Science and the Quran but also on various branches of science in general.
Lots of material, in the form of books and articles, exist on the subjects and on the
scientific inventions made by the Muslim scientists; and other areas of scientific
knowledge. It is a historical fact that Greek science got to Europe through Arabic
translation of the Greek work. For instance, after Ptolemy -- a Greek philosopher and
astronomer -- the Greek Science had declined. But its revival had begun in the ninth
century A.D. in Iraq and Syria under the Abbasid period. After that, Arabic became the
new language of science and philosophy. Greek books, related to science and philosophy,
were translated into Arabic; and then from Arabic these translations were translated into
European languages. The proof of this lies in a bibliography of manuscripts and books,
prepared by Turkish born science historian Dr. Fuat Sezgin, and housed in an ArabicIslamic science museum in a villa at Frankfurt. The museum also displays 800 exhibits
related to scientific, engineering and medical instruments. The names of famous writers
of physics and mathematics books like al-Khwarizmi, ibn Yunus, al-Biruni and alHaitham are well known among the orientalists in Europe. Dar al Hikmah was
established by Al Hakim of Egypt a famous astronomer who built an observatory and
who would often go there before dawn to observe heavenly bodies; and thereafter various
observatories were erected at various places in the region.
At present, in institutions of higher learning, all over the world, you will find Muslim
scholars, scientists engaged in research, teaching and publishing their work in
international journals of repute; but the number is not proportional to the Muslim
population all over the world. Undeniably, Muslim engineers, worldwide, are making the
best use of their profession in various branches of engineering and providing the quality
service to their customers and to the companies they work for.
The work in this paper, however, is different in nature. The main purpose of this article
is to present the outcome of integrated study of the Quran and science, in the light of
developments made in science and technology after the revelation of the Quran, when
science had not yet developed, and to show that the leads found in the Quran invite men
of knowledge, insight and understanding to ponder upon the mysteries behind the natural
phenomena of the universe -- the Quran calls them as signs of God( signs also have other
meanings) -- and make use of the knowledge thus gained, along with the natural bounties
created by God, for the benefit of mankind. Also to show the truthfulness of the Quran
as a word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) -- Allah revealed
the Quran in truth (II: 176, XXXV: 31). Some truths are apparent in the verses and some
1

Rashid Khan

require reflection which is encouraged by Allah (XXXVIII: 29) -- as you go through this
article you will find many verses conveying these meanings; and also, when these verses
are interpreted in the light of scientific discoveries made in the universe which were
unknown at the time Quran was revealed. But, in any case, the output should not be
concealed but be discussed with Islamic scholars; and be brought to the notice of the
people irrespective of their faith; otherwise Allah will curse us(II:159) the message is to
promote the truth which cannot be concealed.
It is hoped that the subject matter will be found pedagogical and insightful by the
readers to see that the Quran does encourage people of knowledge, understanding and
insight to look around with curiosity at natural phenomena and natural objects around us
and glorify God as a matter of fact whatever is in the universe glorify Him (XVII: 44,
LIX:1, LXII:1). Not only that, but Allah also asks to contemplate over the nature of His
signs (III: 190-191, and many other verses with similar meanings) to understand the
mysteries behind them -- the outcome of these efforts is science. This article, therefore,
has two-fold objectives. First, to show that the scientific methodology used by the
modern scientists to unravel the mysteries behind the natural phenomena, which the
Quran calls as Signs of God, is given in the Quran. Second, the Quran is not
antagonistic towards modern science and technology, but rather encourages people of
understanding, knowledge and insight to observe Gods signs in the universe, reflect on
them, and understand the nature of mysteries behind them (III: 190-191, VI: 97, VI: 105)
-- though their real nature is only known to God (XXXII: 6, and many other verses with
the similar meanings). Thirdly, to show that science leads to the truthfulness of the
Quran and Glorification of Allah, as the unseen objects, from subatomic scale all the
way to the universal scale, are being discovered. And thus the secrets (Ghaib) of the
heavens and Earth whose knowledge was imparted to Adam by Allah (II: 30-33), are
being brought to light by the descendants of Adam. The word Ghaib used in this verse is
referring to the hidden parts of the universe. There are, however, other meanings to Ghaib
mentioned in the Quran of which God is the Only One Who has the knowledge of; and
an apostle (LXXII: 26-27). More about Ghaib will be talked about later. In another verse,
the Quran says: Behold! In the creation of the heavens and earth, and in the alternation
of the day and night, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding (III: 190 and many
other verses conveying the similar meanings about other natural phenomena in the
universe). At another place in the Quran, God says to the believers, it is their duty that
they should seek the means to approach Him and strive with might and main in His cause
so that you may prosper (V: 35, XXIX: 69). Prosperity can be of both spiritual and
material in nature, but it cannot be achieved unless a believer strives to achieve the goal
by following what God says to do. The former is a blessing or spiritual bliss which is
attained by the firm belief in the existence of The Almighty the Wise(LXI: 1) and
following His commands; and declaring His glorification and His gratitude for His favors
and bounties(III:8, XXXVIII:35, XCVI:3). The Quran says, those who believe, and
whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of God: for without doubt in the
remembrance of God do hearts find satisfaction (XIII: 28) which is a spiritual bliss. The
next paragraph will shed some light on material blessings.
Bounties can be of various kinds. For instance, those provided naturally (XXXVIII:35,

Rashid Khan

XCVI:3) -- like rain, Sun, sea, proper kind of atmosphere which is source of oxygen we
breath in to stay alive and shields us from harmful rays like X-rays, ultraviolet rays from
the Sun, and protects us from micrometeorites. The other kinds of bounties are those
which are attained through mans efforts; like vegetables, fruits of various kinds and
various kinds of minerals from which metals are extracted for the use in industry. And the
others which are obtained through the use of natural resources coupled with mans efforts
and use of scientific discoveries and natural laws modern days technologies. By
commands is meant all that the Quran says to the believers to do or not to do. But there
are certain verses mentioned in this article at various places, which are addressed to
human beings in general irrespective of their belief. Material blessing can lead to spiritual
joy as well, if a believer believes that the material blessings are also Gods favors (LV:
24, and other verses in the same chapter), though many of them are the outcome of mans
efforts and use of his abilities endowed by God, and could not have been possible without
the Hand of God behind them (XCVI:3-5,7) -- though a man in general would not believe
it. In modern times, one can see so many bounties(XVI:80-81, XVI:10-16, XVII:66,
XXXI:20, XXXVIII:35, XLV:13, III:8, and many other verses with similar meanings) -on Earth and under the Earth, and on the sea and under the sea, and in the atmosphere
Allah says all bounties are in His Hands: He grants them to whom He pleases(III:73). But
keeping in mind that according to Islamic belief the real life is the life of the hereafter -man should not get indulged too much in the material part (XIV: 3). The hereafter is what
the present world is the place for preparation. From these verses it follows, whatever
exists on Earth, in heavens, and in between is for a man to benefit from -- for which he
will have to strive and make effort, but keeping in mind that that correct and useful
knowledge will be obtained by the grace of Almighty and Glorious God(XCVI:4-5). The
proof of which follows from verses (II: 30-33) where Adam was asked to inform angels
about the knowledge that he was imparted by God. As a result thereof, the angels bowed
down and admitted the limitation of knowledge imparted to them by God. This would
imply that Gracious and Merciful God can impart knowledge and understanding to
Adams descendants as well (II: 269, XCVI: 4-5, provided they strive for it (V: 35,
XXIX: 69). These verses of the Quran, and many others of similar meanings, are
addressed to man in general (irrespective of their faith), and should be taken as a message
to Gods vicegerent on Earth that whatever is in the universe(XLV:12), is at his disposal.
He should try to search for it, and use the knowledge and understanding thus gained, for
his and for his fellowmens betterment.
As a matter of fact, what led me to study in detail some of the verses of the Quran, and
interpret them within the confinement of scientific data-base acquired through my study,
and write this article, are the lines in the book THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
RELIGIOUS THOUGHT IN ISLAM written by Dr. Allama Iqbal. I do not know how
many of us would agree with him, when he writes in the book that the main purpose of
the Quran is to awaken in man the higher consciousness of his manifold relations with
God and the Universe. Through prayer and worship, and following His commands along
with the obedience of His apostle (peace be upon him), believers develop their relations
with God. In addition, believers can also develop their relationship with God by knowing
and understanding the signs of God in the universe, and then glorifying Him; and also
studying of the Quran and understanding the meanings behind it makes the believer

Rashid Khan

conscious of God( VII:171). As the Quran says: He is God, the Creator, Evolver, and
Bestower of forms or colors. Whatever is in Heaven and earth doth declare His praise
and glory. (VII: 44, LIX: 24, LXI: 1). At another place the Quran says, O ye who
believe! Do your duty to God, seek the means to approach unto Him, and strive with
might and main in His cause so that you may prosper (V: 35). From the Quranic view
point, God is beyond comprehension; He has a grasp over all things in the universe, but
no vision can grasp Him and there is none comparable to Him (II: 255, VI: 103, XXXVI:
11, CXII: 4). He can, however, be approached through the Glory of His signs in the
Universe (XVII: 44) and understanding the mysteries behind them. This paper will be
giving emphasis on this aspect of the relationship of the Quran and its description about
the signs of nature. That is the message, I think, Dr. Iqbal wanted to convey. And Dr.
Iqbal further quotes a dialogue between Goethe and Eckerman regarding the Quranic
teachings, while was Goethe making a general review of Islam as an educational force:
you see this teaching never fails; with all our systems, we cannot go, and generally
speaking no man can go, farther than that.

Gods Message To Reflect On His Signs:

It is the belief of a Muslim that God revealed His messages, through His selected
prophets (IV: 163, 170), for the betterment of mankind, and the Quranic message was
revealed through His last prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), for the guidance of
mankind (XIV: 52) in all fields of life, and for all times to come it is a light (IV: 174,
VI: 91). Muslims believe in the existence of God through the faith of Islam, but God also
affirms the truth of His existence through what we perceive around us (VI: 95-99, and
other verses as well) on the Earth, the sky and in between, using our sense faculties which
are the primary windows endowed by God (XXXII: 9, XXIII: 78), to gain knowledge of
the outside world. These faculties are the necessary prerequisites for knowing nature and
the understanding of which, subsequently, leads to scientific knowledge; and the
application thereof to technological developments. The signs of God( natural phenomena
and natural objects) also make believers conscious of God, and lead them to glorify
Him(III:41, XIV:7, XVII:44, XXXIV:6, LVII:1, LIX:24, LVII:1).
This whole panorama, including natural objects and natural phenomena, are some of His
Ayats -- the Signs of God(II:64, III:190-191, VI 95-100 and many other verses of similar
meanings are given at various places in the Quran). Some of these signs are particularly
specified for men of understanding to reflect upon and to understand their nature
irrespective of their faith. Signs also mean the verses of the Quran. But this article will
be dealing, specifically, with the meanings of signs related to nature -- natural
phenomena and the natural objects. One thing common in their meanings is that they
stand for indicators directing mans attention towards the mysteries behind them. It is this
mystery, which, according to the Quran, affirms the existence of God for those who have
doubt in His existence (VII: 54), and also raises a question for those who are curious to
know and understand them (III: 190-191): as, how did God cause those signs to come
into being? The former would come under the domain of faith, and the latter under the
domain of science. One of the note-worthy features of the Quran is that it links faith to
science. And then science leads to the Ultimate Reality-- Exalted in Might and worthy of
all praises (XXXIV: 6) -- and to His glorification, and that Reality is Eternal. Some of

Rashid Khan

these signs can be seen by the naked eye, but some are unseen and require aiding devices
(telescopes, microscopes, space probes and some other means).

AL-GHAIB (UNSEEN):
The Quranic word Al-Ghaib with English equivalent as unseen or hidden, when
interpreted within the context of Quranic verses(II:3, IV:126, VI:59, LXXII:26,
XXXII:6, XXXIV:3, LXII:8, XIII:9) and the scientific discoveries made after the
revelation of the Quran -- when science had not yet developed -- turn out to have broad
meanings, It is, therefore, necessary that before going any further, its meanings be
elaborated within the context of the above verses. The study of these verses shows that Al
- Ghaib can have two interpretations: those Unseen which are only known to God, and
He will not impart the knowledge thereof to anybody except to an apostle(LXXII:26-27)
-- the examples are Allah Himself(XXXVI:11, LXVII:12), Life After Death, Soul(
Rooh), Paradise, Hell, Angles, The Day of Judgment Allah(SWT) also knows what is
in the heart of man and what is discussed privately(IX:78); and the events happened in
the past (XXII:3) about which the prophet (peace be upon him) was not aware of but
were revealed to him; and the forces via which Allah helped the prophet(peace be upon
him) in the battle field( (IX:26). The other meanings are, as mentioned earlier, the
mysteries and their knowledge about the natural phenomena and the natural objects
which the Quran calls as the signs of God. The former, therefore, can be called Absolute
Al-Ghaib which is beyond mans comprehension but will have to be believed in through
faith; and the latter type as the physical part of Al-Ghaib (hidden parts of the universe).
The knowledge and understanding of the physical part of the universe can, however, be
imparted to man by God as God did to Adam( II:30-33) -- the knowledge of the secrets
of the heavens and earth -- but that knowledge was beyond the understanding of Angeles(
II:32), and it could be interpreted that God created man for that purpose.
The meanings of Ghaib, can, therefore, be interpreted according to the data base in
believers mind -- the knowledge and understanding of nature both hidden and open.
Allah asks to reflect on the verses of His Book so that men of understanding may learn
from it (XXXVIII: 29 and other verses). God knows the best who are the men of
understanding, because they are the ones who pick up the best meaning out of various
alternatives, and they are the ones who are guided by God(XXXIX:18). No interpreter
can, therefore, claim that his is the best interpretation. He is, however, allowed to do
interpretation if he feels competent, because Ijtihad is allowed in Islam. The Quraan
says, we show them the path who exert and strive in His cause (XXIX: 69) -- what He
says to do. Since the meaning of the exertion are not specified, so it would imply both
physical as well as mental exertion; which could also be interpreted as Ijtihad in any
human endeavor which requires physical and mental exertion; though the origin of the
word is in Islamic Law where it implies forming an independent opinion in legal matters
within the light of Quran and Sunnah. But Ijtihad can also be done to interpret the verses
of the Quran. The Quran encourages believers to reflect on its verses so that people of
understanding may learn lessons from them (XXXVIII: 29). Allah says that those who

Rashid Khan

conceal the truth behind the Signs will be cursed by Him, and also by the cursers (II:
159). It is therefore the duty of a believer that if he comes up with some interpretation of
verses of the Quran, he should discuss it with some scholars -- if the interpretation turns
out to be correct, it should be brought to the notice of the people. This article will be
dealing with physical unseen of the universe; which according to the interpretation given
above can be taken as a part of the Quanic word Al-Ghaib.
With the advent of aiding devices, like various kinds of telescopes, microscopes and
space-probes, the number of Gods signs has increased. Most of these signs were unseen
at the time the Quran was revealed. However, these signs at that time would come under
the physical part of Al-Ghaib, but were known to God (XXXII: 6, VI: 96, 101, and many
other verses conveying the similar meanings). There are other kinds of physical unseen
signs which can neither be accessed directly by sense faculties nor by aiding devices, but
rather by indirect means -- they leave their foot prints or impressions on some other
media, and thus their presence can be recognized -- the constituents of atoms, and other
elementary particles. They have never been detected by direct means; yet they are the
signs of God. There is a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): There is
knowledge like a form of hidden things, known to none save those who know God
(Mishkat ul-Anwar, Imam Ghazali, translated by W.H.T. Gairdner). According to my
interpretation, this implies that knowing hidden things, and knowing Him through the
Glory of His signs and understanding the mysteries behind them make a believer
conscious of God -- another way to approach Him( V:35); but keeping and following His
other commands. All the hidden signs, therefore, belonging to the physical part of the
universe, prior to their discoveries, could be called the physical part of Al-Ghaib -- one of
the note-worthy features of the Quran is that it is foretelling about the discoveries of
Gods signs( natural objects and natural phenomena) which were unseen when the Quran
was revealed. Whereas, as mentioned earlier, Life After Death, Angels, Soul(Rooh),
Paradise, Hell could be called absolute Al-Ghaib whose mysteries are only known to
God and to an apostle( LXXII:26-27), Allah Himself is Unseen( XXXVI:11, L:33,
LXVII:12),
but make a believer mindful of Him through observing the natural
phenomena in the universe this all leads to that, in addition to The Almighty and Alwise, there are certain Unseen which are beyond mans comprehension ( VI:103).
From the above it follows, that Gods signs in the universe can be divided as follows:
First, those which can be perceived directly by unaided sense faculties; second, by aiding
devices, and the third by indirect means. And more Allahs signs
are being brought to light through scientific and technological means as time goes by; and
thus confirming what the Quran foretells. A believer would stay short of His
glorification without knowing them (XIV: 7, XVII: 44, LIX: 24, LVII: 1) -- glorification
is a remembrance of God, but should not be taken as a substitute for prayers and other
modes of worship. God says in the Quran (XLI: 53): Soon we will show them our signs
in the (farthest) and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the
Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all these things? There are objects in
the universe which have been and more are being discovered in the deeper and deeper
space. More about this will be talked about latter in this article.

Rashid Khan

The Scientific Method and the Quran:

Anyone who reads the Quran, reflects on it and tries to understand the meanings behind
its verses (II: 164, XXXVIII: 29, and other verses with similar meanings), would realize
that there are so many verses in the Quran which draw mans attention to gain
information and knowledge from the signs of God in nature and to ponder upon them (III:
190-191, and many other verses). Not only that, but also try to understand their nature
and the wisdom associated with them. Man is the only creature on Earth who has been
blessed with this ability of reflection and pondering. The Quran, at so many places, gives
emphasis upon commands related to reflective observations; and these are the commands,
as mentioned earlier, which ultimately lead to the scientific method being used by
scientists to unravel and understand the mysteries behind the natural phenomena of the
universe; even including social and psychic phenomena. The Quran says, we do explain
our signs in detail to people who strive and try to understand (VI: 97-98, II: 269, XLV:
12). Understanding of His signs, therefore, is an outcome of pondering upon them by
using scientific method. God defines, as mentioned earlier, the men of understanding:
those who listen to the Word, and follow the best in it, those are the ones whom God has
guided, and are the ones endued with understanding (XXXIX: 18). Scientists try to find
the best, using the steps defined in the scientific method. Their criteria for testing and
verifying -- picking up the best -- is through experiments and observations. This method
of knowing and understanding the mysteries behind the natural phenomena was first
introduced by scientists in the sixteenth century.
The first step of this method is the observation of Gods signs (natural phenomena and
natural objects) through sense faculties endowed by God from which man gets
information and data, then starts thinking, pondering and analyzing processes leading to
hypothesis (educated guess -- Arabic equivalent is Qiayas), laws, models, theories and
their testing. Qiayas is also allowed in Islam; which is one of the bases of Fiqh.
Scientists do not believe their hypothesis, models and theories unless their results would
have been tested through experiments and observations; and also they should not violate
what has already been scientifically established to be true. It does not imply that theories
and models give the ultimate knowledge of the processes behind the natural phenomena.
Real nature of the mysteries and unseen, according to the Quran, is only known to God
(XXXII: 6, IV: 126), but He does detail His signs to people of understanding and
knowledge about the mysteries of the physical part of the universe (VI 97-98, II:31-33).
But as far as the knowledge of Absolute Al-Ghaib is concerned, He alone knows that
Unseen, nor does He make any one acquainted with the Mysteries related to that Unseen
except an apostle whom He has chosen (LXXII: 26-27), as mentioned earlier. Knowing
comes through sense faculties, reading He taught man through the pen( XCVI: 4-5),
listening; but understanding of His signs comes by engaging the mind and doing mental
exertion using scientific thought process. The Quran, obviously, incites the intellectual
quest (curiosity) of men of understanding, insight, and intellect by inviting them to reflect
upon His signs -- natural phenomena and natural objects in the universe (VI: 97, III: 190191, and other verses with a similar message).

Rashid Khan

As mentioned earlier, the number of Gods signs is on the increase, as new discoveries
are being made and their nature understood and explained. These signs, prior to their
discoveries were the physical parts of Al-Ghaib. So the signs and the unseen seem to be
opposite to each other, but as a matter of fact they are related to each other in the sense
that they are all parts of the physical universe which consists of seen and unseen parts.
Prior to their discoveries, they were parts of the unseen. So, the contents of the universe
are both seen and unseen types, distributed in space and time; about which, the Quran
says, that God has full knowledge of (III: 189, VI: 59). But the Quran does not bar man
from knowing and understanding the nature of signs, according to his intellect( III:190191, II:269), about the physical part of Al-Ghaib(V:97,VI:59).
The teachings of the Quran are, therefore, not antagonistic to modern science. They
rather encourage men of understanding, knowledge, insight and intellect to look around
and reflect upon the natural phenomena and strive to understand the mysteries behind
them. Not only that, but the Quran also emphasizes using the outcome of this process
for the benefits of mankind. As the Quran says: And He has subjected to you, as from
Him, all that is in the heavens and earth: behold, in that are the signs for those who reflect
in (XXXI: 20, XLV: 12-13). This is a message to man, that whatever is in the universe is
at his disposal, and he should try to use the knowledge and understanding obtained from
the signs of God in conjunction with what is in the universe, for his and his fellowmens
betterment. Mans efforts in this direction have resulted in the conveniences of life which
lead to the Glorification of God (LIX: 24), they in turn can lead to the happiness of hearts
(XIII: 28, XXXI: 12). Happiness of hearts can bring peace within oneself, with
immediate ones and the ones at large. God does not want man to be arrogant on his
achievement, but rather wants him to stay humble and grateful for the favors and bounties
(II: 29, XXXI: 18, XLV: 12-13) Allah has full knowledge of those who are grateful
(VI: 53 But unfortunately, there has been destructive use of this knowledge as well,
which was predicted by Angels (II: 30).
It is common belief in all three Abrahamic faiths that God is the Creator of Heaven and
Earth, and everything in between -- the whole universe. But He left the knowledge of all
that, such as how did He create the universe and how does He sustain it, up to the
descendants of Adam to ponder upon? Which, of course, comes under scientific domain.
Man, though, according to the Quran, will not know the real nature of things in the
universe; yet he will keep trying to understand it by using the scientific method.
Observing and knowing the nature of signs of God related to the physical parts of the
universe, and enjoying the material blessings resulting from the knowledge thus gained,
lead to the Glorification of God and His gratitude(XVII:44, LIX:24); which, in turn lead
to the believers spiritualization and internal happiness(XIII:28), and thus getting him
closer to God and making man conscious of Him -- in addition to following His other
commands; provided it is realized that there is a hidden Hand of God behind all that man
has achieved for the benefit of his fellowmen(XCVI:4-5). The Quran says, and
remembers! Your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): if you are grateful, I will add
more favors unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly my punishment is terrible
indeed (XIV: 7). The Quran also mentions the signs related to social life. One example,
out of many, is this that the Quran says, God created mates from amongst yourselves so
8

Rashid Khan

that you may live in tranquility and affection with them (XXX: 21). But this article will
be dealing with the signs of the physical universe, bringing to the notice of the believers
that material blessings man is enjoying are also His favors in addition to the natural ones
and other man made bounties obtained through the use of natural resources(LV:24,
II:164, XVI:80:81, XVI:10,16, XXXI:20, XCVI:3, and many other verses with similar
meanings). But, sadly, not all men in the world are enjoying these favors; though they are
the outcome of scientific discoveries made by the descendants of Adam using the
scientific method given in the Quran; and the application thereof.
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT, ETERNAL, SELF-SUSTAINING, OMNISCIENT, AND
OMNIPOTENT AND HE IS THE LIMIT:
God cannot be perceived directly. He is above all comprehension (VI: 103) but He has
the vision of all things, says the Quran. However, there is no place in the vastness of
space (in the whole universe) which is void of His presence (II: 115 and many other
verses with similar meanings). Even man is not void of His spirit (XXXII: 9). All human
beings, therefore, are united through His spirit. He is Omnipresent (II: 115, LVII: 3),
Omnipotent (XV: 44), Omniscient (VI: 96), and He is Eternal, Self-Sustaining and
Absolute (III: 2, CXII: 1-2). But His presence can be realized through the Glory of His
signs in the universe, both seen and those which are brought to light through the efforts of
man using scientific process and technological development. As time goes by, more and
more signs are being discovered and their nature explained modified and re-explained
using the scientific method. The more man gets to know about the signs of God and
understand the mysteries behind His signs, more the believer would know about God and
becoming conscious of Him, as mentioned earlier in reference to the saying of the
prophet There is knowledge of the form of hidden things known to none save those
who know God. As a matter of fact Allah created Adam so that He could impart to him
the knowledge of the secrets of the heavens and Earth (II: 30-33), and thus He could be
known.
Now, let us see what is meant by contention that Allah is the Limit? No matter what
sign or natural phenomenon scientists may pick up, and start analyzing and
understanding, step by step, they will end up being at the origin of the universe: The Big
Bang -- an event that occurred about 14 billion years ago and gave birth to the vastness of
space along with constituents of matter, energy and four basic forces of nature -- the
forces which are sustaining and keeping the whole universe in balance from subatomic
scale all the way to the universal scale, along with the laws governing them Quran says
that everything in the heaven and earth belong to Him, and is obedient to Him( XXX:26)
follow His commands. All of this taken together, form the whole universe and its
contents both living and non-living. Big Bang is a theory - which explains the origin,
evolution and structure of the universe. Theory is one of the steps of the scientific method
scientists use to understand nature by developing a model, but it is liable to be changed or
modified or completely replaced by a new theory. A theory cannot be accepted unless its
validity is proven experimentally and observationally; and it does not violate what has
already been established to be true experimental and observationally. What was the origin
and nature of the entity that exploded, and gave birth to the universe, and where did this

Rashid Khan

come from? More of this will be talked about under the topic: Ultimate Nature of
Things and the Ultimate Reality.
By studying the above paragraphs, it follows that the Quran talks about two kinds of
unseen: Absolute Unseen and the physical unseen, as mentioned earlier. The Absolute
Unseen would include Hell, Paradise, Soul, Angeles, Day of Judgment, Life After Death,
Allah Himself, and the unseen forces through which Allah helped the prophet in the
battle field (IX: 26, 40). The knowledge and the real nature of Absolute Unseen,
however, is only known to God. By physical unseen is meant those parts of the physical
universe which cannot be accessed by the naked eyes or unaided sensor faculties; or
scientific discoveries and events to come in the future. However, the physical unseen
(XXXII: 6, VI: 59, and other verses as well) can be accessed by following the path of
science, leading to unraveling the mysteries and laws operating behind Gods signs (VII:
54). Their real nature is also known to God. However, man is not barred from trying to
know them -- God can impart the knowledge to descendants of Adam as well (II:31-33,
XCVI:4-5); because He is the one who is Omniscient(IV:76,VI:59,96, XXXIII:34,
XLV:37, and other verses with similar meanings) and also He is Most Gracious and Most
Merciful( I:3, and many other verses).
The Quran very clearly mentions that it is not only the Book for spiritual and social
guidance, but also a Book of guidance for those who believe in the Unseen (II:3) -- This
would imply, according to my interpretation, both Absolute Unseen and the physical
unseen. The guidance would imply directing a man, by God, to the search of the unseen
contents(which were unknown when the Quran was revealed), and forces of the physical
universe and the laws governing them, as well as to the straight path leading to the social
and the spiritual lives, through the faith upon Absolute Unseen, and by following Gods
commands. From this it follows that God wants a believer to have faith on both kinds of
unseen, and then wants to guide him to their respective paths. But the guidance would be
of no use unless a believer strives along the respective paths following His commands.
The Quran says: those who listen to the word, and follow the best in it; are the ones
guided by God, and those are the ones endued with understanding (XXXIX: 18).
Scientists try to choose the best path using the scientific method regarding mysteries
related to natural phenomena.
CURIOSITY & EFFORT
It is human nature that the mysterious and the unknown create curiosity in man, and thus
motivates and drives him to look and search for answers. Most of the research in the
scientific areas was motivated by curiosity to know and understand the mysteries behind
the natural phenomena. But in the present day, the basic research is motivated, mostly, by
materialism and capitalism; which, no doubt, have brought a lot of blessings of material
nature, but, unfortunately, negative aspects as well (II: 30): But we have to use the
material wealth humbly and in moderation (LVII: 23), and also giving out to those who
are in need (II: 110, III: 134, and many other verses). In most instances, It is this very
curiosity which has led His vicegerent on Earth to discover the unseen parts of the
physical universe and the laws operating behind them(VII:54) which were ordained by

10

Rashid Khan

Allah; and is still looking for more after being motivated by the previous discoveries.
Though some of the discoveries were made by chance while the scientists were striving
to find something else; they should still get a credit because of their striving. God would
not have helped them unless they had struggled. The Quran says, we show them the path
who exert and strive in His cause (XXIX: 69) what He says to do: Since the meaning of
the term exertion is not specified, it would imply both physical as well as mental exertion
which can also be interpreted as Ijtihad in scientific matter; though the origin of the
word in Islamic Law implies to form an independent opinion in legal matter; and also the
interpretation of verses of the Quran.
It cannot be denied that there are so many natural objects and phenomena in the physical
universe which were unseen at the time the Quran was revealed; and also so many
discoveries in health, physical sciences and other natural sciences have been made after
the revelation of the Quran. But they would all come under the physical part of AlGhaib. Physical sciences would include physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy and
cosmology. The nature of some of the signs of the physical universe have already been
understood and interpreted by various kinds of scientific and technological means,
models and theories; and some are still being pondered upon. The proof of their being
understood lies in the modern day inventions which are the outcome of the application of
laws of nature discovered by man; and also coupled with mans efforts and the use of
natural resources. But the real nature of things will remain shrouded in mystery, because
it is only known to God, as mentioned above. But He can impart knowledge to man as He
did to Adam (II: 31). From this verse of Surah (Arabic equivalent of chapter) Al-Bakra
(II), it follows that whatever man learns and understands about the useful knowledge of
the natural phenomena of the universe -- from subatomic scale all the way to the
universal scale -- are the favors of God(II:164, LV:24, XXXI:20, XCVI:3-5, and many
other verses with similar meanings); He is the one who is OMNISCIENT(VI:96) and the
PROVIDER of all bounties -- He is Bountiful (XVI:10-16, 80-81, XXXI:20, XCVI:3 and
many others verses).
SIGNS(NATURAL PHENOMENA) REVEALED BY DIRECT AND INDIRECT
MEANS :
Generally speaking, as mentioned earlier, seen or visible means those objects and natural
phenomena which can be seen with our naked eyes. And those which cannot be sensed
are called unseen. Scientifically speaking, the visible world has a very broad meanings.
Looking all around us, we perceive natural objects like mountains, trees, vegetation, sea,
Sun, Moon, stars, planets, and biological species; and likewise many others which would
come under natural objects. Rising and setting of the Sun and stars, motion of the planets,
phases of the Moon, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, rainbow, biological phenomena, rain and
so many others -- they would all come under natural phenomena. These, taken together,
would come under the Signs of God(II:164, VI:95-102, XVI:10-16, XXXI:20, and many
other verses with similar meanings) which can be accessed directly by the unaided sense
faculties of man(XXXII:9, XXIII:78 ). These sense faculties of man are the basic means
to perceive and study the contents of the universe and gather information about them; but
perception is limited. However, because of the scientific inventions, most of these

11

Rashid Khan

limitations have been overcome, and the domain of the seen physical universe, as
mentioned earlier, is expanding with the help of various types of telescopes, space probes
and microscope. More and more physical unseen objects and phenomena are coming to
light. Means used to access the signs, both by unaided sense faculties and aiding devices
could be called direct means. But there are components of the physical universe which
cannot be accessed directly, although they can be reached by indirect means. What is
meant by indirect means? There are certain natural objects and phenomena whose
existence and nature cannot be inferred by direct means, but rather by their effects on
some other observable materials. For instance, electrons, protons, neutrons and so many
others which are the building blocks of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels can
neither be seen by eyes, nor by any aiding devices. However, when they travel in certain
kinds of material they with them and leave their foot prints in these media, or they create
some other detectable impression or effect; and then it is from their effects on other
media that they are identified: thus they have been brought to light by indirect means and
their existence is confirmed. Prior to their discovery they were parts of physical Ghaib.
Physicians cannot see what is in your lungs or in the bones unless they use X-rays, MRI,
CAT scan, ultra sound or other means to see what is going on in there. As a matter of
fact, health scientists and bio-scientists can throw more light on biological, physiological
and health related phenomena, which are accessed by indirect means.
Scientists have hypothesized, based upon their calculations, that there is a form of matter
in the universe, called the dark matter which cannot be seen by any direct means because
it does not emit any kind of light known to man nor light is reflected from it; however it
has a gravitating property -- it attracts ordinary matter and also gets attracted by ordinary
matter. So astronomers are trying to detect it by using some indirect means.
According to the Earth scientists, the central part of the Earth consists of two cores -solid metallic, surrounded by a liquid metallic core. Nobody, by any means, has ever
reached these cores. However, earth scientists have established their existence by
studying the changes in the characteristics of earthquake waves detected on the Earths
surface when earthquake occurs. They have found that waves detected on the opposite
side of the epicenter have characteristics which should have been different if the earths
interior were completely rocky. Black holes -- if they exist -- cannot be detected by direct
means. Because, they have the property that neither light nor matter can escape a black
hole. If any matter or radiation touches a black hole, it is swallowed up by the black hole.
So there is no way that black holes can be detected by direct means. However, they
maintain their gravitational effect and some others characteristics and, therefore, they can
be detected by studying these characteristics through indirect means. These are the few
examples, out of so many, of indirect physical means which help scientists to conclude
about the presence of physical objects and physical phenomena which otherwise could
not be detected. Thus the indirect means are other ways to bring to light the unseen parts
of the universe -- from physical Al-Ghaib to the seen part.
What has been said in the above paragraphs, would clarify what is meant by accessible
and inaccessible parts of the physical universe; and by direct and indirect means to
ascertain the nature of hidden parts of the universe? As these hidden parts of the physical

12

Rashid Khan

universe are coming to light, believers belief on the unseen parts of the physical
universe, as mentioned in the Quran, should gain strength, because prior to their
discovery, they were parts of physical Al-Ghaib; and thus proving the truth of the Quran
(LXIX: 51) as revealed to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As the Quran says
at so many places that whatever is in the Heaven, on Earth and in between -- in the
universe -- belongs to Him (XX:6, and many other verses with similar meanings), and
glorify Him(XVII:44, LXI:1, LIX:24); and Glorification in turn leads to happiness of
hearts(XIII:28) and the love of God.
Believers should not just have belief on the unseen, but should rather get curious and
motivated by it, and try to find means to access those unseen phenomena which could not
be accessed by our sense faculties or by direct means, and thus add to the scientific
knowledge. Not only that, but also try to understand the mysteries and laws of nature
working behind them. By doing so, he would not only be having access to the unseen
and unknown parts of the universe and thus getting nearer to God (V: 35, also the saying
of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)), as quoted earlier, but it would also lead
him to prosperity; provided he makes efforts to use the understanding thereof for the
benefits of mankind (V: 35). Because God has subjected to his (use) all things -- seen
and unseen -- in the heavens and on Earth and underneath it, and made His bounties flow
to him in exceeding measures, both related to the seen and unseen( III:8). By doing so, a
believer would be following one of the Quranic paths. This path, in general, is specified
for men of understanding, knowledge, and intellect irrespective of their faith; but when a
believer does it, he will be doing so to please and glorify God, and thus resulting in
enhancing his spiritualization and strengthening his soul (XIII: 28); because he will be
following the path shown in the Quran, which according to his belief is the word of God
revealed to prophet Mohammad (p b h) for the betterment of mankind.
MEANINGS OF THE UNIVERSE:
When the Quran talks about the heavens, earth and everything in between , it not only
means what we see with our eyes up till the sky, but more than that -- what lies beyond
the sky, whereas the stars seen with the naked eyes lie in the lowest heaven( LXVII:5). In
other words, the whole universe and its contents distributed in space are divided into
seven heavens one over the other. At the time the Quran was revealed, nothing that lies
beyond the stars was known to man, except to God; that, however, would come under
physical unseen part of Al-Ghaib. Since then, astronomers have made numerous
discoveries -- beyond human imaginations -- what lies beyond the stars. In November
1972, a very bright object appeared on the sky which stayed for 18 months and then
disappeared. First it was thought it was some atmospheric phenomenon, but it turned to
be lying among the stars and was a bursting star called supernova. Galileo (1564-1642)
was the first scientist who pointed a telescope towards the sky and showed that there are
more stars beyond what we could see with the naked eye. In 1755, German Philosopher
Immanual Kant suggested that vast collection of stars lie outside the extent of Milky
Way. Not only that, but in the beginning of eighteenth century it was discovered that
there were not only more stars which could not be seen at night with the naked eyes, but
also more huge systems of stars called galaxies each consisting of hundreds of billions of

13

Rashid Khan

stars. The astronomers have estimated that besides the Galaxy known to us as Milky Way
Galaxy, there are more than hundred billion galaxies surrounding it. The number of these
galaxies has not been determined by counting them individually -- which is not possible
humanely -- but rather their number has been estimated by counting them within a small
area of the sky and then extrapolating them over the entire universe surrounding our
Galaxy; assuming, of course, that they are uniformly distributed in the space surrounding
us. In this regard the Hubble Space Telescope has been very helpful.
These galaxies were first seen as nebulous objects (small cloudy objects) and were
considered as parts of the Milky Way Galaxy(our galaxy). However, through a debate
among the astronomers, the problem was finally resolved when distances of these objects
were calculated and compared with the dimensions of our Galaxy. And thus it was
concluded that these nebulous objects lie outside of our Galaxy, and each is a system of
stars like our Galaxy. It has also been determined, through observations that they are
receding away from our Galaxy, and proving thereby that the Universe is expanding; the
vastness of space is expanding. The Quran says that We created the universe with our
power along with the vastness of space (LI: 47). How the vastness of space was created,
left to the descendants of Adam to ponder upon vastness of space is also a sign of
Allah. Expansion of the universe is an observationally verified fact. When the meanings
of this are looked in along with the verses (VII: 54, XXV: 59, L: 38, LVII: 4) which say
that We created the universe and everything in it in six days, it implies that vastness of
space was not created spontaneously it must have been in state of expansion for a long
time, and the contents of space would have been moving away from each other along
with the expansion of space. The top-level building blocks of universe are the galaxies
which are located in vastness of space, and they must be receding away from each other
along with the expansion of the vastness of space -- galaxies themselves are not
expanding -- but the universe as a whole is expanding and is in equilibrium (LV: 7).
*****
God not only created the universe, but is also controlling and sustaining It (VII: 54, XIII:
6, XXV: 59, XLVIII: 7, LVII: 4). Through the meanings of these verses it could be
interpreted that after initiating the creation of the universe, God took control of it -- the
verses say that He sat on the throne of it. How does He control the whole universe and
keep it in balance, all the way from subatomic scale to the universal scale? The ultimate
nature of controlling is only known to God. Scientists, however, try to explain it by their
method which is quite parallel to what the Quran gives, as explained earlier -- the
scientific method, the starting point of which is the observation of natural phenomenon.
At one time, Milky Way Galaxy was considered to be the whole universe. All that is
seen in the sky with the naked eye or otherwise was considered to be a part of Milky Way
Galaxy. Other than that, whatever could not be seen with the naked eye when the Quran
was revealed and many centuries thereafter, would come under physical unseen parts of
the universe. But now most of those have become known to us through various kinds of
telescopes and space probes. According to the Big Bang theory (more about which will
be talked about later) -- the visible universe extends all the way to fourteen billion lightyears; which implies that the visible universe is fourteen billion years old. One light year

14

Rashid Khan

is the distance traveled by light in one year. The velocity of light is 186,000 miles per
second. From this one can easily calculate how much one light-year is equivalent to in
miles -- about six trillion miles. The nearest objects that we can see with our unaided eyes
are the planets, Moon and stars. And, of course, the Sun which is the nearest star. Light
takes eight minutes from the Sun to get to the Earth -- the Sun would have risen eight
minutes prior to becoming visible over the horizon. Beyond these stars, there are more
stars; and beyond our Galaxy, there are more galaxies. Galaxies have been discovered,
which are hundreds of million light years away from the Earth. There are objects which
have been seen across billions of light years away. The farthest objects that have been
observed are the quasars, and they are the most luminous objects discovered so far,
though their nature is not fully understood. There are objects which have not been
observed as yet, because the light has not reached the Earth from them as yet. The Quran
says: Soon We will show you our signs in the farthest regions of the universe and in your
own soul, until it becomes manifest to you that it is the truth, and God witnesses all these
things (XLI: 53) -- what all this leads to is the truthfulness of the Quran as the word of
God, revealed to prophet Muhammad (p b h) by Allah. And thus showing His grasp over
all things both hidden and open, His Hands behind the creation of all the signs of nature,
and imparting the knowledge and insight of the secrets of the universe to His vicegerent
on Earth( II:30-33). As, according to the Quran, everything in the universe is known to
God, both seen and unseen(IV:126,XXXII:6, and many other verses with similar
meanings given at various places in the Quran); and He can impart the knowledge and
understanding (which comes through inner reflection and Allahs guidance) of the
physical part of Al-Ghaib to his vicegerent on Earth( II:33) though man will have to do
physical and mental exertion (XXIX:69). There are so many other discoveries made in
the universe, from the subatomic scale all the way to the universal scale, which were
previously unknown to man; more will be discovered and seen in times to come -- and
will be coming from the physical part of Al-Ghaib thus confirming the truth behind the
verses of the Quran. No human being unless he is worthy of such revelation from God
could have that degree of foresight to foretell the existence of signs (Ayats) of God
which could be discovered centuries later.
MANS POSITION IN THE UNIVERSE
In order to realize mans position in the universe, first we have to see what the Earths
position (which is the residing place of man), is with respect to the whole universe. As
mentioned earlier, out of these more than fifty billion galaxies-- Milky Way Galaxy is
just one of these. The Milky Way Galaxy is comprised of more than one hundred billion
stars( according to some other estimates more than two hundred billions), and also some
other objects including gas and dust lying in the space among the stars. Out of these stars
there is one special star called the Sun. Revolving around the Sun are eight planets: There
used to be the nine planets in our solar system; but, recently, the ninth planet Pluto has
been taken out from the list because of its some odd characteristics as compared to those
of other planets in the system. Of these planets, there is a special planet called Earth
which is the residing place of man. In spite of the fact that it is through man that God is
bringing to light the unseen parts of the universe (II: 30-33), man has a humble position
as compared to the whole universe. In the words of the Quran: We created man in the

15

Rashid Khan

best of molds, then We abased him to the lowest of the low; excepting those who believe
and do the righteous deeds (XCV: 4-6): Those who follow Gods commands and strive
for His cause -- what He asks to do.
Now, compare what was known and seen at the time when the Quran was revealed with
what has been known and discovered since then. More and more signs of God are
pouring out of the physical parts of Al-Ghaib. But, according to the Quran (XXXII: 6,
IV: 126, and many other verses with similar meanings), God has all that knowledge
which at that time was embedded in Al-Ghaib; and still more is embedded, which,
because of mans efforts, is being brought to light and becoming a part of the seen world:
They are becoming signs of God, and thus more signs of the universe to glorify Him.
According to the Quran, God, through His signs and the mysteries behind them,
reaffirms His existence to those who doubt it. The reaffirmation of His existence is for
those who doubt in His existence, and His glorification for the believers are certainly
enhanced as new signs pour in. More and more signs are coming to light in all areas of
scientific and technological developments through the efforts of man; thus becoming
known to man, what is known to God; because He is Omniscient and does impart His
knowledge to man as he did to Adam(II:33, XCVI:4-5) -- one of the purposes for which
Gods Vicegerent on Earth was created (II: 30-33).
UNIVERSE AT ATOMIC AND SUBATOMIC SCALES:
Then, there is a universe at the atomic and subatomic scale as well; the constituents of
which are the building blocks of the physical universe on a large scale. The chemical
elements, like hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, copper, iron etc. are made of atoms. Atom of
each element has a nucleus composed of protons and neutrons. Around the nucleus are
revolving electrons. Electrons have negative charge and protons have positive, where
neutrons have no charge. No scientist has ever seen the atomic structure and its
constituents through direct means, but the validity of the structure has been established
through indirect means: By observing lights of various frequencies emitting from atoms
of different elements when their atoms are excited by imparting energy from the outside
sources. These excited atoms have more energy, and no longer stay in that state, and
ultimately come back to unexcited state by getting rid of the extra energy in the form of
radiation. Scientists learn about the interior of the atoms and their nature by analyzing
these lights. This is another example of bringing to man, knowledge of the hidden part of
the universe at the atomic level, which would come under physical unseen of Al-Ghaib.
As mentioned earlier, there is a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
there is a knowledge like the form of hidden things, known to none save those who
know God.: Approaching God through the knowledge of the hidden parts of the universe
is one of the scientific means to get nearer to God for those who believe (V: 35).
FORCES OF NATURE:
God is the Sustainer of Heaven and Earth (XIII: 16) as well as the entire universe -- says
the Quran. But how does He sustain the Universe from subatomic atomic scales all the
way to the universal scale? He never imparted that knowledge directly to His vicegerent

16

Rashid Khan

on Earth. He, however, asked him to ponder upon mysteries related to His Signs in the
universe, and He would help in the understanding (XLV: 12, VI: 97-98, and other verses
as well with similar meanings). Mans method to understand the mysteries of nature and
the laws governing them (VII: 54), is the scientific method -- but He is the one who is
behind these laws (VII: 54). It is through this process that man has made so many
scientific discoveries, including the physical forces, which keep the universe going. There
are other kinds of forces, however, mentioned in the Quran which are beyond mans
comprehension God is the only one who has the knowledge of these forces (IX: 26, 40);
and can therefore be taken as a part of Absolute Unseen. Forces understood through
scientific method can be called physical forces, which are as follows:
Gravitational force
Electromagnetic force
Weak force
Strong force.
The existence of all these forces have been fully established by physicists both by direct
and indirect means; and also what role they play in keeping the whole universe going
from sub-atomic scale all the way to the universal scale.
In physics, the concept of force is that it can bring change in the state of the motion of a
body, or can keep bodies bound together. For example, force due to wind, earthquake,
force generated by steam, forces exerted by living creatures, and the forces created by
winds etc. These forces would come under seen phenomena, because one can have a
direct feel for these. You might also have had a feel of electric and magnetic forces which
could also have come under seen phenomena. For instance, one must have felt a light
shock of static electricity while handling the metallic knob of a door. Magnetic strip gets
attached to bodies made of iron or a piece of iron gets attracted towards a magnet. These
are the examples of a magnetic force. The other force, for which we have feel of, is the
gravitational force which makes bodies fall and accelerates them towards the Earth -weight of a body is due to the gravitational force of the Earth. But it was not known as a
force till the time of Newton when he hypothesized that a body falls and accelerates
towards the Earth because of the gravitational attraction of the Earth but as a matter of
fact the Quran had hinted to this kind of force when the Quran says that Earth is a
receptor for living and nonliving things (LXXVII: 25-26) everything falls towards the
Earth. The electromagnetic and gravitational forces play a role at large and small scale -they are long range forces. Gravitational forces keep the planets going around the Sun,
whereas electromagnetic forces are responsible for keeping electrons going around the
nucleus of an atom, and are also responsible for the chemical reactions. The other two are
short range forces and are operative within the dimensions of the atomic nucleus. Strong
forces keep the protons and neutrons bound together in an atomic nucleus; whereas weak
forces play a role in decaying the nuclei of radioactive elements. God says in the Quran,
for to God belongs the forces of heavens and earth; and God is exalted in Power and full
of Wisdom, and has full knowledge of all these forces (XLVIII: 7) -- it would mean all
the forces, hidden and open that are operating in the universe. It was revealed to the
prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) when there was no concept of force, excepting
the pull and push type of mechanical forces; or the forces produced by winds, earthquake,
forces responsible for causing earthquake, sea waves etc. But the forces mentioned in the

17

Rashid Khan

Quran would also include the ones which were undiscovered at the time that the Quran
was revealed, which at that time would come under physical part of Al-Ghaib. But the
Quran also mentions the unseen forces which helped the Prophet (peace be upon him) in
the battle field (IX: 26). The nature of these forces scientifically is incomprehensible, but
only Allah knows (LXXII: 26)
DISCOVERIES OF UNKNOWN GLORIFIES GOD:
What has been said so far about the physically accessible universe, almost all parts of it
were unseen when the Quran was revealed; excepting what man could see or feel
directly, through his unaided sense faculties on the sky, on the Earth and in between the
Earth and the sky, and up to a certain depth of the Earth. Creatures and other treasures in
the deep sea were unknown. All the unknown and hidden, therefore, would come under
the physical unseen -- a part of Al-Ghaib. But to God they were known. As the Quran
says, God knows whatever there is in the heaven, on and in the Earth, and in the sea; to
God belong the secrets of the Heaven and Earth (VI: 59, III: 5, XXXII: 6, XXXV: 38).
One of the beauties of the Quran is that by introducing the word Al-Ghaib it has
covered the contents of the entire universe -- seen and the physical unseen. The main
objective of emphasizing on these unseen physical objects, physical phenomena, and the
scientific and technological developments, is to bring to the notice of the believers that
whatever has been discovered and going to be discovered in times to come, and what was
hidden and what was open when Quran was revealed, have been referenced in the
Quran under various verses by the word Al-Ghaib-- that part of Al-Ghaib which
comes under physical unseen. The meanings of these verses can now be broadly
interpreted in the light of scientific and technological developments made by man in the
epochs following the revelation of the Quran. And all this in turn, should strengthen
believers faith and thus resulting in the glorification of God (LIX: 24). According to the
Quran, it is a Book of guidance for those who believe in the Unseen (II: 3) -- which,
according to my interpretation, would mean both Absolute Unseen and the physical
unseen. But God knows, as mentioned at so many places in the Quran, all the contents of
the physical unseen parts of the universe including forces which are beyond which are
beyond mans comprehension(IX:26, 40). It would mean all that is in the physical
universe: Starting from subatomic particles to all that is in the Universe including all the
forces which are keeping the universe and its contents intact and bound, and all that
emanates from them -- various kinds of lights -- and the wisdom and the mysteries behind
them. Mans job is not only to know and discover the unknown and unseen, but also to
understand their nature and the mysteries behind them. As God says, He knows and
understands the finest mysteries and nature of the universe (XXV: 6, VI: 59, XXXIII:
34). Whatever God knows, it is an indirect message to man that he should also try to
know what He knows and He will help(II:269, XCVI:3-5) excepting the Absolute
Unseen(LXXII:26-27); otherwise God would not have imparted His knowledge to Adam
and surprised His angels( II:32). Man will not know all that God knows, but he should
strive with all main and might to uncover and understand as many physical unknowns
and unseen which are in the knowledge of God -- excepting the Absolute Unseen. By
imparting knowledge to Adam and showing the proof thereof to His angels, He showed
that man has the freedom to know what he can through his efforts and hard work, and

18

Rashid Khan

God will help him in his efforts( II:269,XXIX:69) . There is saying of the prophet
Muhammad -- Allah says that He created Adam so that He could be known.
HOW MAN UNRAVELS THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE:
Seeing or getting information about the physical signs through sense faculties or aiding
devices, and thus knowing them, is different than understanding them -- ability to
understand is also endowed by God(XXIII:78). How do scientists try to know and
understand what lies beyond the reach of man in the universe? It is from what emanates
from the contents of the physical universe that has helped scientists a lot in understanding
their nature. Because what emanates from them acts like a message carriers from the
components of the universe. By analyzing these messages, man tries to understand the
nature of those objects using scientific method. What emanates are: radio waves, infrared
rays, light waves composed of seven colors, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays.
They are all light-like radiations traveling at the speed of 186000 miles per second, which
is the speed of light. They all belong to the same family, but they differ in their
wavelength and frequency. They can all be called lights, though they are invisible except
for the light rays -- even the light rays are invisible except that they make objects visible
from which these rays emanates, scattered or reflected. Stars emit all of these kinds of
radiations. Out of these radiations, visible light rays can be detected by our eyes directly
or through optical telescopes; and infrared radiation are the heat radiation which can be
felt by human body, but the rest of them require other means to detect them. These means
are different types of telescopes which are the windows to the universe; and some other
devices invented to detect these kinds of radiation. Without these lights man would not be
able to get all that information and knowledge what he has obtained about the universe -man is being guided to the different parts of the universe through these lights(XXIV:35).
The study of these radiations, whether directly coming from the components of the
universe, or reflected there from, provide information about the nature of the distant parts
of the universe. There are so many objects in the universe -- other than stars, planets
moons and galaxies -- which could not have been discovered, or their features could not
have been seen except just by optical telescopes. But their existence and nature has been
established by non-optical telescopes. Now it is becoming clear that it is through these
lights that God reveals His knowledge and wisdom to His vicegerent on Earth.
When Quran was revealed, only one kind of light was known to man and that is visible
light which our eyes are sensitive to; the rest of them would come under unseen. Now
man has approached the universe through these lights as well and the corresponding
aiding devices; and thus revealing Gods more hidden signs and enhancing His
glorification still further (LIX: 24).
GOD IS THE GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE:
As mentioned earlier, God is not only the Creator of the universe( XXXII:4,XXXVI:81
and other verses with similar meanings), but is a Sustainer(XIII:16) and has detailed
knowledge of hidden and open parts of the universe(XXXII:6); but He is also a Guide to
that knowledge(XXIV:35), and can impart that knowledge to His vicegerent on Earth(

19

Rashid Khan

II:30-33, XCVI:4-5) through His guidance, and then finally leading him to the
realization of Ultimate Reality - . All affairs lead to God (XVI: 9-12). How does He
guide man to that goal? It is given in the following verse (XXIV: 35):
Allah is the Light of Heaven and Earth. The similitude of His Light is as if there were a
niche and within it a lamp; the lamp enclosed in glass. The glass as it was a brilliant star.
The star lit from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil is
well-nigh luminous, though the fire scarce touched it. Light upon light; God doth guide
whom He Wills to His Light. God doth set forth Parables for men; and God doth know all
things.
This verse implies: Just as an observer is led to the origin of light in the lamp, which is
olive oil and then the olive tree, which belongs neither to the East nor to the West it is
universal; so is man led, through observing the signs of God and scientifically analyzing
them step by step, to Allah Who is the Universal God (Ultimate Reality). This verse is an
example which illustrates an analytical technique to get to the origin of light continuously
coming from the lamp. The Origin is not the lamp sitting in the niche, but rather the olive
oil and then the olive tree. Scientists could go further and explain the origin of light from
the oil at the molecular and atomic level. Next, a question would arise about the origin of
constituents of atoms and so on; and finally to the origin of the universe, as explained
below under the topic Scientific View about the Creation of the Universe. Following
the same analytical line of arguments, scientists can trace back the source and
mechanism of the emission of light from a star, and then tracing back further down, they
would finally come to the origin of the universe -- the Big Bang, and then to the Ultimate
Reality: Which is Allah. Thus this way to reach the Ultimate Reality could be called
scientists way to approach Allah(V:35) -- who prevails all of the universe and has
knowledge of everything -- hidden and open( the Quran(III:5, XI:123, VI:59, XXV:6
XXXIV:6, and many other verses conveying the same meanings). It is through the
analysis of the observable world that man can also finally come to know the Ultimate
Reality. But it is not just believing Him but also following His commands.
Believers, however, believe in God through their faith. But he would be able to
appreciate more if he went through the scientific approach as well. The verse V: 35
further say that this approach of striving would lead believers to prosperity, which could
be both spiritual as well as material in nature. However, the material blessing could also
lead to inner bliss if a believer believes that this would not have been possible without the
hand of God behind it, thus leading to the inner bliss as well, while maitaing other modes
of worship. Mans peace within himself is important because he is a quantum of human
society and the world community. If the basic building block is not functioning properly
within the controlled environments, he can be dangerous for himself and as well for the
society. Mans action and his deeds manifest what he has in his mind. If he tries to be
hypocrite, will also become evident. The education and proper training, therefore, is very
important.
It follows from the above discussion that it is through the lights (Radio waves, infrared,
visible light, etc.) that man tries to understand the nature of the signs in the universe and

20

Rashid Khan

make new discoveries; which otherwise are beyond mans reach. If these signs and
contents of the universe and the means were known during the time of Imam Ghazali
(1058-1111 A.D.), he would certainly have mentioned them in his book Mishkatal-ul
Anawar. The Quran asks the men of understanding, knowledge and insight not to stop
at the observations of His Signs in the universe (III: 190-19, VI: 97, XLV: 13, and many
other verses with similar meanings) but rather to analyze them step by step, till they get
to the threshold of in the niche. What it is indicative of is that: A man with an analytical
mind, and using the scientific process would finally approach The Ultimate Cause -- the
Universal God who is exalted in might and worthy of all praises(XXXIV:6). It is clear
from the above discussion that physical light guides scientists to the different parts of the
universe which otherwise would remain inaccessible. According to verse(XXVI:35) the
ultimate cause of this physical light is Allah: The real Guide is Allah, and it is through
this light that He guides man to get information about the far off objects of the universe.
Light here implies all three -- Allah, Guide and the physical light. It also means that only
Allah has the view of the whole universe and its contents at all levels and at all times -before starting the creation by issuing the command Be He had the complete picture of
the universe and its contents( II:117, XLI:11).
Imam Ghazali calls mans intelligence also a light. He is true in the sense that it is mans
scientific thinking process that leads to understand nature, which finally leads to the
understanding of natural phenomena and then leading to the Ultimate Reality (Allah) He is the ultimate cause behind the creation of the universe and everything in it. But the
scientific method, as used in these days to understand nature, was not fully established
during the time of Imam Ghazali. Through physical light man sees signs of God, and
through intelligence and insight he understands the signs (natural phenomena in the
universe) Quran itself is a light from God (IV: 174, V: 17-18, and many other verses
with similar meanings); as it guides man towards the social, spiritual and scientific paths.
Quran also mentions other scriptures as lights for people of the books (V: 47).
In addition to physical lights, there are some sub-atomic particles, radiating away in all
directions in the universe, called cosmic rays. These are the nuclei of atoms of various
elements like hydrogen, helium etc. And there are also radium-like elements, called
radioactive elements, which emit a group of rays. One part of this group are the gamma
rays which are light-like, as mentioned above. The other two parts are beta particles and
alpha particles which carry mass and charge. Alpha particles are nuclei of helium atoms
and are positively charged, and the beta rays are the electrons which are negatively
charged. Cosmic rays and radioactive rays have all been detected by indirect means. In
medical technology, radioactive elements are used for diagnostic and curing purposes of
some kinds of diseases. These are some of the examples of the physical signs of God
discovered both by direct and indirect means by His vicegerent on Earth Man.
Similarly, there are numerous signs in other areas of science, as mentioned earlier, which
give every indication of the existence of Greatest Designer and Creator. Scientists are
trying to explain it in scientific ways as Professor Stephen Hawkins and Leonard
Mlodinow have tried to explain in their recently published book The Grand Design, but
the believers would still believe that there is a Hand of Great Designer and the Creator
behind all that design, creation.

21

Rashid Khan

God has the knowledge of both hidden and open parts of the universe(XXXII:6,
XXXIV:3, XXXIV:48), and He is the only one who knows and understands the finest
mysteries of the universe(XXXIII:34, IV:126,XXX:6, as well as other verses). But He
can and has imparted the knowledge of some parts of these to His vicegerent (XCVI: 4-5,
II: 269) on Earth, as He did to Adam (II: 33) whose descendants we are.
SCIENTIFIC VIEW OF THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE (BIG BANG):
Now a question arises about the origination and creation of the universe and all its
contents. Who created them and how were they created? The answer to the first lies in the
domain of faith and that of the second, in the realm of science. It is one of the beauties of
the Quran that it links them both together. God certainly says in the Quran, He created
the universe and everything in it in six days (VII: 54, XXV: 59, LVII: 4), and has full
knowledge about them. What is the significance of day for example? Is the duration of
this day the same as the Earths day: the time Earth takes to make one complete rotation
around its axis, or it can be taken as an epoch of some other duration? The knowledge of
that is unseen and is only known to God (XXII: 47). He did not give all the details as to
how He created the universe and its sub-parts, and the natural phenomena of the universe.
He, however, assigned that responsibility to people of knowledge, understanding, and
people who think and strive for; and then apply the knowledge thus gained for the
benefits of mankind; because what is in the universe is subjected to man, and God has
made His bounties flow to man in exceeding measure, both seen and unseen, as it says
the Quran (II: 164, III: 8, XXXI: 20, XLV: 12-13). From this it follows that what exists
in the universe was made for man to explore and make use of the outcome for the benefit
of man. The Quran, however, shows the way, as explained earlier under Scientific
Method, as to how to understand and unravel the mysteries and wisdom behind His
signs(natural phenomena), related to the physical universe. But the ultimate knowledge of
all these lies with God: (III: 5, XXXII: 6, VI: 59, and many other verses conveying
similar meanings). He can, however, impart the knowledge of physical mysteries to
whom He wants (II: 269), as He did to Adam (II: 30-33).
From the scientific view point, the universe originated from an explosion(abrupt
expansion) of a single dimensionless entity, called singularity -- a point of infinite
temperature and infinite density Whatever is present in the physical universe -- seen or
unseen -- was unbelievably compacted in this entity. It is this entity which evolved with
time, giving rise -- in fourteen billion years -- to the vastness of space and its contents and
thus giving present form to the material universe (this article does not discuss the creation
of life). What was the nature of the contents of this singularity at the time of this
explosive event is not known. But, according to the Big Bang theory, right after this event
and the rapid expansion of this entity, radiations( different kinds of lights) were
dominant; which, through some physical processes gave birth to protons, neutrons and
electrons -- the basic building blocks of matter in the universe (details being omitted). At
this time these particles were moving so fast, and the temperature was so high, that
protons and neutrons could not stick together to form heavier nuclei like that of helium(
consisting of two protons and two neutrons); nor could the electrons go around the

22

Rashid Khan

protons to form hydrogen or helium atoms. Mathematical calculations, however, show

that after 100 seconds from the Big Bang event the temperature of the universe dropped
to one trillion degree K where protons and neutrons could start sticking together forming
helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons. But the temperature was still
so high that electrons could not go around the helium or hydrogen nuclei (protons)
forming atoms. It took 380,000 years for the universe to cool down so that the electrons
could be captured by helium and hydrogen nuclei and forming neutral atoms of hydrogen
and helium. At that stage, the universe consisted of hydrogen and helium gases and
radiation, and the temperature had dropped to 3000K.
PROOF OF BIG BANG:
As mentioned earlier, scientists do not believe in their theories and models unless they
have been tested and verified through experiments and observations, and also they do not
violate already established results. In this regard, astronomers have discovered that the
vastness of space, in which galaxies are distributed and which are the top level building
blocks of the universe, is filled with low frequency radiations called the primordial
background radiations. These radiations, according to the scientists, are the remnants of
very high frequency radiations from the time of the Big Bang event. These are remnants
in the sense that just after the Big Bang event took place, the temperature was extremely
high, and the universe has been expanding and the temperature has been falling ever
since -- for the last fourteen billion years. The present temperature is 3K (-270C):
remember, water boils at 100C (Celsius) and freezes at 0C. The discovery of these
radiations has provided a proof that that Big Bang event did take place. In mathematical
language, the entity which exploded and gave birth to the universe is called a singularity
which had no dimensions (no vastness of space), as mentioned earlier. All matter, four
basic forces, energy and the laws governing them, which are keeping the universe going,
and the space in which all these contents are distributed, are the outcome of this explosive
event -- there was no vastness of space prior to the Big Bang event. As the Quran says,
We created the vastness of space (LI: 47). The space does not extend only up till the
sky or the firmament. Sky is just the limit of our vision, whose limit can be stretched
beyond what we see by various high power telescopes, and so be the vastness of space. It
means there was no space prior to its creation -- space prior to the event had zero volume.
The Big Bang theory explains how the space and its contents were created and gave birth
to the whole universe. It would not appeal to common sense, but scientists, by making
this hypothesis, developed models and theories whose results have been proven by
experiments. That is how, as mentioned earlier, scientists try to understand the mysteries
of nature -- using hypothesis, making models and theories and their testing. The Quran
does not explain all that, but encourages people of knowledge, understanding and insight
to reflect on the mysteries of the universe -- the scientific method comes under what
Allah encourages us to do, as mentioned earlier giving references of various verses of the
Quran.
The Big Bang theory has been proven through several cosmic observations, but scientists
are also trying to prove it through experiments using Large Particle Collider at the
European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN. By doing this

23

Rashid Khan

experiment, they are trying to create, at a very small level, the conditions which existed,
for a very short time, after the Big Bang event physicists expect that at that high energy
a particle will be created particle, called the Higgs particle, also called Gods particle
which is source of all that which exists in the universe. More about it can be read in LA
Times issue of April 13, 2008. This is a brief description of the scientific view of the
creation of the universe. Now let us see what is the Quranic view of the creation?
QURANIC DESCRIPTION OF THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE:
The Quran says, all things we created in proportion and measure: Our command was
but a single act, like the twinkling of an eye (LIV: 49). At many other places, the Quran
says, God is the Originator of Heaven and Earth, and of everything in between; to Him is
due the primal origin of Heaven and Earth (VI: 101); when He wants to create something
He just wills it, and when He decides to implement His will -- He issues a command by
saying Be, and it is carried out (II: 117, III: 47, XVI: 40, XXXVI: 82). The Be can be
interpreted as a command from God to start the creation process - He is the Originator of
the Creation (XXXV: 1) - but it does not imply that creation takes place instantaneously.
In order to create the universe and its contents, He would have decreed and planned the
whole creation process (II: 117, XLI: 11). In order to start the process of the creation of
the universe He just said Be, and the process started -- the Big Bang event took place
and started the process of creation of the Universe. After the Command was issued, the
basic forces of nature and the laws governing them started the processes of creation of
vastness of space, energy and matter within the vastness of space. If one reads the above
verses along with the verse LI:47 which says, With the power and skill did We construct
the Firmament: for it is We Who created the Vastness of space -- as time went by, the
vastness of space would kept on expanding. It follows that the universe was not created
with all that vastness of space and all that energy and matter in it as it exists to-day, but
rather it must have started from a single dimensionless point( without any vastness of
space) and gone through various stages before coming to the present form -- but by
saying Be God started the process of creation according to His Will and comprehension
of the design(II:117, XXV:59, XLI:9-12) -- in all it took six days which are not
equivalent to earthly days( XXII:47). All the matter at the beginning of the matterdominated era, according to the Big Bang theory, was in the form of a cloud made of
hydrogen and helium gases. But what was the nature of this entity and primordial matter
when the event took place, scientists are trying to understand? It is this primordial matter
which, by going through various epochs, finally evolved into gas clouds, and then the
galaxies (systems of stars), and the present form of matter -- both living and nonliving: In
his book What Is the Origin of Man? Dr. Maurice Bucaille describes the origin of life
giving references of various verses from the Quran. But, what was the primal origin of
this entity(singularity) is a mystery and will remain a mystery for the scientists as well;
but may convince those scientists, who do not believe, that there is a Ultimate Reality,
behind all that, which cannot be explained by scientists using scientific method, but
rather it may lead scientists to believe, by faith, in that Ultimate Reality -- due to Whom
is the primal origin of the heavens and Earth (VI:101). The Quran says: And truly,
towards thy God is the limit, there is no way to escape for those who dispute over His
Signs in the universe (XLII: 35 and many other verses with similar message). These

24

Rashid Khan

verses show that no matter whatever direction man may take, he will end up being at the
Ultimate Reality -- the Creator of the universe and of everything in it and that is a matter
of faith. More regarding the Ultimate Reality will be talked about later in the text.
The following is little more detailed description about the origin, creation and evolution
of the universe arrived at by scientists using mathematical models. It may be pointed out
that real nature of things and natural phenomena is only known to God (XXXII: 6,
XXXIII: 34). But this is the present scientific view about the origin, creation and the
evolution of the universe. It may change with time. The understanding of this part
requires the knowledge of nuclear and elementary particles physics, and general theory of
relativity. Nevertheless, attempt here is made to explain in simplest terms how the
universe evolved starting from the Big Bang event:
At the time Big Bang occurred, all four forces of the universe, as mentioned earlier, were
united as one unified force. Within one millionth of a second thereafter, four forces, one
by one, got separated. The constituents of matter at that time were protons and neutrons,
which are the constituents of nuclei of atoms -- the constituents of elements (hydrogen,
helium, oxygen, iron and etc.). Prior to the stage of creation of protons and neutrons,
quarks were created out of energy, which are the building blocks of protons and neutrons.
In neutrons and protons, quarks are bound together, by strong forces. The Quran says:
.He knows the unseen, -- from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the
Heaven or on Earth -- nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the Record
Perspicuous (XXXIV: 3).
Three minutes after the Big Bang event, nuclei of helium started forming -- protons and
neutrons started combining to form central part of atoms of helium, consisting of two
protons and two neutrons bound together by strong forces. At this stage of the creation of
matter, the universe was filled with electrons, protons, and helium nuclei (consisting of
two protons and two neutrons), deuterium nuclei (one proton+2neuterons) and lithium
nuclei (3protons + 3neutrons) of corresponding atoms. The temperature of the universe
was extremely high; and it was also filled with very high frequency radiations. 380,000
years after the Big Bang, when the universe cooled down but was still expanding, nuclei
of hydrogen, deuterium, helium and lithium started capturing electrons and they started
going around the corresponding nuclei. According to the atomic model the atom of an
element has nucleus comprising of protons and neutrons, and electrons going around it.
As mentioned earlier, in a nucleus of an atom, protons and neutrons are bound together
by a strong force. At this stage of creation, the contents of the universe were hydrogen,
helium, deuterium, lithium and the background radiations -- all mixed together occupying
the vastness of space in the form of smoke. At this stage, the temperature of the mixture
was (3000K) -- conclusions drawn from a mathematical model; and the universe had no
heavier elements like oxygen, nitrogen, silver, calcium, sodium, iron etc. other than those
mentioned above. Where did all the other elements come from? They were all formed in
stars through a nuclear process called fusion. The universe, however, comprised of a huge
gas cloud, was still expanding and cooling down. From this point onward, various
physical processes took place and the universe passed through various epochs before the
galaxies, stars and other heavier elements were formed. At that time, of course, there

25

Rashid Khan

were no bio-chemical molecules which the living organism are composed of. Explanation
of all these processes is omitted for the reason that they involve too much technicalities.
If anyone is interested to learn more about, he can pick up an astronomy book on Stars,
Galaxies and the Universe.***** However, I would like to say a little bit about the
formation of stars-- their birth, death and rebirth from the smoke (gas and dust clouds)
left behind by the death of stars; which in turn give birth to new stars.
COCEPT OF SIX DAYS:
In order to explain the concept of six days, as mentioned in the Quran, it would be
necessary to say that the fourteen billion years period, from the instant of the occurrence
of the Big Bang event till the formation of galaxies, stars and the other contents of the
universe; it has been divided into various epochs. The Quran says, God created the
Heavens and Earth and everything in between in six days (VII: 54, LXII: 4, LXI: 9-12).
Is the Quranic day equivalent to a cosmic epoch (XXII: 47)? It is very doubtful that if
man would ever know what the Sure Reality is. Of course, men of faith would accept that
God has possession of the Ultimate knowledge (LXXII: 26) and God is the Ultimate
Reality. Another reason going through these details is to bring to the notice of the
believers that according to Big Bang theory, the universe went through various stages
before assuming the present form. God says in the Quran, He is the Creator, Evolver,
and Fashioner of Forms (or colors) (LIX: 24). Hence, the universe was not formed
instantaneously in the stage that it is now. Before the original stars were formed, galaxies
were in the form of clouds mostly formed of hydrogen and helium gases, each one of
which finally got converted into billions of stars( our Galaxy has more than hundred
billion stars, as mentioned earlier). Later on, planets were formed. Planets and the Sun
were also formed from smoke but of a different nature as compared to the original smoke.
Gravitational force, one of the four forces of nature, played a vital role in their formation.
These stars are born, live their life and die and spread their material, formed within them,
in space; thus giving rise to a smoke of different composition. The material of these
clouds finally start coming together due to mutual gravitational attraction and thus
forming new stars of different chemical composition by going through various stages.
The details of the formation of stars are omitted, because of being too technical.
Now let us look at the meanings of the verses(X: 34, XXIX: 19) which say that God
originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for God. It is easy to see the truth
behind these verses for biological species on Earth, but its truth holds for the stars as
well, as explained previously; though their birth and life takes millions and billions of
years depending upon their masses -- a more massive a star is born earlier. For instance,
our Sun birth, according to astronomers findings, took thirty million years from the time
of initiation of its birth process till it became a full-fledged star. Since then, it has been
shining for the last five billion years and will continue to shine as a full-fledged star for
five more billion years; and then will start its death process. During the dying process, it
will get rid of most of its mass by shedding it in space. The mass thus shed will become a
part of another cloud. Each star, within a certain mass range, in a galaxy will have to go
through this cycle -- they are born, live their life and then start dying; finally, leaving
behind a dead core called white dwarf -- or some more dense objects like neutron star

26

Rashid Khan

or black hole depending upon mass of a star. As a matter of fact, the existence of such
objects has already been detected in our Galaxy by various kinds of telescopes and
through indirect means. During its expansion stage, before becoming a white dwarf, the
Sun will become so huge and red in color (LV: 37) that the orbit of the Earth will come
within the Sun -- after engulfing the orbits of Mercury and Venus. But it will start
happening after about five billion years from now. Such conclusions are drawn by
astronomers through analysis using mathematical models -- one of the steps of the
scientific method to understand the natural phenomena. Though the real nature, as
mentioned earlier at many places, is only known to God, God has granted wisdom and
intelligence to men of knowledge, and understanding, and men of insight to ponder upon
the mysteries of nature(II:164, III:190, XXIII:78, XXII:9, ILV:13).
PLANETS AROUND OTHER STARS:
Just as our star (Sun) has planets around it and the Earth is one of them, astronomers
have discovered planets going around other stars in our Galaxy and other galaxies.
According to the model of the planet formation around stars, these stars and planets were
first the parts of huge clouds made of dust and gases, as mentioned earlier. Some parts of
the clouds, through gravitational attraction, got converted into stars and planetary
systems. Now, look at what the Quran says: Moreover God comprehended in His design
the sky, and it had been as smoke: He said to it and to the Earth: come together,
willingly or unwillingly. They said: We do come (Together), with willing obedience
(XLI: 11). In the light of this verse, it follows that Earth and heavens had realized that
they were together and, therefore, they had to stay together; -- they were both in the form
of smoke or cloud, and Earth got birth from smoke. At another place the Quran says:
Heavens and Earth were joined together before we separated them, and then we made
every living thing out of water (XXI: 30). This also implies that Earth was a part of a
cloud before its birth. And, moreover, Earth is the only planet in our solar system where
water exists in liquid form which is an important ingredient for the creation of life and its
existence. According to the astronomical view point, there was a huge rotating cloud
called the solar nebula -- one of the billions of galactic clouds in the early universe -- and
these clouds, 380,000 after the Big Bang event, were a part of a single universal cloud
made of hydrogen, helium and a small amount of lithium. It is the cloud (solar nebula)
which gave birth to our solar system -- planets, moons, Sun, comets and asteroids. The
gravitational force played a vital role in giving birth to our solar system and keeping it
going in balance -- as a matter of fact the whole universe is in balance ( LV:7), though
expanding. What follows from the next verses in the same section (LV: 8-12) that God
created Earth with all the bounties on it, and man should also stay in balance and do
justice related to matters in social life on Earth.
Scientists have developed mathematical models and theories as to how to explain the
formation of these more than 50 billion galaxies( according to some estimates they are
more than 100 billions) and their contents and the formation of our solar system of which
the Earth is a part -- that is all that a man can do -- if he wants to understand the mysteries
behind the processes of formation; which, of course, God encourages in the Quran, when
He says that the signs of nature are the instructive examples for the people of

27

Rashid Khan

understanding, knowledge and insight( II:164) -- though the real nature is only known to
Him. The Quran does not directly talk about the theories and models, but they come
under the scientific method -- a process of understanding the nature of Gods Signs
related to physical phenomena and the physical objects. The main objective of this paper
is not to teach any branch of science, but rather to point out the emphasis the Quran
gives on inviting man to understand the nature of the physical universe using the
methodology given in the Quran -- the references to verses regarding this methodology
are given at various places in this article. This methodology -- observations, thinking and
testing process -- turns out to be parallel to the modern scientific method being used by
scientists to understand mysteries of nature. Understanding the nature and mysteries of
His Signs, and the application of knowledge derived there from, have resulted in
understanding the phenomena of nature, which is science; and applications of the
knowledge derived there from resulted in various material blessings and conveniences for
man. Imagine what was known in terms of scientific discoveries and the material
blessings when the Quran was revealed, and what is known now. However, it was
known to God(XVI:2, XXXII:6, and other verses), but was unknown to man; but now it
is becoming known to man, as time goes by, due to his efforts and with Gods help.
Moreover, It is Gods will, as it follows from what has been said so far, that man should
also have this information. It is our belief that whatever man has learnt, and is learning,
and will learn for the benefits of fellowmen, is the outcome of Gods teachings to him
who is Knower of everything (VI: 59, XIII: 9) and He can impart the knowledge to the
descendants of Adam as He did to Adam (II: 30-33, XCVI: 4-5) -- but, unfortunately, the
knowledge has also been used for destructive purposes as well.
SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES LEAD TO GODS GLORIFICATION AND HIS
PRAISES:
When a believer learns all about the signs and wonders of creation, and the technological
developments made by man for the benefits of his fellowmen -- but staying humble -- he
would certainly say Subhan Allah( Glory to God) and thus would glorify God, as His
angels did when they learned from Adam what God knows(II:30-33). Observing,
understanding the nature of mysteries and wisdom behind His signs have led to scientific
knowledge; the application thereof to the technological developments, which have
brought comforts and the conveniences to man: which could be called material blessings;
and these are the outcome of mans utilization of his abilities endowed by God to His
vicegerent on Earth. No doubt, the glorification of God is tempted by observing the signs
of God in the universe, but understanding thereof and the wisdom behind them, and their
application for the benefits of mankind would enhance His glorification still further. God,
addressing the people of Thamud says that habitation in the land, and the palaces and
castles, and homes built in mountains, are the benefits provided to you by God; so you
should be grateful to Him( VII:74). At another place the Quran says, the sailing of ships
are His favors (LV: 24); -- mans made objects are also the blessings of God because of
His hands behind them. So there is nothing wrong for a believer in saying that the study
of scientific discoveries and their applications have led to the material blessings which
are the gifts of God; and man should be thankful to Him for these gifts as well. It should
be a believers belief that these blessings could not have been brought to light without

28

Rashid Khan

mans efforts and striving, and Gods help. As it is said in a well-known verse (II: 255)
. They( not only Muslims, but men in general) shall not understand the smallest
fragments of His knowledge, unless He wills. Man thinks that he is self-sufficient,
but he is not (XCVI: 7). Quran says, We have honored the sons of Adam; provided
them with transport on land and sea; given them sustenance with things good and pure;
and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of Our Creation(
).
Realizing that behind these blessings there is a hand of God; thankfulness would
strengthen believers faith and uplift his soul. God is worthy of His praise, as says the
Quran;
but
He
does
not
need
you for His
glorification and
praise(XXXI:12,XXXV:15,XXXIX:7,XXXI:26); on the contrary believers need God to
Glorify Him for their own spiritualization and strengthening their own soul. At another
place Quran says, those who believe and, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the
remembrance of God; for, without doubt, in the remembrance of God do hearts find
satisfaction (XIII: 28). People of understanding and insight, whose mental and physical
strife have resulted in comforts and the conveniences for man, might not have come
across the Quranic verses that invite people of understanding, knowledge and insight to
ponder upon the signs of the universe and mysteries behind them; or they might have
come across with these verses, but did not believe in them as signs of God; nor in their
abilities as endowment from God. But it is our belief, as mentioned in the Quran, that
man has been endowed with the faculties of senses and understanding (XXIII: 78,
XXXII: 9). Not only the believer, but rather man in general has been blessed with these
abilities. The use of these sense faculties is the first step to understand nature and its
mysteries, which is also the first step of scientific process, as mentioned elsewhere above.
IS MAN ALLOWED TO KNOW WHAT GOD KNOWS?
The Quran talks about two parts of the physical universe, visible and the invisible. For
man, seen objects are those which he can see, or perceive through his sense faculties. Let
us take an example of an object seen by the eye. If the object were not emitting,
scattering or reflecting light, we would not be able to see it. Nor, we would be able to
perceive it if no light was reaching us from the object after being scattered. However, the
object could be made seen, not directly through the eyes, but by means of other devices,
as mentioned earlier, provided the object were emitting, reflecting or scattering other
kinds of radiations, or the radiation received by the eyes were too little. Without these
lights man would have no detailed information about the universe and its components;
unless, of course, they could have been detected by indirect physical means, as explained
earlier. It is through these lights that God revealed this universe and its components to
man. According to the Quran, God has knowledge of all visible and invisible things of
the universe (III:5, XI: 123, XVI: 77, XXXII: 6, XXXV: 38). But to man they became
known through these lights and the use of indirect means; and of course, through his
efforts and exertion. Here arises a question: Is man allowed to know what God knows?
According to the Quran, the answer is yes. But man will have to strive, both mentally
and physically then only will the unknown and physical unseen become manifest to him
with Gods help, but he will not know the Ultimate nature about the Unseen (LXXII: 26).
God brought, part of what He knows, to the attention of angels through Adam (II: 31:33),
to whom knowledge was imparted by God. According to the Quran, Angels asked God

29

Rashid Khan

why He was creating him who would create mischief and shed blood in the world. God
said to the Angeles, you do not know why I am creating my vicegerent on Earth (II: 30)?
When God showed them, through Adam what He knows, the Angles were amazed about
the depth of knowledge God has about the universe. As a consequence thereof, the angles
admitted their ignorance and bowed down to Adam and glorified God. Looking all
around us, we see why God created man -- so that He could be known: The angels were
also right when angels responded back to God about the blood shed! The descendants of
Adam would be amazed what man has done. It, therefore, follows that Adams
descendants are allowed to bring to light what knowledge and wisdom God has about the
universe. And, thus when a believer learns all about the signs in the universe and wonders
of creation, and the material blessings, he would certainly say Subhan Allah (Glory to
God). Man should not fall in too much in love with the material grandeur (XIV: 3) but
stay humble, and share with others who are less blessed and should keep in mind the life
of the Here-After.
ULTIMATE NATURE OF THINGS
Having gone through this article, one thing becomes clear that Quran guides man to use
his sense faculties endowed by God (XXIII: 78) to gather knowledge from the natural
phenomena and natural objects, and then invites people of knowledge, understanding,
insight and intellect to ponder upon their nature and the mysteries behind them; though
He is the only One Who has the real knowledge of the unseen (XI: 123). Scientists
reality about a certain natural phenomenon is a model-dependent -- if the phenomenon
can be represented by a model and its results are confirmed through experiments and
observations. So the scientists reality is model dependent. But real knowledge is only
known to God. He can, however, impart some knowledge to descendants of Adam as
well, as He did to Adam (II:30-33), provided they strive towards that goal -- excepting of
the absolute unseen about which man will not be acquainted with(LXXII:26). These
efforts have led to so many discoveries of the natural phenomena in the universe, and
understanding the mysteries behind them. A solution of one mystery leads to another
mystery -- mystery within a mystery -- and thus brings in new questions; and pursuing
this technique will make a scientist end up at the Big Bang and then to the question, what
was before that? These efforts of man to understand the mysteries of the universe and its
contents, at all levels, will finally lead, as mentioned earlier, to the threshold of Ultimate
Reality(XVI: 16-19) and something Eternal( III:2, CXII:1-2). One could also look into it
from cause and effect point of view: To every effect there is a cause. Following this route
one would finally come to the ultimate cause. What is the nature of this ultimate cause?
Scientists, it is doubtful, will be able to answer that question: as a matter of fact it will
bring them, in this regard, to their powerlessness excepting those who believe in
Absolute Supreme Power (Ultimate Reality) having knowledge of ultimate nature of
things. The Quran says, He is above all comprehensions, no vision can grasp Him, and
He has grasp over all things(VI:103): He has the grasp of the whole universe -- from
subatomic scale to the whole universe, but a man can see a little fraction of it at one time
and within a limited space. At another place the Quran says, He is the first and the Last,
Outward and the Inward; and He is knower of all things (XXXII: 6, VI: 59, XXXIX: 46,
LVII: 3). It follows from these verses, as mentioned earlier, there is no point in space and

30

Rashid Khan

time which is void of His presence, and He has knowledge of all that; and nobody will
be able to attain the smallest fragment of His knowledge unless He Wills( last part of
Ayat-ul-Kursi II:255).
Now, compare what is known today with those parts of the universe which were
unknown and hidden when the Quran was revealed. Note, however, whatever has been
discovered, known and seen since then, was embedded in the physical part of Al-Ghaib;
and also those parts which will be manifested in times to come -- will be coming out of
the hidden part. It is now clear, as the Quran says at so many places, that all that is on
Heaven, Earth, under the sea and in between, is known to God and belongs to Him; and
He is the Creator of all the contents of the universe. But how did He create, was left to
man to ponder upon (XXXI: 26, XLV: 12, VI: 97- 98)? And not only that, but God has
also subjected all that to man (XLV: 13) so that he can approach it and use it, and draw
benefits there from for the betterment of mankind. However, the exploitation of all this
depends upon the degree of strife a man does to achieve those ends. Now, if we read the
same verses in the light of what has been discovered and brought to light out of the
physical unseen since the seventh century, what level of praise and glorification of God it
would be? As the Quran says at so many places, whatever is in the Heaven and Earth -in the universe -- declare praise and glory of God( LIX:24, LXI:1) and He is Exalted in
Might and Wise. Thus, more we learn about these natural miracles, more would we
appreciate and glorify God. The Glorification and gratitude of God, in turn, would
spiritualize believer (XIII: 28) and make him peaceful and happy within himself and his
fellowmen, and thus making peaceful environments around him. But a believer must keep
in mind that by doing so he will be pleasing God not man, though, the descendants of
Adam made all these discoveries and inventions through their strife; but the abilities were
endowed by God(II:31-33, II:269,XXXI:20, LV:4, XCVI:4-5).
God says in chapter Al-Hadid(LVII:25) about the strength of iron and many other
benefits it has, which of course were unknown when Quran was revealed and, therefore,
would come under the physical part of Al-Ghaib. Then the Quran further says, God will
test who it is that will help Him and His apostles, though Unseen, in bringing to light the
benefits of iron, We see so many uses of iron around us these days all over the world.
Whether man has passed the test or not, is known to God only.
SAD ASPECTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS:
There are some sad aspects of scientific and technological developments which we all
know about, and one of them was pointed out by Angels (II: 30) human beings being
killed human being : Use of it for mass destruction; and, secondly, that not every man on
Earth has benefited from these blessings. There are so many souls around the world that
are deprived of these blessings; though attempts are being made to relieve them, as much
as possible, from their miseries and deprivations, and make technology available to them
as well, so that they may catch up with rest of the world.
Climate and environmental changes, as being discussed by scientists these days, are also
the results of too much use of technological development and industrialization, and this

31

Rashid Khan

will go on increasing with time unless some alternatives are found.

32

Rashid Khan