Lecture 1

Allah (SWT), His Signs - Comparison of the

Information Given in the Holy Quran about the
Creation of Universe with the Modern Science

Dr. Nosherwan Adil

 Introduction
• The Holy Quran, the sacred text of Islam, contains several verses that describe the
creation of the universe and natural phenomena.

• While these verses are seen by believers as divine revelations, some have attempted to
compare the descriptions in the Quran with modern scientific understanding.

• It's important to note that these comparisons are often subject to interpretation, and
opinions on their compatibility vary among scholars and individuals.

• Here are some examples of Quranic verses related to the creation of the universe, along
with comparisons to modern science:
 The Origin of the Universe
• Quranic Perspective: The Quran mentions the creation of the universe in several
verses, including Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30), which says: "Do not those who
disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass, then We opened
them out?" (21:30)

• This verse hints at the concept of the Big Bang, where the universe began from a
singular point and then expanded.

• Modern Science: The Big Bang Theory, the dominant scientific model, suggests that
the universe began from a singularity about 13.7 billion years ago, and has been
expanding ever since in the form of particles, atoms, stars and galaxies. The Quranic
description of a "closed-up mass" and its subsequent "opening" aligns with this
scientific theory.
 The Formation of the Earth

• Quranic Perspective: In Surah An-Naziat (79:30), the Quran mentions the creation
of Earth: "And after that He spread the earth." (79:30)

• This could be interpreted as the formation of the Earth’s surface, which underwent
significant geological processes.

• Modern Science: Geologists believe that the Earth formed over billions of years,
starting from molten rock to a solid crust (outer most layer of planet and moon),
with the surface being shaped by volcanic activity, plate tectonics (outermost solid
layer of planet), and other processes. The Quran’s mention of the earth being
"spread" can be seen as a reference to these geological processes.
 The Role of Water in Creation

• Quranic Perspective: The Quran emphasizes the importance of water in the

creation of life. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:30), it says: "And We made from water
every living thing. Then will they not believe?" (21:30)

• Modern Science: Scientific research confirms that water is essential for life on
Earth. The theory of abiogenesis (earth oceans had mixtures of chemicals that
eventually come together to form life) suggests that life originated in water,
where chemical reactions led to the formation of the first living organisms.
 The Expanding Universe

• Quranic Perspective: In Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:47), it is mentioned: "And

the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander."
(51:47)

• Modern Science: The expansion of the universe, first observed by Edwin

Hubble (American astronomer) in the 20th century, is a foundational concept
in cosmology (origin, evolution and fate of the universe). This aligns with the
Quranic description of an expanding universe.
 The Protective Atmosphere

• Quranic Perspective: In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:32), it mentions: "And We

made the sky a canopy, and We made [it] secure; yet they turn away from its
signs.“

• Modern Science: Earth’s atmosphere acts as a protective layer, shielding life

from harmful solar radiation and meteoroids. This protective quality of the
atmosphere is in line with the Quranic reference to the sky as a "canopy" and a
secure covering.

• Canopy is the upper layer of the forest or wooden area formed by leaves and branches of
tree.
 The Creation of Human Beings

• Quranic Perspective: In Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:13-14), it is stated: "Then We

made the sperm into a clot of solid blood, then We made the clot into a lump (a lump
of flesh), then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh, then
We caused it to grow into another creation.“

• Modern Science: The stages of human embryonic development, from the fertilized
egg to the formation of bones and flesh, are well-documented in biology. The
Quran's description of the development of the human beginning closely matches the
stages observed through modern medical science, including the initial "clot" of
blood-like material.
 The Creation of the Heavens and Earth in Six Days

• Quranic Perspective: The Quran mentions the creation of the universe in six "days"
in several verses, such as Surah Al-A'raf (7:54): "Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who
created the heavens and the earth in six days.“

• Modern Science: While the concept of "six days" in the Quran could be interpreted
in various ways (as periods of time, not literal 24-hour days), the process of creation
as described in the Quran can be understood in line with geological and astronomical
time scales, where the Earth and the universe underwent a gradual process of
formation over eons (unit of time used to measure the earth’s history).
 The Role of Iron

• Quranic Perspective: In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), the Quran mentions: "And We

sent down iron, wherein is strong material, benefiting mankind...“

• Modern Science: Modern science has confirmed that iron is essential for life and
plays a critical role in biology (e.g., in hemoglobin). Moreover, iron is thought to
have originated from supernova explosions, which are a vital part of the universe’s
evolution.
 The Earth’s Rotation and Orbit

• Quranic Perspective: In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:33), the Quran mentions: "And it is

He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in an
orbit.“

• Modern Science: This description aligns with modern understanding that the Earth
rotates on its axis, creating day and night, and orbits the sun, while the moon also
follows its orbit around Earth.
 Conclusion
• It's important to emphasize that interpretations of Quranic verses in light of modern
science can vary significantly among scholars and believers.

• While some see these comparisons as evidence of the Quran's compatibility with
scientific discoveries, others argue that these verses should be understood more
metaphorically or spiritually.

• Additionally, not all scientific concepts can be directly found in the Quran, and
interpretations may evolve over time as scientific knowledge advances.

• Many Muslims hold the view that science and religion can coexist harmoniously, each
offering valuable insights into different aspects of life and the universe.