MIRACLES OF QUR'AN

The Protective Atmosphere

Quranic Verse and Reference

Arabic Verse:

"وَجَعَلْنَا السَّمَاءَ سِمَارًا وَحَفِظْنَاهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ رَجِيمٍ"
- Surah Al-Mulk (67:5)

English Translation:

"And We have made the sky a canopy, safe and well-guarded. Yet they turn away from its signs."
- Surah Al-Mulk (67:5)

Detailed Analysis of the Miracle

This verse refers to the atmosphere surrounding Earth, which serves as a protective shield, safeguarding life on our planet. Let's break down the significance of this verse in light of modern scientific knowledge.

1. "And We have made the sky a canopy"

The term "sky" (samaa) in this verse refers to the Earth's atmosphere, which acts as a protective "canopy" over the planet. The atmosphere is composed of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and traces of other elements, which are essential for supporting life on Earth. This "canopy" also plays an important role in regulating temperature, protecting us from harmful radiation, and enabling breathing by providing oxygen.

Modern science has shown that the Earth's atmosphere shields us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without this protective barrier, life on Earth would not be sustainable. The ozone layer, which is a part of the atmosphere, absorbs most of the Sun's harmful UV rays. This protective feature of the atmosphere aligns perfectly with the description in the Quran of the sky being a "canopy" designed for our safety and survival.

2. "Safe and well-guarded"

The phrase "safe and well-guarded" can be understood as a reference to the protective function of the atmosphere. It guards life on Earth from various threats, including dangerous solar radiation, cosmic rays, and meteors. Without this protective shield, the surface of the Earth would be exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, making life impossible.

In addition to this, the atmosphere plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's climate and regulating the weather. It ensures the balance of temperature, humidity, and air pressure, providing the conditions necessary for the flourishing of life on our planet.

3. "Yet they turn away from its signs"

Despite this clear and vital protection provided by the atmosphere, the Quran mentions that people "turn away from its signs." This can be understood as a metaphor for human ignorance or neglect of the signs of Allah in nature. The atmosphere, like many other elements of creation, is a sign of Allah's power and wisdom. Yet, many people fail to recognize or appreciate the significance of this gift from the Creator.

Impact of Quranic Miracles on Faith and Understanding

The verse on the protective atmosphere strengthens the faith of believers by highlighting Allah's care for His creation. It demonstrates how the heavens (the atmosphere) were purposefully created to protect life on Earth. For Muslims, this is a reminder of Allah's continuous protection and mercy. The existence of such a complex and life-sustaining system should inspire gratitude and awe for the Creator.

Moreover, this miracle serves as a reminder of the precision and harmony in the natural world. The atmosphere's ability to protect us from harmful radiation and provide the necessary conditions for life reflects the perfection of Allah's design. It urges believers to reflect on the intricate and well-ordered systems that sustain life and acknowledge the signs of Allah all around them.

For scientists and thinkers, the verse invites them to study the natural world more deeply. It emphasizes that the elements of the universe-such as the atmosphere-are not random occurrences but are divinely ordained and meticulously designed to support life.

Anecdotes to Illustrate the Miracle

In the early 20th century, scientists began to understand the critical role the Earth's atmosphere plays in sustaining life. In 1901, the Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius proposed the theory that the Earth's atmosphere, particularly its composition of gases, played a key role in maintaining the planet's climate and temperature. This theory later laid the foundation for the study of global warming and climate change.

Today, scientists know that the Earth's atmosphere protects us in many ways. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, prevents meteors from hitting the Earth's surface, and ensures that temperatures remain within a habitable range. The atmosphere is truly a protective shield that makes life on Earth possible.

Interestingly, this scientific discovery mirrors the description in the Quran, which mentions the "canopy" and "protection" of the sky. This connection between the Quranic verse and modern science serves as a powerful reminder of the divine wisdom behind the Earth's design.

Dr. Maurice Bucaille, in his book The Quran and Modern Science, pointed out how the Quran's description of the protective function of the atmosphere was in perfect harmony with modern scientific discoveries. He marveled at how the Quran had mentioned this scientific fact more than 1,400 years ago, long before it was understood by humanity.

In conclusion, the verse from Surah Al-Mulk beautifully illustrates the protective role of the atmosphere, a phenomenon that modern science has only recently fully understood. The Quran's description of the sky as a "canopy" and "safe" protector is not only scientifically accurate but also a profound reminder of Allah's mercy and wisdom. It serves as a call to believers to recognize and reflect on the signs of Allah's greatness in the natural world.