MIRACLES OF QUR'AN

Mountains as Stabilizers

Quranic Verse and Reference

Arabic Verse:

"وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِهِمْ وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا فِجَاجًا سُبُلًا لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ"
- Surah An-Nahl (16:15)

English Translation:

"And We placed therein firm mountains, lest it should shift with them; and We made therein broad highways for them to pass, that they may be guided."
- Surah An-Nahl (16:15)

Detailed Analysis of the Miracle

Mountains are often thought of as merely large, static formations of rock, but in the Quran, Allah describes them in a much more dynamic way-as stabilizers of the Earth. This description is particularly remarkable when we consider the scientific understanding of mountains today, which reveals their crucial role in stabilizing the Earth's crust.

1. Mountains and the Earth's Tectonic Plates

The Earth's surface is made up of several large tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid mantle beneath them. These plates are constantly moving, which causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, mountains act as stabilizing features by "anchoring" the tectonic plates. This is because mountains are formed by the collision of these plates, and the immense pressure and force involved in this collision actually serve to balance and stabilize the Earth's surface.

In the Quranic verse from Surah An-Nahl (16:15), Allah mentions placing "firm mountains" to prevent the Earth from shifting. This is a reference to the stabilizing effect mountains have on the Earth's crust, which was not known to people at the time of the Quran's revelation.

2. Mountains as Geological Anchors

Scientists today refer to mountains as the "roots" of the Earth's crust. When tectonic plates collide, they force the Earth's surface to fold and rise, creating mountains. This process is known as orogeny. The deeper layers of these mountain ranges, known as mountain roots, help anchor and stabilize the Earth's crust, preventing it from shifting too drastically.

In the Quran, Allah speaks of mountains preventing the Earth from shifting with the people. This analogy perfectly aligns with the scientific concept of mountains providing stability to the Earth.

3. Mountains and Seismic Activity

When tectonic plates move, the Earth's surface can shift and cause earthquakes. However, mountains help absorb and dissipate some of the energy from these seismic movements. They act as buffers, reducing the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in some regions. The Quran's description of mountains as stabilizers reflects this vital role in mitigating seismic activity, which scientists have only begun to understand in the last few centuries.

4. Mountains and the Earth's Rotation

Another fascinating aspect of mountains is their role in the Earth's rotation. The distribution of mass on Earth, especially the mass of large mountain ranges, affects the planet's axial tilt and rotation. This is essential for maintaining a stable climate and supporting life. While this may not have been known to people in the time of the Quran, the concept of mountains influencing the Earth's rotation further emphasizes their importance as stabilizers.

Impact of Quranic Miracles on Faith and Understanding

The description of mountains in the Quran as stabilizers of the Earth is a powerful reminder of the divine wisdom and knowledge embedded in the Quran. While the idea that mountains prevent the Earth from shifting might seem simple, it holds a profound depth that aligns with modern scientific understanding.

For Muslims, this Quranic reference is an invitation to reflect on the complexity of the natural world and the intricate balance that Allah has created. It also reinforces the idea that everything in nature is interconnected, and mountains, though seemingly inert and solid, play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the Earth.

This understanding also serves as a reminder of Allah's omnipotence. The Quran's ability to describe natural phenomena with precision, which only became clear through modern scientific advancements, strengthens the belief in the Quran's divine origin and the continuous guidance it provides to humanity.

Anecdotes to Illustrate the Miracle

Dr. Maurice Bucaille, a renowned French medical doctor and scholar, was captivated by the scientific accuracy of the Quran. One of the aspects he found particularly striking was the description of mountains as stabilizers of the Earth. He noted that in the past, people believed mountains were merely static features, but modern geology had shown that they play a dynamic role in stabilizing the Earth's crust.

In his book The Quran and Modern Science, Dr. Bucaille writes about his astonishment at the Quran's accurate depiction of natural phenomena, such as the role of mountains in stabilizing the Earth. He noted that the Quran's description, revealed more than 1,400 years ago, foreshadowed scientific discoveries that would only come centuries later.

Conclusion

The Quranic description of mountains as stabilizers serves as a profound reminder of the wisdom and power of Allah. The role of mountains in stabilizing the Earth's crust, preventing seismic activity, and even influencing the planet's rotation is a modern scientific understanding that aligns perfectly with the Quranic verses revealed over 1,400 years ago.

For Muslims, this miracle encourages a deeper reflection on the natural world and Allah's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It serves as a constant reminder of Allah's presence and the perfect balance He has established in the world. The mountains, standing firm and strong, not only beautify the landscape but also bear witness to the divine power that governs all creation.